STUDIO MEISNER
"To be an interesting actor – hell, to be an interesting human being – you must be authentic and for you to be authentic you must embrace who you really are, warts and all. Do you have any idea how liberating it is to not care what people think about you? Well, that's what we're here to do." — Sanford Meisner
"For actors, intelligence is less important than having a large understanding heart that's able to identify with the things going on inside another human being."
William Esper, student of Sanford Meisner and author The Actor's Art and Craft
An original member of The Group Theatre, Sanford Meisner created a revolutionary approach to the craft of acting called the Meisner Technique. The emphasis of his approach focuses on "the reality of doing," and “living truthfully in the imaginary circumstances.” The Meisner technique is often confused with "method" acting taught by fellow Group Theatre member Lee Strasberg, since both developed from the early teachings of Constantine Stanislavski. The Meisner approach calls for the actor to "get out of their head," such that the actor is behaving instinctively to the surrounding environment. Living from unanticipated moment to unanticipated moment focuses the actor “to do” in the present.
"For actors, intelligence is less important than having a large understanding heart that's able to identify with the things going on inside another human being."
William Esper, student of Sanford Meisner and author The Actor's Art and Craft
An original member of The Group Theatre, Sanford Meisner created a revolutionary approach to the craft of acting called the Meisner Technique. The emphasis of his approach focuses on "the reality of doing," and “living truthfully in the imaginary circumstances.” The Meisner technique is often confused with "method" acting taught by fellow Group Theatre member Lee Strasberg, since both developed from the early teachings of Constantine Stanislavski. The Meisner approach calls for the actor to "get out of their head," such that the actor is behaving instinctively to the surrounding environment. Living from unanticipated moment to unanticipated moment focuses the actor “to do” in the present.
MCIAT is dedicated to teaching the Meisner work as developed by Sanford Meisner. Our program leans away from hybrids or a derivatives of the form. We are passionate about honoring Meisner’s original intentions.
THE FIRST YEARIn the first year of the Meisner work, you will embark on a very personal journey that will lead you to your unique point of view. You will cultivate self knowledge and challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. We focus on developing your craft by building muscles of imagination, emotional truth, acting on your impulse, putting your attention on your partner and letting go of the social conditioning that keeps you from being honest.
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We then move into improvisational exercises that incorporate activities. Through activities, you will begin to understand what ignites your imagination. Activities will facilitate you in a deeper understanding of what has meaning to you and allow you to live out the fullest expression of your circumstance in both body and spirit.
This important foundation has the potential to break habitual physical and emotional blocks and guide you towards more dynamic choices as an actor.
This important foundation has the potential to break habitual physical and emotional blocks and guide you towards more dynamic choices as an actor.
THE SECOND YEAR
In the second year of the Meisner work, the emphasis of the work turns to the crafting of a character, justifying the text and script analysis. Thru scenes and monologues, you will learn how to bring yourself, your impulses and your heart to point of view of a character.
This 18-month program requires a fearless commitment to yourself and to your craft. It is a rigorous exploration of the acting process. We are here to guide and support you in this life changing journey.
This 18-month program requires a fearless commitment to yourself and to your craft. It is a rigorous exploration of the acting process. We are here to guide and support you in this life changing journey.
