The meisner technique understands that vulnerability in acting does not happen overnight

Read A lot moreFor a dedicated actor, nothing can replace quality training in the Meisner technique. The basics of acting need to become instinct. Vulnerability, however, is yet another important mark of a great actor. Unfortunately, the proper emphasis is rarely put on vulnerability in acting. 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 is this reflected in acting training?



Only a small minority of the acting community has received Meisner training. Most will simply take a bunch of disjointed courses in improv and on-camera filming and call it a day. Not to mention that trained actors themselves very rarely exhibit the characteristics of vulnerability and openness. No one is denying the fact that an acting coach can help actors in a number of ways, including technique, speech, and body movement. However, in order to be truly versatile, an actor must also have an instrument that is both emotional and vulnerable. This is part of what makes Meisner training under a trained acting teacher an absolute must. During the first few months of Meisner training, the actor will be expected to repeat certain exercises in order to accomplish a few set goals. First, the actor needs to be able to become spontaneous. Then, the actor is trained to become an avid listener and to respond appropriately to others. Since acting is largely about subtext, it's necessary for the actor to understand how to interpret and respond to even the most subtle cues. This is the first step to creating a vulnerable actor.

To become a healthy adult, quality parenting, socialization, and education are crucial when we are children. Throughout the growing up process, we likely discover ways to protect our emotions. To become an actor, however, it's necessary to go back to the child you once were. Picasso said it best when he commented on the ability of all children to be artists but of the general inability of the human person to retain those talents as an adult. As children, we were likely curious and fascinated with everything. We were only concerned with the present. Shame and fear of judgement have no place in the life of the child. I believe that returning to this childlike innocence is crucial in order to become a dynamic actor. The purpose of the repetition of the Meisner method is to encourage the actor to live in the moment and to be overcome by the present. This un-training will not be immediate. It will take months of repetition. Don't be deceived; becoming an open and vulnerable actor can be very difficult.

Achieving this means taking risks and becoming vulnerable. If your goal is to attain the part of your dreams, vulnerability is going to be a crucial characteristic you will need to master. You're going to need to learn how to develop your body and rid yourself of your tension and worries. Acting is a very personal craft, and you must be willing to give your heart and soul to it. The truly memorable actors are those who can illustrate the human condition in it's entirety. This is truly a noble pursuit, and one that the Meisner technique may be able to help you to accomplish.

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