Understanding Method Acting

Method acting refers to the technique used by actors in which they reproduce the touching situations that they have experienced in their real life. It is a way that makes it possible for the actors to give a performance that is as natural as it would be in real life. Therefore, method acting is an art of recalling those moments of the actor's life that are akin to the situation that the scene is demanding.

Learning About History Of Method Acting
Let us understand how does this method acting came in existence. The history of method acting goes back to the times when Konstantin Stanislavski broke the ground with these new ideas. His acting performances at the Moscow Art Theater, writings, teachings and the good contacts that he had with the leading actors of Russia at that time helped in making this method more popular.

Names Of Celebrities Learnt Method Acting
Following the same line Lee Strasburg brought this idea to the New York City in the decade of 1940s. Many America's celebrated actors learnt method acting at his Group Theater and Actor's Studio. Some of the prominent names are Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Jane Fonda, Paul Newman, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean.

How Does It Work?
In method acting, actor has to scrutinize the sentiments and inspirations of the character he is asked to play. This makes him capable of representing the emotions of that particular character in way that is more realistic. Stanislavski System teaches the actor that he should bring to mind what type of feelings he had when he faced similar situation in his life in the past. This way he can depict the character in a manner as if he is doing it in his real life.

A Common Misconception
Many people believe that method acting is difficult form of art and the task of teaching it to others is even more difficult. However, this is a very wrong assumption that is not based on the facts. The reason for this mistaken belief is that people get confused between Method acting and method and they feel that Lee Strasburg laid down only a single method. However, the reality is poles apart.

Different Ideologies
Not only Lee Strasburg but Stanislavski also made many changes during the long span of his career. Today, there are many variations in the ideologies and practices. Emotional energy in acting and preparations are few examples of these variations used by different directors and teachers.

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