Constantin Stanislavski and Method Acting

Russian actor and theatre director, Constantin Sergeyevich Stanislavski developed a school of acting (which became commonly known in America as ‘the Method’) that has had the biggest influence in changing modern acting into what we know it as today. This method of acting contributed to the realistic style of performance that forms the basis of mainstream western acting that audiences can see in theatre, TV and film. One of the most remarkable things about Stanislavski’s system has been its ability to transcend different cultures (keeping in mind it was developed in Europe but is just as popular in America) and last through so many years. He was one of the first theatre artists to organize his principles into a set of techniques that could be used by the actor as a ‘method’ when approaching a new role or script.

Stanislavski’s method incorporates techniques like using ‘as if’, method of physical action and objectives- which meant that characters could have complex inner-lives and be more than the 2D clichés that they had been up until this point e.g., the ‘villain’ or the ‘hero’, one is good and one is bad and that is it. These psychological tools meant that meant that characters could be developed both from what he termed as the outside in and the inside out. The Method reflects the discipline and dedication that he believed was required to forge a career in acting. His method has been credited as being ‘common sense’ for the actor but it also has an over-arching reach over everything the actor does on stage within the confines of the script and if used diligently, will produce realistic results.

Stanislavski had a very special American student named Stella Adler and who was one of the members of the Group Theatre; a collection of actors in America that were dedicated to applying his teachings to Western acting to get a more realistic, sincere and truthful theatrical result. This support of the Method internationally is one of the ways Stanislavski’s system was so easily and thoroughly translated on an international scale.

Many could argue that most of the actors working today are using some variation of method of acting, so great is the degree of its influence. Among the actors who are credited with using it are James Dean, Paul Newman, Gene Hackman, Steve McQueen, Sidney Poitier, Kate Winslet, Adrien Brody, Denzel Washington, Dustin Hoffman, Elizabeth Taylor, Hilary Swank, Anthony Hopkins, John Alexander and Sean Penn.

Make sure you ask what acting technique the acting school you are considering subscribes to.

Here are some other guidelines with regard to choosing the right acting school or acting class for you.

Site Map | Home | Who's Behind ACSUp.com | Acting Career Blog | Site Testimonials | Actor Q & A | Buy Acting Books | Typical Day Of An Actor | Start Your Career | Fund Your Career | Acting Classes | Acting Schools |International Actors | The Business Of Acting | Actor Promotion Tips | Your Actor Website | Teen Actors Guide | About Disney Channel Auditions | Headshot Advice | How To Find An Agent | First Audition Advice | Avoiding Scams | Find Acting Scripts | Find Monologues | Resources For Singers | Acting Industry Information | Cruise Ship Opportunities | Nutrition & Health For Actors | Public Speaking Tips | Staying Motivated | Link Exchange | Contact/Ask A Question | The Bollywood Connection | Find Acting Work | Privacy Policy

Become A Member
of the fastest growing community for new and aspiring actors and get your copy of the free ebook:
HOW TO START
AN ACTING CAREER
just for signing up!

First Name* First Name* E-mail Address* E-mail Address*

We will abide by the law
and protect your privacy.
Your e-mail address
will not be abused or
given to anyone else.

---

Do you have what it takes to become an actor?
Take the quiz and see what areas you need to develop.

---

Video Special Report!:


The Top 10 Reasons Why
Most Aspiring Actors Never Make It!

---

What you’re doing is great Anthony. Whenever I read the things on your site, the interviews and even your book, I feel like if only everybody got to read this before they got started, they would be so much better off and everybody else (casting directors, agents, directors, etc.) would be so much better off too.
Personal Manager, Ingrid French

-----------------

Tony,
I want to say you changed my life. I want to be an actress so bad, but i began losing motivation when I couldn't figure out what to do. And then I found you! Thanks to you, I'm taking my first acting classes next month! Yippee!
Sara, Pasadena, CA

-----------------

Hi Tony
I would like to thank you for helping me with the monologue question I asked you. I went to the auditions for a Drama course and I am happy to say that I have been accepted as a first-year student at the Tshwane University of Technology. Please keep on sending me those newsletters and let me know where I can find books that will help me in my acting career. Thank you once more. Have a blessed day.
Sincerely
Edward Thaba -South Africa

-----------------

Dear Anthony,
Just wanted to thank you for bringing me in to [audition for the video], meet you and chat this Saturday. I was really excited to hear about your working on actingcareerstartup.com and even took a look at it today - it's awesome! You are very well-spoken, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and it shows through the work that you do! I hope our paths in the industry will cross again and really enjoyed meeting you. Thanks, again and best wishes with your very important work!
Warmly,
Gretchen, NY, NY

-----------------

Hey Tony, thanks for the info, yours by far is the most useful, I am 30 years old, and I myself always (secretly) wanted to be an actress, but I never knew where to begin, so thank you. You have given me hope!
Ana C., Tampa, FL