Get to know Meisner

At the heart of Meisner's philosophy lies a simple yet powerful declaration: "The foundation of acting is the reality of doing." Unlike traditional approaches that rely on emotional recall or substitution, Meisner places paramount importance on active behavior as the raw material of his theory. His classroom mantras, such as 'Act Before You Think' and 'An Ounce of Behavior Is Worth a Pound of Words,' underscore the essence of his teachings.

For Meisner, the actor's task is to fully immerse themselves in the doing, whether it be walking up the steps or reading on stage. He urges actors to live in the moment, pursuing objectives with genuine intent and relentless pursuit. As Maria Ouspenskaya succinctly puts it, "Don't act, do. Really see; instead of acting, seeing."

The cornerstone of Meisner's technique is the Repetition exercise, a dynamic practice that demands actors verbalize what they perceive in their scene partners. Through repetitive dialogue, actors observe behavior, allowing their instincts to pick up subtle shifts and changes in their partner's demeanor. As confidence grows, insight deepens, moving beyond superficial observations to address underlying feelings and emotions.

Join us on a journey through Meisner's technique, where the reality of doing becomes the catalyst for powerful, authentic, and compelling performances.