The meisner technique focuses on vulnerability in acting to help actors truly shine on stage

drama lessonsFor a dedicated actor, nothing can replace quality training in the Meisner technique. The actor must be able to control and master his abilities. Along with this, however, comes the importance of actor vulnerability. Sadly, vulnerability in acting is not given as much attention as it should. In order to be creative, social scientist Brenee Brown says that vulnerability is an absolute must. You can't have one without the other. How can this belief be applied to acting?



Most actors will not receive any professional Meisner training throughout their careers. Instead, they will simply take a couple of classes that really hold no value at all. Not to mention that trained actors themselves very rarely exhibit the characteristics of vulnerability and openness. Quality training under a talented acting coach can greatly improve an actor's craft, movement, and voice. However, vulnerability is just as crucial, and that is something that the actor must cultivate. Studying under a Meisner-trained acting teacher can make accomplishing this task so much easier. The Meisner method consists of simple exercises in the beginning that helps the actor to hone in on very specific, crucial skills. First, the actor needs to be able to become spontaneous. Second, the actor is trained to listen intently, absorb the environment, and respond to it in the appropriate manner. Subtext is at the root of acting, and teaching an actor to deal with subtext is crucial to developing and nurturing a successful artist. All of this goes toward the long-term goal of nurturing a sensitive, vulnerable actor.

To become a healthy adult, quality parenting, socialization, and education are crucial when we are children. This process of growth often coincides with finding methods of shielding our emotions and vulnerability from others. Great actors, however, need to find a way to go back to their inner child. Picasso himself believes that each child is an artist, but that adulthood makes it almost impossible to hang on to that artistic flair. All children are born to be playful, curious, and open. We were only concerned with the present. Shame and fear are largely foreign to the mind of the a child. I believe that returning to this childlike innocence is crucial in order to become a dynamic actor. The repetitive nature of the Meisner technique allows the actor to learn once again how to live in the moment. This will not be able to happen right away. It will take months of repetition. Don't be deceived; becoming an open and vulnerable actor can be very difficult.

To accomplish this, the actor must learn to take risks. Mastering vulnerability is not an optional task, especially if your dream is to one day land a complex, significant role. You're going to need to learn how to develop your body and rid yourself of your tension and worries. You need to take your acting craft and treat it with love, commitment, and dedication. Those actors who're truly great are the ones who are dedicated to and able to illuminate the human condition. To accomplish this worthy goal, many actors have sought the help of the Meisner technique.

For more information on Acting Class, Acting Course you can contact us at: Maggie Flanigan Studio Inc 153 W 27th St #803 New York, NY 10001 (917) 789-1599