Before the first pitch of the World Series or the kick off of the Super Bowl, the coaches are in the locker room telling their players how success will be based on the fundamentals. It’s the same thing for actors. Whether it’s sophisticated classical material or something you’re doing in front of a green screen, your work is going to hinge on how well you accomplish the basics. The greatest musicians are still playing their scales, the finest dancers go back to the barre, and actors must always reaffirm their abilities to simply listen and respond.
Actors who have worked extensively have learned how to finesse their ways through many styles of comedy and drama. They can meticulously maintain continuity throughout a complicated scene, but they often fail in their abilities to do the most simple of things: be in the moment, access full vulnerability, and connect from their hearts to other hearts.
An actor came to our school as a very accomplished professional, having originated roles on Broadway and having starred in both blockbuster and critically acclaimed films. He was concerned that he had begun to be typecast in a very narrow way as a villain. I had him do the most basic exercise in a six-week Meisner intensive, and after a matter of seconds, it was clear that he had closed himself off. This performer who, at one time had been regarded for his innocence and vulnerability, had come to habituate a way of acting that made him intellectual and aloof. By training in the fundamentals, he was able to recover his innocence and, shortly thereafter, was cast in the role of a good-hearted father.
Another professional actor came to us who had only done serious dramatic material and, through diligent work on his basic moment-to-moment technique, he accessed his full self and his great sense of humor, and he was soon cast in his own sitcom, and later as a featured player on an improvisational show.
The fundamentals of great acting are seemingly simple, but they are not just for beginners; they are for every actor who seeks an alive, fresh, spontaneous performance. For example, Academy Award winner Javier Bardem has been quite public in saying that he always goes back to the basics in acting class. He never wants to lose his access to the simple truth in his work.
An actor must consistently put in the work required to break free and stay free. The fundamentals are for everyone!
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