Comments on: Why The Method Is Best For Film And TV http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/ The Acting Room is a place by actors for actors. Sun, 20 May 2012 03:03:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.1 By: Kirsten Tretbar http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-356 Kirsten Tretbar Sat, 26 Feb 2011 01:55:31 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-356 I've heard great things about the Lee Strasberg School - but I just don't know about the teachers there. While a school may be fantastic, you just never know about each individual teacher. I always recommend auditing a class you will be taking first before handing over your money to that program for a definite period of time. This way you'll know if you like the teacher or not. As far as Method is concerned, it's a GREAT way for actors of all stages, beginning or advanced, to get into the whole acting process, as it really develops your chops as they say. It heightens your senses and your emotions and will help you in every aspect of your life, so I highly recommend this study. As far as NY or LA, it's really your call. Both are incredibly expensive to move to and live in. Can't advise you about part time jobs. Always recommend working retail (sales) or waiting tables, as a way to hit the ground running. I also recommend temping jobs, as you can say yes or no each morning, or each week, to jobs as they come. A 12 week program is also a great way to start acting, as it doesn't limit you to a whole year, and if you're not super happy with it, you'll be finished with it in 3 months, and it also really tells you if you want or need more study. It satisfies your interests and your talents, while not locking you in to a particular study, and it gets you settled in a new city and helps you meet new friends there. Hope this helps, and keep on acting! Once you finish a program that's 3 months long, you will be able to find other types of classes such as : audition technique, voice, movement, monologues, acting for film or tv, more specific areas you might want to explore. I’ve heard great things about the Lee Strasberg School - but I just don’t know about the teachers there. While a school may be fantastic, you just never know about each individual teacher. I always recommend auditing a class you will be taking first before handing over your money to that program for a definite period of time. This way you’ll know if you like the teacher or not. As far as Method is concerned, it’s a GREAT way for actors of all stages, beginning or advanced, to get into the whole acting process, as it really develops your chops as they say. It heightens your senses and your emotions and will help you in every aspect of your life, so I highly recommend this study. As far as NY or LA, it’s really your call. Both are incredibly expensive to move to and live in. Can’t advise you about part time jobs. Always recommend working retail (sales) or waiting tables, as a way to hit the ground running. I also recommend temping jobs, as you can say yes or no each morning, or each week, to jobs as they come. A 12 week program is also a great way to start acting, as it doesn’t limit you to a whole year, and if you’re not super happy with it, you’ll be finished with it in 3 months, and it also really tells you if you want or need more study. It satisfies your interests and your talents, while not locking you in to a particular study, and it gets you settled in a new city and helps you meet new friends there. Hope this helps, and keep on acting! Once you finish a program that’s 3 months long, you will be able to find other types of classes such as : audition technique, voice, movement, monologues, acting for film or tv, more specific areas you might want to explore.

]]> By: ishan http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-355 ishan Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:29:15 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-355 Hi Kristin, I am from India and currently studying in UK. I want to go for 'method acting technique' from 'The Lee Strasberg School'. I want you to ask you that is it the good acting school specially for the beginners. And as I am new to this line so is it appropriate to straight go for method technique. Moreover, can you please tell me which school is better for me NY or LA considering living expenses, part time job and other things. and do you know if there is some good method school in UK or not. Furthermore, as I am going for 12 weeks classes so is it sufficient for me to become a good actor.Thanks Hi Kristin,
I am from India and currently studying in UK. I want to go for ‘method acting technique’ from ‘The Lee Strasberg School’. I want you to ask you that is it the good acting school specially for the beginners. And as I am new to this line so is it appropriate to straight go for method technique. Moreover, can you please tell me which school is better for me NY or LA considering living expenses, part time job and other things. and do you know if there is some good method school in UK or not. Furthermore, as I am going for 12 weeks classes so is it sufficient for me to become a good actor.Thanks

]]> By: Kirsten Tretbar http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-353 Kirsten Tretbar Tue, 08 Feb 2011 05:06:45 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-353 Hi Julian, Sorry, I've been swamped this week with replies to all the fabulous comments on this blog. I think Meisner is great. The only reason I didn't take a Meisner class is that I once audited one, and I found the method just not my style. But I know it works for so many people, because it makes you present in the moment, and from what I know about it, it helps you really listen to the other actor, and then react to what they've told you, BEFORE you reply. I am not sure if it's really the style of CHOICE for film actors. Programs love to toot their own horns (not to be too cynical) and brag that their method of teaching and acting is the most "popular". I always get a bit uncomfortable when anyone says they have the answer to anything. I personally like the method work I did in a class in LA, but that class also incorporated lots of other stuff, like Spolin Theatre Games, Gary Austin Improv training, and other psychological work, like animal and archetypal work, which is Michael Checkhov I think. So when I say I love "method" the method that I learned was an amalgamation of a ton of other things. All teachers like to incorporate what works best for them -- that's why I never recommend JUST going to the Lee Strasberg Institute or the Stella Adler Theatre. Again, those who say "you can ONLY" do this type of thing, or that type of thing, they are really just trying to BRAND their programs, as a way to bring in clients, and ultimately, pay their rent (that's not their only motivation, I know, I'm just saying...) I always say to audit your classes first, and see if you like the teacher and their teaching style. That's the most important thing. I'd love for you to share with all of us on this site what you found out and what you think about any classes or teachers you've had. Everyone's always wanting advice and first hand experience about programs or classes. Thanks again for your advice, and keep coming back, and keep on acting! - Kirsten Hi Julian,
Sorry, I’ve been swamped this week with replies to all the fabulous comments on this blog. I think Meisner is great. The only reason I didn’t take a Meisner class is that I once audited one, and I found the method just not my style. But I know it works for so many people, because it makes you present in the moment, and from what I know about it, it helps you really listen to the other actor, and then react to what they’ve told you, BEFORE you reply. I am not sure if it’s really the style of CHOICE for film actors. Programs love to toot their own horns (not to be too cynical) and brag that their method of teaching and acting is the most “popular”. I always get a bit uncomfortable when anyone says they have the answer to anything. I personally like the method work I did in a class in LA, but that class also incorporated lots of other stuff, like Spolin Theatre Games, Gary Austin Improv training, and other psychological work, like animal and archetypal work, which is Michael Checkhov I think. So when I say I love “method” the method that I learned was an amalgamation of a ton of other things. All teachers like to incorporate what works best for them — that’s why I never recommend JUST going to the Lee Strasberg Institute or the Stella Adler Theatre. Again, those who say “you can ONLY” do this type of thing, or that type of thing, they are really just trying to BRAND their programs, as a way to bring in clients, and ultimately, pay their rent (that’s not their only motivation, I know, I’m just saying…) I always say to audit your classes first, and see if you like the teacher and their teaching style. That’s the most important thing. I’d love for you to share with all of us on this site what you found out and what you think about any classes or teachers you’ve had. Everyone’s always wanting advice and first hand experience about programs or classes. Thanks again for your advice, and keep coming back, and keep on acting! - Kirsten

]]> By: Kirsten Tretbar http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-346 Kirsten Tretbar Tue, 08 Feb 2011 03:32:11 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-346 Hi Logan, Thanks for your questions and comments. Honestly, I don't think you NEED more than one major acting class a week. If you're trying to stay busy though, I recommend taking one class a week in different things. Example: take a weekly acting class with someone like Catlin, then take an improv class at the Groundlings, or directly with Gary Austin who founded the Groundlings, then take a voice/dialects class with a voice teacher, then take a dance class with someone else. You could be busy every day taking a weekly class, but each one would meet weekly, and you'd get many different points of view and lots of different experiences. You could also take an audition technique class, a cold reading class, an acting for camera class. What I would do is "Google" each of these subjects, find 2 or 3 options for each, then audit each one till you find the right combination and take many classes a week. It would still be thousands of dollars cheaper than a formal program, and you'd meet tons of working actors in the LA area. Since it's been about three years since I moved away from LA I'm not up on all the hottest teachers right now in LA. I do recommend a great voice teacher who teaches out of Burbank named Deborah Ross Sullivan. I bet she's in the phone book. And Spolin/Theatre Games are best taught at Groundlings or by Gary Austin himself (Catlin also teaches this in her weekly classes). A GREAT acting class is still worth it even if it's only once a week. Like good therapy, you actually NEED the time off in between classes to work on your scenes with partners, and to let the stuff you've learned each week digest into your heart and soul. Working out, going to a trainer or therapist, is also a great way to spend your time (and money) if you're going to be a professional. It will help you deepen your emotions and help you be a more stable human being as you try and continue to try to get full-time work in the film/acting worlds of LA (or NY). If I had the money and time to do it all over again, I'd take probably about 3 classes a week (even if they were all different) then spend extra money to get a trainer, get in the best shape of my life, and spend the other part of my time going to film festivals and volunteering at them, and working hard to meet filmmakers, agents, etc... Getting out and about is what it's all about and there a many ways to do that that don't cost money in LA. Hope this helps! Keep on acting! ALSO - one reason people are against the method is they don't really understand it. They think it means "becoming" the part and staying in character the whole time. It's not that at all, and it's so much more. For me it was about learning "sensory focusses" to take me out of my mind and put me back into my body and not THINK too much or say my lines the same way each time, that way I was natural, and my behavior was more interesting (say, if you had a focus of sauna, and you were in a scene where you were drunk, all you had to do was relive your body being in a hot sauna, instead of THINKING drunk)... I know you know what I'm saying. :-) Hi Logan,
Thanks for your questions and comments. Honestly, I don’t think you NEED more than one major acting class a week. If you’re trying to stay busy though, I recommend taking one class a week in different things. Example: take a weekly acting class with someone like Catlin, then take an improv class at the Groundlings, or directly with Gary Austin who founded the Groundlings, then take a voice/dialects class with a voice teacher, then take a dance class with someone else. You could be busy every day taking a weekly class, but each one would meet weekly, and you’d get many different points of view and lots of different experiences. You could also take an audition technique class, a cold reading class, an acting for camera class. What I would do is “Google” each of these subjects, find 2 or 3 options for each, then audit each one till you find the right combination and take many classes a week. It would still be thousands of dollars cheaper than a formal program, and you’d meet tons of working actors in the LA area. Since it’s been about three years since I moved away from LA I’m not up on all the hottest teachers right now in LA. I do recommend a great voice teacher who teaches out of Burbank named Deborah Ross Sullivan. I bet she’s in the phone book. And Spolin/Theatre Games are best taught at Groundlings or by Gary Austin himself (Catlin also teaches this in her weekly classes). A GREAT acting class is still worth it even if it’s only once a week. Like good therapy, you actually NEED the time off in between classes to work on your scenes with partners, and to let the stuff you’ve learned each week digest into your heart and soul. Working out, going to a trainer or therapist, is also a great way to spend your time (and money) if you’re going to be a professional. It will help you deepen your emotions and help you be a more stable human being as you try and continue to try to get full-time work in the film/acting worlds of LA (or NY). If I had the money and time to do it all over again, I’d take probably about 3 classes a week (even if they were all different) then spend extra money to get a trainer, get in the best shape of my life, and spend the other part of my time going to film festivals and volunteering at them, and working hard to meet filmmakers, agents, etc… Getting out and about is what it’s all about and there a many ways to do that that don’t cost money in LA. Hope this helps! Keep on acting! ALSO - one reason people are against the method is they don’t really understand it. They think it means “becoming” the part and staying in character the whole time. It’s not that at all, and it’s so much more. For me it was about learning “sensory focusses” to take me out of my mind and put me back into my body and not THINK too much or say my lines the same way each time, that way I was natural, and my behavior was more interesting (say, if you had a focus of sauna, and you were in a scene where you were drunk, all you had to do was relive your body being in a hot sauna, instead of THINKING drunk)… I know you know what I’m saying. :-)

]]> By: Logan Nelson http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-345 Logan Nelson Tue, 08 Feb 2011 02:40:47 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-345 Hey Kristin, Im from he Chicago land area had I have yet to study strasberg and Adler extensively but i have done Meisner. I like his approach but like every approch I feel there is a defect in the technique. I have read chubbacks book and Love the substitution and emotional memory approach but it seems like SO MANY PEOPLE are against that method. I read people degrading that technique too often. My question is other then Caitlins class do you know of a teacher that teaches strasberg and Adler in Los Angeles but meet more then once a week? Thanks! Hey Kristin,
Im from he Chicago land area had I have yet to study strasberg and Adler extensively but i have done Meisner. I like his approach but like every approch I feel there is a defect in the technique. I have read chubbacks book and Love the substitution and emotional memory approach but it seems like SO MANY PEOPLE are against that method. I read people degrading that technique too often. My question is other then Caitlins class do you know of a teacher that teaches strasberg and Adler in Los Angeles but meet more then once a week? Thanks!

]]> By: Julian http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-324 Julian Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:56:51 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-324 Hi Kirsten, Thank you for this article. I haven't looked too much into the method acting area yet, but I hope to do so soon. I've been researching on some acting classes in L.A., and found one with great reviews. They teach the Meisner Technique, and I was wondering what your opinion on that is. On their website they say the Meisner Technique can also help with acting on film and television: "Although the Meisner Technique was originally developed for stage actors, it has quickly become the technique of choice in Los Angeles… for one simple reason. The ability to improvise with a memorized text is critical on camera, where improvisation, not rehearsal, is important." Thank you again for your time and help. Best, Julian Hi Kirsten,

Thank you for this article. I haven’t looked too much into the method acting area yet, but I hope to do so soon. I’ve been researching on some acting classes in L.A., and found one with great reviews. They teach the Meisner Technique, and I was wondering what your opinion on that is. On their website they say the Meisner Technique can also help with acting on film and television:

“Although the Meisner Technique was originally developed for stage actors, it has quickly become the technique of choice in Los Angeles… for one simple reason. The ability to improvise with a memorized text is critical on camera, where improvisation, not rehearsal, is important.”

Thank you again for your time and help.

Best,
Julian

]]> By: Kirsten Tretbar http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-270 Kirsten Tretbar Mon, 25 May 2009 16:57:24 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-270 Dear A.O. - I wish you luck too. I wish I knew of acting programs in London. The only one I know of is the New York Film Academy program in London. I don't know enough about the teachers there to make a formal recommendation, but as I did teach at their Los Angeles location, in Burbank, I know that they are pretty thoughtful about helping disabled students. Maybe you could call their offices and see if they have wheel chair access. I would think there are laws that require wheel chair access for businesses. If they don't have access, maybe you could work something out with the head of the program to help you get up into the room, and then they could bring your chair in after. Sorry it took so long to get back to you, and I hope this suggestion helps. One good thing about the New York Film Academy for acting classes, is that they offer all sorts of summer programs of various lengths (from two day, half day, week long -- etc...) Good luck and you have been in my thoughts so much the last few weeks! Dear A.O. -
I wish you luck too. I wish I knew of acting programs in London. The only one I know of is the New York Film Academy program in London. I don’t know enough about the teachers there to make a formal recommendation, but as I did teach at their Los Angeles location, in Burbank, I know that they are pretty thoughtful about helping disabled students. Maybe you could call their offices and see if they have wheel chair access. I would think there are laws that require wheel chair access for businesses. If they don’t have access, maybe you could work something out with the head of the program to help you get up into the room, and then they could bring your chair in after. Sorry it took so long to get back to you, and I hope this suggestion helps. One good thing about the New York Film Academy for acting classes, is that they offer all sorts of summer programs of various lengths (from two day, half day, week long — etc…) Good luck and you have been in my thoughts so much the last few weeks!

]]> By: Abdifatah Osman http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-257 Abdifatah Osman Fri, 08 May 2009 12:58:42 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-257 I would love to take a method acting class. I have called several places ,but i can't attend those classes i'm disabled and they don't have wheelchair access. Does anyone know of a good affordable method acting class in london their is accessible to wheelchair users? I would love to take a method acting class.

I have called several places ,but i can’t attend those classes i’m disabled and they don’t have wheelchair access.

Does anyone know of a good affordable method acting class in london their is accessible to wheelchair users?

]]> By: Kirsten Tretbar http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-186 Kirsten Tretbar Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:39:46 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-186 Are you looking for a program in Ireland? I am confused? If you are looking for good one year or college programs I would recommend ACT in San Francisco, or Julliard, or any actual University Programs -- over the month or year long programs at The New York Film Academy, or at other bigger professional programs. Having taught at the New York Film Academy, and knowing some bad things about their program, I do not recommend it -- even though they do have very good marketing and websites and several different programs of different lengths and prices. I don't know of any month or year long programs in England or Ireland. Again, if you go back to my original article about professional programs, I really recommend working with private teachers, for a year, several at a time over each week, and that would be much cheaper than doing a whole big program. You say you can't go to NY or LA. If you are in Ireland, anywhere near Dublin, I would think you could find some very excellent private teachers. If that's where you are, let me know, as I have lots of friends who are actors in Dublin and London, and I can get you some names of private teachers or smaller schools, in those two cities. Good luck, and thanks for your kind words about my site! Are you looking for a program in Ireland? I am confused? If you are looking for good one year or college programs I would recommend ACT in San Francisco, or Julliard, or any actual University Programs — over the month or year long programs at The New York Film Academy, or at other bigger professional programs. Having taught at the New York Film Academy, and knowing some bad things about their program, I do not recommend it — even though they do have very good marketing and websites and several different programs of different lengths and prices. I don’t know of any month or year long programs in England or Ireland. Again, if you go back to my original article about professional programs, I really recommend working with private teachers, for a year, several at a time over each week, and that would be much cheaper than doing a whole big program. You say you can’t go to NY or LA. If you are in Ireland, anywhere near Dublin, I would think you could find some very excellent private teachers. If that’s where you are, let me know, as I have lots of friends who are actors in Dublin and London, and I can get you some names of private teachers or smaller schools, in those two cities. Good luck, and thanks for your kind words about my site!

]]> By: Micheal http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-185 Micheal Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:50:28 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/05/15/why-method-is-best-for-film-and-tv/#comment-185 Hi, i really enjoyed reading your comments about not doing a full time 1 year course. At the moment I am considering in doing a full time 1 year course as I am from Ireland and dont have the opportunity to be in any of the movie places such as NYC and LA because of work permit reason and avail of part time acting courses. I want to learn acting for tv and film in a really good school that really focuses on developing the craft. Are there anyones that you would reccommend? Thanks, Micheal Hi, i really enjoyed reading your comments about not doing a full time 1 year course. At the moment I am considering in doing a full time 1 year course as I am from Ireland and dont have the opportunity to be in any of the movie places such as NYC and LA because of work permit reason and avail of part time acting courses. I want to learn acting for tv and film in a really good school that really focuses on developing the craft. Are there anyones that you would reccommend?
Thanks,
Micheal

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