This practical handbook explores the relationship between Shakespeare and Meisner, offering exercises to unlock truthful acting. It challenges the notion that Shakespeare and Meisner are 'strange bedfellows' and demonstrates how actors can use Meisners tools to discover the infinite freedom within the apparent constraints of Shakespeares text.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Shakespeare and Meisner: A Practical Handbook for Actors, Teachers, Students, and Enthusiasts

This practical handbook is invaluable for anyone performing, teaching, studying, or simply wanting a new way to enjoy Shakespeare. It provides an outline of Meisner's work and legacy, a discussion of that legacy in the light of the enduring global popularity of Shakespeare, and a wealth of practical exercises drawn from Meisner's techniques.

Shakespeare writes about the truth in human relationships and human hearts. Sanford Meisner's work unlocks truthful acting. They would seem a perfect match. Yet, following Meisner's note to his actors that "text is your greatest enemy," Shakespeare and Meisner are often considered 'strange bedfellows.'

The rhetorical complexity of Shakespeare's text can often be perceived as rules an actor must learn in order to perform Shakespeare 'properly.' Meisner's main rule is that 'you can't say ouch until you've been pinched: in other words, an actor must genuinely feel something in order to react in a performance which is alive to the moment. This book explores how actors can use Meisner's tools of 'acting is reacting' to discover the infinite freedom within the apparent constraints of Shakespeare's text.

Meisner's Techniques

Meisner's techniques are based on the idea that acting is a process of discovery. He believed that actors should approach their roles with an open mind and a willingness to explore their characters' motivations and desires. Meisner's techniques include:

• The 'Yes, and...' Technique: This technique involves accepting the given circumstances and then adding something of your own to the scene. It encourages actors to be creative and to take risks.


• The 'Objective-Oriented' Technique: This technique involves focusing on the objective of the scene and working towards achieving it. It helps actors to stay focused and to avoid getting lost in the details of the scene.


• The 'Scene Study' Technique: This technique involves studying a scene in detail and analyzing the characters' motivations and desires. It helps actors to develop their characters and to understand the context of the scene.


• The 'Voice and Body' Technique: This technique involves using the voice and body to convey the character's emotions and desires. It helps actors to develop their vocal range and to use their body language effectively.


• The 'Improv' Technique: This technique involves improvising scenes and dialogues. It helps actors to develop their improvisational skills and to be spontaneous in their performances.

Applying Meisner's Techniques to Shakespeare

Applying Meisner's techniques to Shakespeare can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Meisner's techniques can help actors to develop their characters and to understand the context of the scene. They can also help actors to develop their vocal range and to use their body language effectively.

One of the key challenges of applying Meisner's techniques to Shakespeare is the language. Shakespeare's text is often complex and difficult to understand. Meisner's techniques can help actors to break down the text and to understand the meaning of the words. They can also help actors to develop their vocal range and to use their body language effectively.

Another challenge of applying Meisner's techniques to Shakespeare is the character development. Shakespeare's characters are often complex and multifaceted. Meisner's techniques can help actors to develop their characters and to understand their motivations and desires. They can also help actors to develop their vocal range and to use their body language effectively.

Despite these challenges, applying Meisner's techniques to Shakespeare can be incredibly rewarding. Meisner's techniques can help actors to develop their characters and to understand the context of the scene. They can also help actors to develop their vocal range and to use their body language effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shakespeare and Meisner are two of the most influential figures in the world of acting. Meisner's techniques can help actors to develop their characters and to understand the context of the scene. They can also help actors to develop their vocal range and to use their body language effectively. Whether you are a performer, a teacher, a student, or an enthusiast, this practical handbook is invaluable for anyone who wants to enjoy Shakespeare in a new way.

Weight: 202g
Dimension: 138 x 217 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350118393