I've never been professionally trained by means of continuing education or specialty school. I've done but a standard 4 years, at a standard college, combining both Graphic Design, and Theater as majors.
<<Please don't read any further if you are firmly set in your technique and method>>
;0)
What I've gathered in my 18 years of acting is that method and technique are a great way to confuse yourself. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't study acting technique--there is a wealth of helpful knowledge out there for you to use as tools. I'm simply saying that acting comes from within. You need only understand the idea of what acting is, and the act of "doing it" over and over is what creates believability (which is one of the major goals of the actor--to be believed by the audience)
It is true that some of us have a natural talent for "it". Natural talent that needs not follow written technique and method. Some of us create our own techniques. We learn in time what works, and what doesn't work. We learn in time what choices are the best for different situations. We learn how to draw emotion from within--whether it be from past experience or from the text and subtext of the script. Of course [it just so happens] the method I am talking about combines many written techniques. (i.e. If you stranded several untrained actors on an island, and told them to practice their craft--they in time would develop their own techniques that most likely would mimic the ones available to us now.) Does this make sense?
The ability to seduce, move, and captivate your audience is not something you gain from book, or instructor. Many of you may disagree. There is a school of thought out there that fancies instructors and classes not only a distraction, but something that brings a myriad bad habits as well. I do, however, believe my ideas here are best suited for those of you who want to work in film or television. Stage actors can get away with programmed technique and strict method much more easily than film actors.
I've worked on many indie-films, and when I'm working with a trained theatrical actor, I know immediately from the audition--and it shows on screen as well. I'm not saying my opinions and ideas here are suited for everyone. There are many of you that require formal training. I do not mean to belittle any of you. I simply mean "to each is own".
Technique can be a wonderful thing. Just don't be afraid to find the tools by yourself. Don't be afraid to experiment with your own ideas, your own natural abilities. Practice, Practice, Practice.
Keep in mind...all of this is my opinion.