Discovering the "Methods" of Acting!

Introduction

"With any part you play, there is a certain amount of yourself in it. There has to be, otherwise it's just not acting. It's lying."

- Johnny Depp

 

Throughout time there have been several opinions about how actors should go about portraying a character on the stage. Many methods have been adopted and practiced by actors as they train and refine their craft. We are going to discover a few of these methods and choose one to put into practice for ourselves. 

Task

Research the following acting techniques. Familiarize yourself with each technique. Consider what is similar and what differs from one technique to the next. 

 

1. Stanislavski's Method

2. Lee Strasberg's Method/"Method Acting"

3. Sanford Meisner/ "The Meisner Acting Technique"

4. The Stella Adler Acting Technique

 

You can use the link below as a resource to find information for each type of acting technique or find other resource sites. 

http://www.acting-school-stop.com/acting-techniques.html

 

Process

Once you have done adequate research over each acting method complete the following steps:

1. Choose one of the following.

                        A. Write a one paragraph summary for each acting method that you researched. 

                        B. Create a "Flyer" for an acting class studying each method (one flyer for each method). Be creative and include information about that method of acting in an interesting way as if you were trying to get a customer to come to your class. 

 

2. Partner Up-

- Discuss the different methods, and which method you believe best suits you both. Come to a decision on which acting method you and your partner will be working with.

 

3. Method Breakdown-

- Using the information you have researched and summarized and working with your partner create a document with a "breakdown" of your chosen acting method. Address each of the following:

     A. Method Title

     B. Why you chose this Method

     C. Main Principles of Method

     D. Acting Exercises used in the Method

     E. Desired End Result of using this Method

 

4. Training Program

You are now going to create a 3 week training program in the style of your chosen acting method for you and your partner to complete! Consider exercises that you can do reinforce this method, texts or articles you can read, further research you can do, journaling activities, performance techniques to build, and so on.

Complete the following steps in creating your "Training Program": 

     A. Create a calendar for the next 3 weeks (Start Date on the 3rd of April. Ending Date of the 24th or April). Each day should include detailed information about what you and your partner are working on in studying your particular method of acting.

     B. Come up with an "End Result" or "Goal"

     C. Review exercises and main principles of your chosen method. Then plan which of those you will do and on what days. 

     D. Each day you will be given 15 to 20 minutes to work on your outlined "training program" so prepare enough material or activities to keep you busy for this allotted time. 

     E. At the end of 3 weeks you and your partner must have some kind of performance to showcase your experience with your Acting Method. Write a short explanation of what your performance aspect will be and how it will highlight the main principles of your acting method. 

 

Here is the link to the different acting methods should you need to review them. 

http://www.acting-school-stop.com/acting-techniques.html

 

 

Evaluation

You will be graded on the following aspects: 

1. The organization and development of your "Training Program" 

2. The effort that you put into the daily completion of your "Program" 

3. Your growth as you progress and practice the techniques of your chosen method.

4. The quality and execution of your performance aspect.

5. Your display of your overall comprehension of the Method of Acting you have chosen to study.

- Review the following rubric. 

 

Methods of Acting Grading Rubric

Organization

 

4

Program is outlined with great detail. Each day has adequate activity and study time to fill allotted time. Outline is easy to read and understand. Activities planned are well thought out and pertain to the chosen method of study. 

 

3 

Program is outlined well. Each day has some sort of activity or study time. Outline is easy to read and understand. Activities planned pertain to the chosen method of study. 
  

 

2

Program is outlined. Most days have a planned activity or study time. Outline is somewhat difficult to read and understand. Activities planned sometimes pertain to the chosen method of study. 
  

1

Program is not outlined. Most days don't have a planned activity or study time. Outline is difficult to read and understand. Activities are not planned or do pertain to the chosen method of study. 

Training Program

 
Actors go above and beyond every day working to achieve their goal. Significant effort is given to each activity and it is clear actors are invested in their planned program. 
Actors work to achieve their goal. Effort is given to each activity and it is clear actors are invested in their planned program. 
Actors sometimes work to achieve their goal. Some effort is given to each activity and it is sometimes clear actors are invested in their planned program.
Actors aren't focused and don't work to achieve their goal. Little effort is given to each activity and it is clear actors are not invested in their planned program.
  

Acting Technique

 
Actors have put in significant effort and are well on their way to achieving their goal. Actors have shown great growth by practicing their chosen acting method. 
Actors have put in effort and are on their way to achieving their goal. Actors have shown growth by practicing their chosen acting method. 
  
Actors have put in some effort and are working toward achieving their goal. Actors have shown little growth by practicing their chosen acting method. 
  
Actors have put in little effort and aren't working toward achieving their goal. Actors have shown little growth by not practicing their chosen acting method. 
  

Performance

 
The performance successfully executes the aspects of good acting, showcases the elements of the chosen acting method, and goes above and beyond to highlight the actors talents. 
The performance executes the aspects of good acting, showcases the elements of the chosen acting method, and goes above and beyond to highlight the actors talents. 
  
The performance executes some aspects of good acting, sometimes showcases the elements of the chosen acting method.  
  
The performance doesn't execute the aspects of good acting, and doesn't showcase the elements of the chosen acting method.  
  

"Method of Acting"

 
Actors display a thorough understanding of their chosen acting method. 
Actors display an understanding of their chosen acting method. 
  
Actors display partial understanding of their chosen acting method. 
  
Actors display little understanding of their chosen acting method. 
  

Additional Comments

 

        

 

Conclusion

Discovering the "Methods of Acting" will give us a deeper understanding of the process many professional actors and performers around the country use to further their craft. Through this process of discovering several different methods of acting we will also find which method can further our own understanding and help us achieve our personal goals as an actor.

Even if acting isn't in your future you will come away with a better understanding of the process taken by actors, bringing a deeper appreciation for the art of theatre and the work of performers. 

Credits

http://www.acting-school-stop.com/acting-techniques.html

- Link to descriptions of the different methods of acting.  

Teacher Page

- Allow two class periods for students to review information and write summaries of each method. 

- Make sure partners have time to find a method that will work best for both partners.