There are many different techniques that actors use. These techniques influence how they approach a role and develop their character. Actors may use just one technique or they may use multiple techniques. The techniques helps them with the process of how they will play a character that they are giving. It helps them get into the role and to really become the character. Most actors do not simply get a role and just dive in.
Preparation is a large part of acting and without good techniques an actor could appear flat and not be able to produce well-rounded characters.
The Meiser technique involves reacting off a partner. Instead of focusing on the character they are playing, an actor uses the other actors to form their character. The idea is to not focus on what or who the character is, but to just become the character and let it develop off the other characters in a piece. It relies heavily on imagination and creativity for character development. Actors trained using this technique include Sandra Bullock, Grace Kelly and Leslie Nielsen.
Method acting is the opposite of the Meiser technique. In this technique an actor is encouraged to draw off their emotions. They are to react using all five senses. An actor is encouraged to draw from their own experiences and really embrace the character. With this technique an actor really gives depth to a character and makes it personal. Marilyn Monroe, Robert DeNiro and Jane Fonda have all been trained using this technique.
The Stanislavski method involves using a what if thought pattern. Actors are supposed to think as if they are personally going through whatever the character is going through and imagine what if it were really happening to them. They are to focus on the actions happening and to use personal memories or emotions to add to the performance. This technique is similar to method acting and actors who used method acting use this technique. This is a common technique, so many of the well known actors have been trained using it, like Denzel Washington, Sean Penn and Johnny Depp.
Improvisation or improv is a technique where actors draw heavily upon creativity and react in the moment. Improv involves coming up with unplanned responses and really practicing creative thought processes. Actors react to other actors and perform on the spur of the moment. In many improvisation situations actors are given some type of cue or suggestion to respond to. An actor that often uses this technique is Drew Carey. Improv is often comedic in nature because of its non-serious nature.
All these different techniques may be used alone or in combinations by actors. Typically an actor will train using one technique or they may simply find the one they feel the most comfortable with. Actors all use some technique, though, even if they have not been formally taught. The best actors will use a technique that they really feels works for them and that is why they are so good at what they do.
