The Meisner technique is an acting technique developed by the American theatre practitioner Sanford Meisner.[1] The most fundamental exercise in Meisner training is the Repetition exercise.[2] Two actors face each other and repeat their observations about one another, back and forth. An example of such an exchange might be: "You're smiling." "I'm smiling." "You're smiling!" "Yes, I'm smiling." Actors observe and respond to the other's behavior and the subtext therein. If they can "pick up the impulse"—or work spontaneously from how their partner's behavior affects them—their own behavior will arise directly from the stimulus of the other.
Later, as the exercise evolves in complexity to include "given circumstances," "relationships," actions and obstacles, this skill remains critical. From start to finish—from repetition to rehearsing a lead role—the principles of "listen and respond" and "stay in the moment" are fundamental to the work.
(Excerpt from Wikepedia)
The exercise explained above is what I experienced at the Ted Bardy Acting Studio on Thursday night. I should have signed up for this class at the very beginning of the summer because then I would have been able to do the six week summer intensive program. But, coulda, shoulda, woulda... I'm glad I got to experience at least one class.
I worked at Cranky's on Thursday and then met up with Ashley, Charles and Maxwell for dinner at Blockhead's on 50th between 8th and 9th. I had to leave early so I could make it to my much anticipated acting class. However, it never fails...I was late. I walked in and the class had already started so I got some good stares and then said "Hi, I'm here to audit the class" and then shyly smiled. Ted Bardy, the teacher, responded with "Did you have trouble finding the place?" Of course I said "yeah I did a little" but really I was just having too much fun with the San Antonio gang to leave when I was supposed to.
I was intrigued with what I saw. The class started with a warm up of repetition and two people went back and forth saying the same things over and over. I was so confused but apparently that's the Meisner Technique. Some students were really good and others were new to this method like me.
I was given the opportunity to "Warm up" with the repetition exercise. Ted was really nice and explained everything to me but I'm not gonna lie it, was awkward. My partner for the exercise and I repeated "Blue Jeans" back and forth about 20 times. Ted said to say something about what I was wearing and that's what my partner chose. When other people were warming up they would change what they were repeating from "Yeah I'm smiling" to "You seem confused." How they were able to change the repetition I was still clueless.
After the warm-ups we did something called "coming to the door." This is where one person sits at a table and does an independent activity. Someone else knocks on the door. The person sitting at the table has to answer the door and go back to what they are doing. As soon as the door is answered the repetition begins and continues until Ted says"okay stop" and then critiques the responses to the repetition. I know, it sounds so confusing and believe me it is.
At the break Ted and I talked for a few minutes. He explained the method to me a little bit more and then said I could sign up for classes that night because they just began another six week program. I was so sad because I had to tell him I was leaving in a week and wouldn't be able to. Then he said "Well auditing this class is for people who want to sign up for the program so you really don't need to stay unless you want to." I said "Well, I would really like to see what else you do because this is very interesting." So, I stayed for the rest of the class.
After the break Ted let me try the independent activity and I had to build a house of cards while someone was repeating at me. I had to respond quickly without thinking. If I didn't respond fast enough Ted would snap his fingers. Whew, it was a whirlwind of an exercise but it was, again, very interesting.
All in all the class was good and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, it was awkward and confusing but the whole method was very intriguing to me. I am adding the Meisner Technique acting classes to my list of things to do when I get home.
Love,
Miss Gulley in Manhattan,
Love,
Miss Gulley in Manhattan,
Love,
Miss Gulley in Manhattan....
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