The EssentialShowbiz Dictionary™

of Entertainment Industry Terms

Meisner Technique

1 minute read | Last updated: 4 months ago

What does Meisner Technique mean?

Meisner Technique is a popular acting method developed by Sanford Meisner that emphasizes spontaneous reactions and emotional truth. The technique encourages actors to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances, focusing on the other actors in the scene rather than preplanned lines or actions. The Meisner Technique is taught through repetition exercises, which train actors to respond authentically to their scene partners, creating natural and emotionally rich performances.

Example:In a Meisner exercise, two actors repeat a simple phrase to each other, focusing on their emotional responses rather than the words themselves.
Example: A drama school teaches the Meisner Technique to help students break free from overthinking their lines and react more truthfully in the moment.

Did You Know?
The Meisner Technique is considered one of the most influential acting methods, and many top actors, including Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton, have trained in it!

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