Many actors depend on their technique like a lifeline—but what if that isn’t necessarily a good thing? Here, industry and Backstage Experts break down the questions you should ask yourself to discern whether your tried-n-true technique may ultimately be taking more than it gives you.
Is your technique geared to one specific medium?
“Most actors, whether they realize it or not, are trained for the stage. All of the famous methods and techniques were designed for the stage, not the camera. These methods carry with them certain assumptions. For example, most methods presume a long rehearsal time that gives the actor a chance to explore the text and the character deeply with the help of a supportive director.
“This, of course, falls completely apart if you’re working in TV or film, where there is sometimes no rehearsal and oftentimes the director doesn’t know your name. Actors who recognize the difference are able to immediately adapt to the rigors of film by finding the most compelling intersection of themselves and the character, and are able to call up the right qualities whenever action is called. They don’t need tons of rehearsal, they’ve done the work themselves and are ready at a moment’s notice to connect and shine.” —Craig Wallace, acting teacher and Backstage Expert
Your technique is a blueprint—are you treating it as such?
“Think of acting technique or conservatory training as a scaffolding or blueprint that is necessary for learning how to create characters and to start the journey of living truthfully in imaginary circumstances. Rather than clinging to that scaffolding for dear life during a scene, audition, or performance, the final step is kicking it away when you’re finished with it. The process unveils the difference between acting which smells of technique and the kind that does not. Masterful acting never seems safe or planned. Instead it oozes an organic quality and a sense of danger. This is in part because the scaffolding is gone.” —Joseph Pearlman, private and on-set coach for actors, musicians, and comedians, and Backstage Expert
Are you relying on your technique rather than doing the work?
“I can find hundreds of actors who would swear by any and every technique. But at the end of the day, the result is the same. They move you with their believability and character, not their technique. It’s because they do whatever they have to do (that works for them) to bring their character to life. But acting techniques are like diets and methods to quit smoking. If applied and practiced, you will reach your goal. But you’re reaching that goal because you want to reach it, not because any one technique is better or more effective than another.” —Dorian Santiago, award-winning filmmaker, director, and acting coach
Is your technique stifling your instincts?
“Am I excited by technique? No, I am inspired by individuality. When I see the great actors work, I believe they are simply improvising. That, in fact, there was never a script in the first place. They are simply making it up as they go along. And this applies to any great performer. Great dancers make their work look so effortless, you believe they never had a dance lesson. Great athletes simply do it. They have not planned their moves, they make them up. They follow their instincts.” —Greg Apps, Australia-based casting director and Backstage Expert
Did you do proper technique research before settling?
“Each actor’s approach to the work is really specific and subjective. Some actors may attend different types of classes and eventually find the technique they will use for years, which is great, but I personally don't think that classes will work for everybody. For every actor, however, practice is always essential. What’s great is that one can gain practice by acting in something smaller, like a student film or play, for example. And even though I’m not a fan of certain techniques, I would definitely take a workshop to play, practice, and gain another perspective.” —Alexandra Ackerman, New York-based actor who has appeared on “Days of Our Lives,” and done voiceover work for commercials and scripted series
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