Enter Self Center Stage

Developing an entirely different persona from oneself and having the chops to make that new personality believable is extremely difficult. A lot of people turn to actors for an escape from their normal lives, but the magic happening on the stage or screen is no easily produced feat. Actors must study rigorously while practicing their trade whenever possible, and in time (hopefully) finding their own unique voice in a form of artistry teeming with participants.

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There are various techniques one can utilize when it comes to acting, and different players choose different approaches depending on which is most comfortable or those they may have studied. Classical acting is based on a series of systems developed by Constantin Stanislavski. In Stanislavski’s method, actors look within themselves to find inner emotions or feelings they can relate to the character they are portraying. They try to get into the mindset of the character and use their own experiences to interpret how the character might react to certain circumstances.

The Chekhov Technique derives from Michael Chekhov, a student of Stanislavski. Transformation is made by the actor through impulse, imagination, and a combination of internal and external gesture to try and portray the character.

Method acting is most often attributed to Lee Strasberg and/or members of the legendary Theatre Group. This technique draws upon numerous others, allowing the performer to better hone in on the thoughts and actions of the character and produce more lifelike performances.

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Closely related to Method, the Meisner technique requires that the actor focus totally on the other actor as if they are real right at that moment. This close interaction allows the two to bounce reactions off of one another as if each response is more tangible and believable to the audience.

Acting in and of itself is a feat of truly extraordinary artistry that can be approached in innumerable ways. Each performance has its own unique whirlwind of opportunities, and each performer can approach their scenes from as many directions as they see fit. The most important thing is that the audience, above all else, stops noticing scenes and become immersed in the experience. This is when you know someone on that stage or screen has done their homework.