Pure Meisner Training
The Meisner technique was created by renowned actor and teacher Sanford Meisner.
Over the course of history, specifically more than five decades, this profound training where actors are given the opportunity to express themselves freely and without inhibition, has been passed down to generations of successful actors and actresses, just like Sandra Bullock, Jon Voight and more.
But over time, as with a game of Chinese telephone, many acting schools have added other techniques to the mix, which counter produces the results it truly brings.
If you want learn the Meisner technique the way Sandford taught it, untainted, pure and true, this time-tested method of acting can be obtained at Emas Studio, in Los Angeles.
This is because director, Elizabeth Mestnik, has preserved teachings that are learned from her 20 years of practice, literature study, and rehearsals.
Books and classes can teach countless new skills. A class however, offers practice, and this is useful in a hands-on career like acting.
The more solid skills one has as an actor, the better they become at the art.
This summer, the Studio has compiled a comprehensive course of materials and practice for actors to learn the most in-demand technique in Hollywood – The Meisner Technique.
Why is it so popular?
The Meisner technique is admired because it teaches an actor how to relate to a character they are playing. Also, rather than reading lines script by script, an actor will need to display emotions, as well as improvise to get the right fit and feel for the entire play.
The summer course lasts for four weeks, and those who require advance training have the option to participate in a two year program which entails:
• Self Analysis
• Character Development
• Script Analysis
• Voice and Movement
• Auditioning Technique
Classes are limited and in order to enroll, prospective students will have to participate in an interview with the director of the Studio. In addition, students will have to commit three to four hours, twice per week,if they wish to participate in the best Meisner technique training school in Hollywood.
Acting Techniques – The Meisner Technique
The Meisner technique is just one of the many acting methods that can be learned at an acting school. This acting method was named after its creator, Sanford Meisner, a professional actor and acting coach at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. It was incepted in the 1940s and is still popular today. It’s also inspired by the Stanislavski’s system – a Russian-born acting method.
The Meisner technique involves a series of repetition by the person performing the exercise. It helps an actor make a scene more believable, as they get into character. As an actor, the technique is essentially asking you: How does it really feel to be in this person’s shoe? (the character you’re playing), and how can you draw upon your own experiences to connect with this character at an emotional level?
Benefits of the Meisner Technique:
The most beneficial aspect of this lesson is that actors will be able to adapt to a scene or circumstance, by living truthfully in the moment. It also helps actors learn more about and master improvisation.
Examples of famous actors who’ve benefited from this technique include Sandra Bullock, Grace Kelly, Dianne Keaton, and plenty more.
An acting school – a good one – can help actors in various stage of their acting career, master the technique, to ultimately be a better candidate for a role.
Course length times will vary from school to school, but as students, it’s important to do your own research to find an acting coach that teaches the Meisner technique the way the originator did.
Preparing For An Audition
You may already know what to take with you on an acting audition, but do you know how to mentally prepare yourself for it?
What does it take to stand out from the countless numbers of individuals that are vying from the same position that you are?
An acting school can help to train your thoughts, gestures and mind to focus on the task at hand. An acting coach can also give you knowledge to win in all types of acting genres.
Here Are A Few Tips:
• Be confident – when you believe in yourself, it’s easier for others to do the same
• Smile – It helps connect with directors and break the ice (for you at least)
• Build your stage presence – this can be learned through an acting coach
• Practice – it makes the monologue or dialogue run perfectly
• Project your voice – doing otherwise comes off as timidity
Other Considerations:
• Bring a head shot and resume, this shows preparedness
• Dress for a job, but not for the part, costumes are usually provided
• Early birds catch the first worm, so get there 20 minutes early
Whether you’re going to an arranged audition, or an open casting call, these tips should better prepare you to land the role you’re trialing for. Get the full actor’s checklist at an acting school in LA, who will teach and practice with you.
Emasla is a top-acting school in the heart of Los Angeles. To learn more about class schedules and tuition for the Emasla studio, go here.
And on a final note, believe in yourself, do your best, and everything else will fall into place. Remember, with time and practice, all things become feasible to those who think they can.
THE MEISNER TECHNIQUE SUMMER INTENSIVE
The Meisner Technique was developed by Sanford Meisner over 65 years ago, and remains one of the leading actor training techniques today. The summer intensive is a month-long course that meets three days a week for three hours. It’s purpose it to give student actors a full exposure to the philosophies as well as the structure of this demanding yet dynamic process. It develops sensory and emotional skills and introduces actors to the strength of using one’s own uniqueness within performance. Students are expected to present work at each class. In addition, Ms. Mestnik expects students to rehearse in preparation for each class.
If you are ready to ignite your imagination, reconnect to your emotions, trust your instincts and develop the essential skills of great acting, and work harder than you have ever worked before…
This program is for you!
Auditing:
EMAS does not permit auditing of technique classes. We consider technique classes at EMAS to be a personal laboratory, where the students are encouraged to take risks. There is a sense of safety created by the closed classroom that allows for such risk-taking. EMAS does everything to encourage and support the actor in this endeavor.
Preparation:
We recommend reading On Acting by Sanford Meisner or The Actor’s Art and Craft by William Esper before interviewing for our program.
Attendance:
Students presenting themselves to EMAS for training must be prepared to undertake the rigorous and demanding work required to ready themselves for the demands of a professional career.
Ms. Mestnik is very strict about class attendance and students rehearsal in preparation for each class. Students who are not professional in conduct or undependable as partners and class members will be discontinued. Many of our students are working professionals and every effort will be made to accommodate student’s professional demands. Students are allowed two absences in this 5-week session.
Tuition:
14-Class Core Acting Program $595
Add 4 Body/Voice classes for $150
Class Schedule:
Session A: Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:00, Saturday mornings at 10:00.
Session B: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:00
Physical Voice: Mondays: 7:00pm
The Reasons You Need An Acting Coach
Here’s why every serious actor or actress needs a coach:
• You are a brand
• You need to increase your weight lifting from good to great
• You need the advice from someone who has worked in the industry
The choice between going to an acting school or not attending, is almost like deciding to skip or prepare for college.
The truth is, acting schools give actors a competitive advantage in a very competitive industry. This is done through techniques that have been learned and taught through decades. These acting techniques are what directors look for during auditions. Acting schools also produce skills in individuals to make showcases perfect – and on any stage.
Yes, some skills cannot be taught. These include natural talent, in-born motivation, and others. Then, there are those abilities which can be learned.
What acting skills are taught in an acting school? Here goes:
• Learning timing, as in when to move based on settings and signals
• Rhythm, meaning gestures and the way your body moves freely and naturally
• The display of emotions, to increase and nail believability
• Voice control and pitch, for getting into character
These skills are just scratching the surface. If you’re new to acting, you may need to start a beginner course. Actors who are already in business can continue with acting classes to improve upon current skills.
The Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio is an acting school, that has realized numerous successful actors and actresses. To learn more about Emasla, visit www.emasla.com.
To Be Discovered in Hollywood
What can you do to get discovered as the best in the business? You may think that going up against leading actors is absolutely daunting. It is.
However, the good news is – it can be done.
All it takes is the most steadfast belief in yourself, despite any number of closed doors.
Don’t believe us?
Get insight and inspiration from the very competition you fear. Check out a few leading actors’ and actresses’ bios, and you’ll see… just like you, they got their feet in the door as aspiring actors too.
Determination, discipline and drive, will make the difference between your success and another man’s failure. Of course, the obvious talent of acting is a must.
The next step to getting discovered in Hollywood, following the belief that you can act, is enlisting the help of an acting coach to polish and master basic and advanced acting techniques.
Acting schools in Los Angeles, like The Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio have trained hundreds of acting students, to help them get discovered as key talents in the industry for the last decade. It also helps when you can get referenced by a seasoned coach, who also has networking opportunities with numerous directors and recruiting managers in the Los Angeles vicinity.
Acting workshops also allow actors and actresses to practice to perfection, in dedicated groups. This means that when it comes time to audition – all nerves will be intact, and the performances will flow naturally.
Nowadays, it seems that all it takes to get discovered is a viral video. That’s one way of doing it, but there’s also the tried and true method , which is – honing one’s raw talent in an acting school, enlisting the help of a talent manager, and auditioning in front of the world’s most revered acting directors, right in the center of Hollywood.
Elizabeth Mestnik’s Acting Studio can help you get discovered, by first schooling, and then helping with recruiting trained, professional actors and actresses from beginner to advanced levels. This is whether you want to be discovered for serial commercials, theatre, or movies in different genres.
Acting Niches and Avoiding the Type Cast
We’ve seen it time and again – the public’s viewing of an actor and actress in just one niche. Is this the reason most Disney stars try their hardest to shake off their previous image by going the opposite route of styling for a new perception?
Or, one actor being cast in the same roles movie after movie? Is there one way to avoid or break this pattern? Or is everything just a matter of luck and destiny?
Some actors that have been type casted include:
- Funny man Vince Vaughn
- Romantic Jennifer Aniston
- Hit man Mark Walberg
As an acting school, the Elisabeth Mestnik Acting Studio can take you beyond the realm of your comfort zone to explore new acting talents, whether it’s to partake in action, romance, family or drama-type genres.
Get the look of multiplicity by presenting a diverse portfolio. Take yourself outside the box, and explore acting in several genres.
If you prefer to be type casted in one type of role, then it’s all up to you.
It’s important to remember that being typecast has its advantages too. Some of these include steady work, being seasoned and comfortable in the role, since it was experienced before, and also having a very recognizable name.
It’s comforting to know that being typecast is not exclusive to acting alone. In business, average workers are also traded in the same professions. So much so that they have to prove themselves over a million times to be considered for promotions or alternate job descriptions.
An acting school isn’t dedicated solely to run-of-the mill actors either. Every type of professional entertainer can benefit from the acting, such as singers, dancers, models, since these experts all perform to woo a crowd. Learning how to entertain an audience in several niches is one way of expanding your portfolio and getting cast in different roles.
How to Get Your Foot in Door with Acting
If you’ve always dreamt of being an actor or actress, then do something about it, no matter your age. Daydreams may have your head in the clouds, but we know your feet are grounded in practically realizing them. And that’s a good thing because you’re here!
To realize your vision of becoming an actor, you’ll need to have a plan. And in this short, but invaluable post, you’ll learn an arsenal of techniques to double your guns and show off your acting skills, in whatever setting you find yourself.
Are you ready to get staged as an actor/actress? Here goes.:
Get Help From An Acting Studio – raw talent alone is super, but it will still need to be refined and polished with the help of an expert. Professional singers use voice trainers, musicians refine their playing techniques, top athletes are coached, so why shouldn’t you get trained as an actor?
It really is a sport, if you really enjoy it.
Confidence is Key – As with anything in life, you need to be able to believe in yourself before others will be able to believe in you. You’d be doing yourself a disfavor if you don’t.
Calm Your Nerves – During auditions, look at the bigger picture (literally), and be confident and composed. Training at an acting studio can help you to reel in the audience of judges and have them hooked to your performance. Many acting studios like Elizabeth Mestnik’s will have already exercised staged auditions to get you comfortable in front of a director. After all, practice makes perfect, doesn’t it?
Network – In all careers, and not just showbiz, one asset that can always take you to higher grounds is networking, because people help make people. Learning to market yourself subtly or presenting your talent to interested parties is also something that can be taught by an actor’s agent.
Keep Improving – Each step you take that’s an initiative to build upon your current skills is priceless. As you may have countless competition, the more you learn and refine your acting skills, the more you’ll stand out.
Take these tips and sprinkle it in your daily plan to be an actor/actress. And if you need a coach for your acting career, call Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio at 323-528-6280. Soon, you’ll be on your way to stardom.
Do What You Came Here To Do
The Basic Technique Series at the
NEXT CLASS:
***THE SCRIPT***
a beginning scene study program
The words on the page are the INSPIRATION for most performances, and all actors must understand how to read a script, break down a scene and bring a character to life!
THE SCRIPT is a technique class that emphasizes the role of the text in an actor’s performance. This class will give you exercises and techniques that will help you make character choices, play the action of the scene and relate emotionally to the given circumstances. Focus is placed on making strong choices that keep you emotionally connected to your scene partner as well as using the language of the playwright to tell your character’s story. A great scene study class for beginners or more experienced actors who want to brush up their acting skills.
What: THE SCRIPT- Technique class for Beginning Actors
Where: EMAS: 7600 Melrose Avenue, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles 90046
When: Thursdays at 7pm – starting April 12th, 2012
Tuition: $530 for 12-week session
Contact: 323-528-6280 or [email protected]
THE ELIZABETH MESTNIK ACTING STUDIO is one of Hollywood’s most highly regarded acting schools:
Here’s what the industry has to say about EMAS:
“EMAS has a very talented and versatile group of actors.”
-Paul Weber -Head of Casting MGM
” I have seen Elizabeth work miracles with actors from beginning to advanced”
– Damona Resnick – Casting Director – NBC
” She is simply the best at what she does”
– Ed Yeager – T.V. producer – Still Standing, Suddenly Susan, Gary Unmarried
Read what our students and the industry have to say about EMAS at Yelp!
CALL 323-528-6280 FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION
or
TO REGISTER ON LINE CLICK HERE
Blend Business with Enthusiasm
It’s often the case that newer and more enthusiastic actors overlook the fact that things need to be done in a logical and properly conceived order. According to Actingmagazine.com, many as a result go through a case of classic self-sabotage.
One of the best things an actor can do for themselves is make sure they have a great foundation in film acting technique. Even though this is the rule of thumb, many beginning actors don’t see it this way. They think acting is just acting and therefore a fair amount of their time is spent on plays and dabbling into a workshop or two. After their vicarious training, then they rush straight into film and the television market, and only then do they realize their training/skills aren’t quite winning over those casting directors.
Eventually these impatient actors will see that it will be over a year or more before casting directors would take another chance to see someone who had essentially wasted their time.
What does this all mean? Basically, that the industry is too tight knit, and the memories of casting directors too long for you to make that kind of mistake.
To ensure you get the right training, be sure you check out The Elizabeth Mestnik Acting School. Located in Los Angeles, in the heart of Hollywood, Ms. Mestnik has taught acting for over a decade. With her combined experience in the industry and with her expertise in the Mesiner Technique, she will help you develop those skills that will get you the auditions you’ve always wanted.
