Vulnerability in acting: a skill only the meisner technique can teach

For a dedicated actor, nothing can replace quality training in the Meisner technique. Mastering one's abilities is at the heart of any serious actor's education. Once this has been achieved, an actor is then free to move on to the importance of vulnerability. Unfortunately, the proper emphasis is rarely put on vulnerability in acting. According to social scientist Brenee Brown, vulnerability is an essential characteristics of any creative person. You can't have one without the other. How can this belief be applied to acting?



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. Even among trained actors, the quality of vulnerability is very rare. 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. 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. The actor is then taught how to listen and how to respond. Acting is almost all about the subtext, and this method helps the actor to understand and respond to it. For an actor to be truly vulnerable, he or she must begin their training in this manner.

As adults, the hope is that we've been parented well and thoroughly socialized and educated throughout childhood. 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. In a famous quote by Picasso, he speaks about the many artistic talents of children and how hard it is to hold on to those artistic abilities as an adult. As children, we were likely curious and fascinated with everything. They are always wrapped up in the present moment. 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. The results of the technique will not be apparent over-night. It often takes several months. Don't be deceived; becoming an open and vulnerable actor can be very difficult.

To accomplish this, the actor must learn to take risks. 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 need to learn to remove the tension from your body so that you can deliver a rich performance. Acting is a very personal craft, and you must be willing to give your heart and soul to it. 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 Instruction, Vulnerability In Acting and Drama Lessons you can contact us at: Maggie Flanigan Studio Inc 153 W 27th St #803 New York, NY 10001 (917) 789-1599