What is the Meisner Technique: Intermediate Moment-to-Moment Work - The Door (Part 2)

[@KevinJohnsonActor]

Sanford Meisner's teaching has helped me tremendously.

[@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio]

hi kevin, sandy was a genius, that's for sure! jim

[@zeusssonfire]

There are few things more satisfying than watching two people create an entire world. Breathtaking. 🔥 I'm learning a ton from these. Your passion for your craft is infectious.

[@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio]

Thank you for watching! More is coming soon

[@jadamczyk950]

@@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio is there more coming soon? :D

[@selin_tanriverdi]

This was greatttt!!! I am about to start. a meisner technique course next month and your videos are getting me incredibly excited and inspired! please keep them coming!

[@neosora7006]

How do you apply these techniques to actual scenes with memorized dialogue? Is there a process of drilling the dialogue into your mind so that you stay out of your head when doing a scene?

[@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio]

Hi, The first step is always to have your lines as cold as possible. This way, you will be open to reacting directly to your partner, without needing to stress about getting lost in the scene. The next very important step is to not plan how the scene is supposed to go. If you plan the outcome, it closes you off from the possibility of being open to new moments that arise organically from your partner, and it prevents everyone from being free, connected to the other person, and living in the moment. Thank you for watching our videos!

[@neosora7006]

@@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio Thanks for the response! That makes a lot of sense and follows from the logic of what I understand of Meisner. I have a quick follow up question as well: what about in the case of blocking? If a specific scene in a film, say, requires highly precise blocking, would you also do the motions by rote/cold? Would that close off the possibility of being open to new moments?

[@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio]

@@neosora7006 When there's specific blocking, it's also very important to know the specifics so you aren't thrown into your head by the logistics of needing to remember where you need to be at any given time. But there's another important aspect to consider when blocking - if it's possible, finding a reason (usually off of your partner's words or behavior) why you are made to move where you need to go. This will help you stay present and connected to your partner and the scene

[@Mereyydith]

Thank you for sharing such paramount information of the technique. I have watched tons of videos of this so-called Meisner technique that had nothing to do with what I just saw from your 'What is the Meisner technique' series. Thanks again

[@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio]

hi gojo -thank you for taking the time to watch this and i am grateful it made things clearer for you - my best to you, jim

[@marisolpadillasanchez656]

Will love to learn from you. Thought I live in Mexico.

[@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio]

hi marisol, thank you for watching and if i can help please let me know -jim

[@marisolpadillasanchez656]

Thank you!!

[@LC-xg5jl]

Thanks to you and your students for sharing such helpful information about the Meisner technique! This (the door exercise) can bring forth a lot of emotion, how do you go about bringing a specific emotion to a scene? Are there certain elements you change in your preparation or can you also change it in the moment and still have the emotion be authentic?

[@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio]

hi lc - you stay wide open to whatever emotion arises and in so doing it will ALWAYS be authentic - jim

[@DeniseKelley-xw9tz]

How long before you can do a scene with dialogue

[@tanushgupta2194]

First of all this entire series was so captivating! My question is, as an amateur actor keeping all these aspects in mind and truly listening and responding to what the co - actor is saying, wouldn't it hinder the actual lines memorised? Should i stay put to the lines? How do i tackle this?

[@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio]

Hi Tanush, Thank you for watching! Your lines would absolutely be hindered IF you do not have them memorized ice cold. When our students are handed scenes, we tell them that we can't hope to help them grow or give feedback on their work if their lines are not memorized. Once you think they're memorized, memorize them more. In our technique, we memorize without inflection, in one long stream. If your lines are cold enough, they will not hinder your ability to listen and react truthfully, BUT that takes a lot of time and work to get there

[@tanushgupta2194]

@@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio Thank you, that definitely was helpful, also one last thing, is it okay to improvise whenever you feel like it? Won't that affect the writers?

[@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio]

@@tanushgupta2194 That entirely depends on the project. Some directors encourage actors to speak freely, but it can also be detrimental to a production. It's important to understand your limitations. I would recommend assuming that improvisation is not an option and then speaking with the director to determine what level of flexibility you have with the lines.

[@donjuan7185]

how much is your class

[@TheKennyCShow]

So this was entirely unscripted? They were great!!!

[@ritetheology]

Hey Mr. Jarrett. I’m new to the Mesmer technique. Considering taking classes. I’m coming from a 7 year improv background and I really want to grow as an Actor. Quick question, is the dialogue scripted or improvised?

[@TheMeisnerTechniqueStudio]

Hi Todd, thank you for watching. Everything you're seeing here was not planned out or scripted. These two actors are just listening and reacting truthfully to each other

[@pavankrishna3255]

Tq sir

[@tristenbullard2467]

I’m not an actor. Don’t know why I’m here. But this is so sick.

[@waterunder3718]

That should be meeeeee

[@iamHis888Heismine]

awful. I got nothing from this. Petulant, angry. ???

[@LittleTimmyO]

Their work is impeccable though.. the teacher said so