Method Acting - article by MOREinfo-About.com

Method Acting

Several basic elements to the method acting approach include processes of relaxation, recalling sensory experiences and a process of putting oneself in the position of the character one is portraying. Rather than "acting" the method acting approach teaches the actor to simply react as he honestly would in the situation.

Sensory memory is considered a highly important part of method acting studies. It is simple in theory but requires concentration and practice to accomplish. Sensory memory exercises teach an important element of good acting...that of convincingly responding to a situation or convincingly portraying a sensory experience. The student of method acting practices remembering sensations, odors, tastes and emotional responses he has experienced in the past and showing in his acting a reaction to the sensory memories as though they were real. This kind of exercise during acting studies teaches how to honestly and subtly respond without exaggerated gestures and facial expressions, as the response comes from within the actor as a remembered experience.

Method acting also teaches a process of substitution to create more authentic responses in various situations. For example, if one is enacting a love scene, the method actor will try to replace the features of the acting partner with those of someone of whom he/she is truly fond, thus creating a response which is genuine and not pretended.

Method acting studies also include processes such as students mentally assuming the forms and charateristics of animals and acting accordingly.To those not initiated in the process of method acting, such activities may seem somewhat bizarre...but method acting studios have created some of the finest stars of the twentieth century whose acting has achieved great depth and effectiveness.

Some of the practitioners of method acting have included Marlon Brando, Shelley Winters, Montgomery Clift and Ron Steiger and John Barrymore. Method acting is taught in universities in theater courses, and in studios where stars of stage and screen perfect their acting skills.

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