M1chae1

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.

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Michael Allen Reed
www.pentaworks.org
www.oddfellowmag.com
www.bigtalent.com/michaelreed

Lamonza

Nicely written. I myself don't have an exact method. But im currently reading about others incase it might fit me.

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Dreamdancer18

Wow! Great post. I have to say that in some ways I agree. Perhaps because, I've come to realize that acting has always been a part of me. It wasn't something I learned. I've just been a drama queen since the day I was born! I can look back in my life, even to when I was only 3 or 4 and I've realized how much my imagination really helped shape me into the actress I am today. I've fostered my abilities to adopt other characters by daydreaming a lot. And through my imagination I have been building a repetoire of emotions and situations that I can always subconsciously draw from.

I have never been professionally trained as an actor. In some ways, I have been hesitant to do so. It's always been something that has come from within. Granted I could always use advice and direction. But I do worry that studying acting will stifle the creativity. And as you say foster bad habits. I've already observed similar occurrences in other arts.

I only recently started dancing. I am greatly blessed to be somewhat talented at it and a quick learner. But having no real knowledge base to draw from, often my dancing includes my own interpretations. I'm much freer in creating my own dances and routines because I am not limited by rules. I have friends who are dancers, wonderful dancers but they scorn me when I just take off and make something up because it's not traditional. It worries me to think that studying acting might have the same effect. After all I am trying to get into my college's acting program, although from the classes I have seen, It seems well suited to my own thoughts on acting. That when you are presenting a character, every line, every movement should be a product of the moment.

This was a really great post, It definitely made me think. I just wanted to ask you what your thoughts were on practicing. What can you do outside of performance oppportunities to practice without falling into the traps of bad habits and stereotypical methods?

Great Job!
~Elyse

cooljeba

nicely writen.. tnx for info

..:: Peace ::..

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Blarian

Michael I completely agree with you. I've been going through phases in the last few years, where one month I'll think various specific acting techniques are the greatest thing in the world, then next month I'm against them. What I've realized is that you really need to do your own thing, whether that be following a specific technique, modifying a technique, or using a combination of your own stuff and a technique... (if that makes any sense)....

showbizrn

Yes, acting is learned, developed and honed by doing it over and over and over again. That comes from working, readings, etc. Of course, no one is knocking training and refining a "workable" technique for yourself. But long, tedious years of study doesn't guarantee great acting. Believability reigns.

GOOD ACTING IS GOOD ACTING!