WHAT IS THE MEISNER TECHNIQUE? (Acting Coach NYC)

[@tombradford7035]

There is so much mental depth in acting, and this man has opened my eyes to it all.

[@justincampbell9625]

Why was there a random 444

[@BAKED174]

I’m 22 and pursuing an acting career right now. It’s maybe the most alone I’ve ever been. But your videos have been a great sense of comfort to me since I’ve discovered them. Thank you.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Sad but true - that being an actor can involve lots of time alone. But it gives some actors time - which they'd never otherwise have had - to 'get into' themselves, and discover strengths that are waiting to develop. And if you're preparing for a class or a coach then it's almost as good as working, because you're preparing to 'meet' other actors, - with similar aims, and often build friendships from getting a scene right with someone else. And by not giving up there's the chance of being one of the strong actors! John Windsor-Cunningham

[@Cameron-ue7lu]

Another splendid masterclass. I am 59 years old and starting out on my acting journey. I dreamt of being an actor as a child and teenager but low confidence and the prospect of poverty snapped me out of it. I then spent 35 years in another industry, essentially acting out my roles for real. I've thrown myself in the deep end. Last week I did a short run in a play which was pretty well received, and now I'm auditioning. I am currently studying the part of Teach from American Buffalo, trying to tear away the layers towards reality in my performance. The role is tough considering the character is meant to be an inarticulate low-end criminal who just happens to be incredibly articulate. Your lessons have been transformative. Thank you.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks for kind words. Your experiences from real life will - of course - help you in parts which younger actors don't yet understand, and if you can make yourself 'keep' at different jobs (even when, like Teach, some parts may not seem to 'suit' you) then you may find it easier to choose the work you truly want, and see the fun in it. You don't need me to tell you that perseverance pays off! John

[@Cameron-ue7lu]

@@NewYorkActingCoach It's certainly helpful to hear it again and again. Chipping away at the stone to reveal the masterpiece may well take me 20 years, but it will be worth it.

[@gabrielbleuse988]

Sir, I am playing my first part ever in an indie movie and you have no idea how much your videos help. You are a true gentleman, I've been watching you since I'm 15, I'm 17 now and I'm still here. Anyway, thanks!!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome. Just work hard in advance on your script for the 'indie'. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@irishswtpea]

I’m a voice actor in visual novels (video games) and anime and I’ve been trying to put more effort and passion into my voice lines. It’s so different from acting on stage and not where I really imagined my career ending up. Your videos have helped so much in such a short amount of time! I look forward to learning more. Thank you 🙏

[@diromiz]

I'm eleven inches tall, my older brother has died and I juggle oranges for my daughter.

[@gracereynolds8558]

Hehe! Only true watchers will understand

[@Reena_whyte]

How could anyone dislike this video? its just what anyone interested in the meisner technique should be wanting to listen to. Not to mention, this gentleman has a very charming and captivating voice.

[@JorgePrietoNYC]

I hated the word repetiton when I first started studying Meisner, but when the script came into play and if I forgot a line I would jsut repeat the same line until the next one (the one I forgot) pop up in my head. This of cause during rehearsal mostly, but when I did Raft of the Medusa, were there were 12 character sometimes all speaking lines quickly at one another, this technique was a life saver. Thanks John for sharing & posting this.

[@beeastman1235]

Never take one of John's oranges away .... Lesson learned!

[@TheOfficialCurbsidePickup]

To anyone struggling, essentially you want to put yourself in someone else’s P.O.V. including their emotions, experiences, way of thinking & their reasoning. Then their perceptions/actions that they may have in the moment based on events happening when the practice/scene starts, you will have to act out how you perceive that person would act as best as you can. That’s the best I can sort of interpret in my own brief words. This was a wonderful video and explanation hopefully one day I can learn from you in person.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes, you put it right, and - as with all things in this world - it is EXPERIENCE, of actually doing the exercises with somebody who understands them ( and who understands you) and experience of doing dozens of auditions and dozens of plays and playing dozens of parts which, all combine, and suddenly gets acting to make sense! Just as experience makes a diet to work, or a work out to get us into the Olympic Trials. Experience. Doing it. A lot. The only difference between stars and amateurs is that stars work night and day every week on scripts. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@TheOfficialCurbsidePickup]

Ahh, very much of a thank you; wasn’t too sure if I was understanding it truly, but that makes… I never really will until I gain my OWN experience, not just others. I’ll definitely keep this in the front of my mind. Thank you again 😅

[@Aurora-qn2dx]

The walls and mirrors and floors in my home are tierd of my soliloquy.. monologues and Always being in character. What a teacher!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Then you should be going online and doing them with others, partly because that is what the hundreds of others whom you will be competing with at auditions are doing that, and you don't want to "look" as if you work on your own. . John Windsor-Cunningham

[@Aurora-qn2dx]

@@NewYorkActingCoach online where?..i have no idea where..i live in south Italy and not much acting oppertunities down here, like I said before I will email you soon to see what I can do. Thankyou for your videos here on KZbin.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

@@Aurora-qn2dx All my videos SHOULD end with my website which has a 'Contact' page for getting in touch for coaching or questions, or make a note of y direct email jwcactor @yahoo.com as messages here can get lost or missed. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@brys.3131]

This makes sense to me. I'm autistic and I love repetition. I have found it quite useful to explore one thing over and over hundreds if not thousands of times to fully explore whatever has my attention. You can become great at most things if you devote everything in that moment, and repeat. At least that's how I experience it. Great stuff! Very interesting!

[@exclarion]

Started a couple of months acting classes. We are using Meisner so wanted to get some more insight as to the technique. Thank you Mr. Windsor! Brilliant videos.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks for kind words. Sandy Meisner once said to me (and to lots of other people) that making his technique work can take 20 years, and it certainly takes a long time to become an expert at anything, so hang in there, and do as many scenes or plays or films you can get, because - eventually - quite gradually - the Meisner business becomes a part of us. Best, John.

[@vitomccartney]

Crazy thing is, I met Robert Duvall tonight at an event in Middleburg, Virginia, I am a young actor trying to start a career. It was inspiring, and now I found this video. One thing I remembered is he actually said, to prepare for a role, he would drive to the top of a mountain and read his lines and just look off in the distance while he acted them out.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes, I think what Robert Duvall means is that we should try to study our lines without worrying. Working on lines must be fun to some extent! But finding something like that mountain is not always easy, so it may be just a matter of putting a photo of our family beside us when reading the lines the first time, or with our phones switched off. I've not worked with Duvall but I'm fairly sure he also works night and day on his scripts, even if he doesn't say so. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@vitomccartney]

@@NewYorkActingCoach i can absolutely see that! I also understand the drive and the obsession to work night and day on scripts. The passion I have for acting fulfills me in ways even family/friends/relationships cannot.

[@deborahpaddison6770]

Thank you so much for your insightful videos. I am learning so much from you about the craft of acting.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Better to come soon, hopefully! John.

[@yrong1494]

Just started reading "Sanford Meisner On Acting" ,this film is really helpful. I like the orange story, it's quite cute and touching. Thank you, John.

[@cassiemunford3318]

I didn't know what this was called at the time, but when I was 14, I went to an acting class where we did this technique. Although in that class we just sat in chairs facing each other and did the repetition. And the words couldn't change. The teacher kept telling me to sound annoyed by having to repeat it, but he also said to just say it how I feel. That was it. I was left very confused. Thank you so much for this video, you explained everything so well!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome. Sandy once said to me that the technique (which a lot of good directors do not trust in fact) takes 20 years to learn (yes twenty!) So whatever we learn we just have to keep at it. Perseverance is the secret. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@NUCLEARDASH]

Im here as a director and this...is pure gold.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks very much. Am always interested i talking to directors. You can contact me more if you wish to at my direct email ([e-mail]) or use the 'Contact' page on my website (Windsor-Cunningham.com) Best wishes anyway, John Windsor-Cunningham

[@bhushan_nd3261]

Hello sir, myself Bhushan, I'm from India. From the moment when I started to talk I wann to be actors but my financial condition is quite unhealthy so back then I started searching for free online classes, but at that time I failed to search one.... But when I watched your video........i feel that you are the one who I'm in search for.... So thank you sir for such a great videos.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

If you are saying you want to try a coaching session with me - sorry it is not clear - then please don't use this as messages can be lost. Please use the 'Contact' page o my website (Windsor-Cunningham.com) or my direct email ([e-mail]) but if finances are a problem then just do any work where you are, student films, and any play of any kind and any classes as ALL experience is useful. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@ChrissyHogueBartels]

There are some great groups where you can workout acting online particularly now while most are holed up at home. Please let me know if i can be of assist.

[@catcityyy]

I’ve been studying this method for about a year and I love it!

[@BaronessJames]

Thank you, John! This idea on why you have to juggle with oranges and why they have to be three was incredible!

[@Bfolks84]

That's exactly how I remembered learning the technique. Of course it got increasingly more complicated. I did a two year program.

[@ydndripz3940]

This video was very well explained.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thankyou. J.

[@jameshibdon6108]

Sir. I would like to thank you. Im getting started late in life, though this has been a dream of mine since 5 years old. I will be watching all of your instruction with great admiration and attention. Thank you!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome. And starting 'late in life' may mean you can bring to your acting the experiences you've had form doing other things, and at least you won't look the same as ten thousand other young actors, - which is their main problem! Just do acing anywhere, student films, any classes at all and any theatre however silly-looking. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@goldeneddie]

'I'm effing annoyed that you've taken one of my oranges away!' Yes John, it's definitely time to start the operation....!

[@ijeomarichards6402]

Amazing teacher. Awesome insights. Love him.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks, very kind. New website going up at end of next week, and hopefully better videos around Christmas. That is what people do at Christmas isn't it? Best wishes back anyway, John Windsor-Cunningham

[@brainofbrandon9165]

The secret to repetitive structure in its own works for others in ways that it will not work for some. I find that in order to keep from backlogging what has happened, what I mean is what you've already said, one must use as much conscious attention as possible and look to how the other actor in the game is proceeding his line. Take into consideration his inflection, posture, gesture, all of the tidbits of information that can be responsible for your reaction. After all the best actors are reactors! Producing hypnosis of time by erasing our awareness of it isn't done by showing off. That gets old. It's done through rigorous attention to detail which is lived by experiencing through the actor's response to the stimuli given. I feel that Meisner was trying to get us to do just that, listen! Not only to the words being spoken, but the way that they are being stated. So once the exercise is mastered, the actor can then move forward from how the sentence is stated to the response and acceleration of plot written by the screen/play writer.

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

I would agree. I think being thoughtfully present means understanding the situation and body language of others and reacting accordingly. Communication is 20% verbal and 80% body language IMO.

[@cassandraelle9955]

That was beautiful and it now makes more sense to me. Thank you for sharing this video!

[@ginaweith9475]

Thank you for sharing these videos. I am an aspiring script writer and understanding acting helps me approach dialogue, action and character in a completely different way.

[@ProfessorTime]

Nice job John. You remind me of my college acting professor.

[@victoriamcguinness898]

This was incredibly informative. I enjoy the way you describe things, you get very involved! =)

[@christineroberts_]

Great explanation. I enjoy this technique. So much fun!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes, great to see you use the word 'fun' - which people always say acting should be, (and it should be), - but the amount of preparation and study needed to use Meisner's technique - like all good acting - often means working all day and all night (for weeks) in order to find the perfection that some lines need for an audience to be WOWED. So "work work work" to make sense of some scripts even with Meisner experience. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@christineroberts_]

@@NewYorkActingCoach thank you for the reply. Yes I agree, we were going through a script last night in the studio and we all had different ways of how we portrayed the character. It reminded me of your explanation of the technique. Yes, most definitely. I need to do a lot of work on my current script. The fun is in the unknown, studying characters and the risk taking I find😊

[@theperformerofficialhindi9539]

Thanks for your precious time...

[@trumpeter56]

I had never had the prep for the repetition exercise explained that well, at least so I was able to understand it!

[@spinnerfok]

Finally I get it, thank you. I am a ESL person and I can understand you, Its amazing.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome. If you ever need more specific help I coach on SKype and in New York.

[@justinweinzierl7547]

that's cool you mentioned Colorado springs! 😃 thanks for all the fantastic videos by the way!!!

[@KrisMavericko]

Dear Mr. John, thanks so much for doing this. I love your manner of communication and how immersed it made me feel, especially at the part involving the critical operation and the importance of the 3 oranges. Amazing. Thank you & I love all the videos I've seen from you until now, and am certainly going to watch more! I wish you great health, wealth and prosperity, and may you continue to inspire many across the world. Best, Kris.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

If you ever need help with something specific remember I do one-to-one coaching on skype and in NY, but am not pushing people for it at all as I get quite a few asking, just letting you know. JOhn (contact page on my website is better than here www.Windsor-Cunningham.com

[@aryanchaudhary4400]

​@@NewYorkActingCoach this site is not working, mr John. I m extremely passionate about acting and currently trying to play 'paul' from Dune. I find classics so hard to play. I really need your mentorship.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

If you are saying you want to try coaching with me then please use the "Contact Page on my website ( Windsor-Cunningham.com ) or my direct email ( [e-mail] ) and I will be happy to help if I have time free.

[@noisepuppet]

I wish I'd had a teacher like John in high school or college. These are missing pieces of a very big puzzle that I'm still working on.

[@TheWorld_2099]

Wow, that was massively detailed. Thank you, this is a brilliant technique

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

I should add that Sandy (Meisner) himself once said to me that his technique "takes 20 years to get right" so you need to work damned hard at anything to do with acting if it's what you seriously want. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@TheWorld_2099]

John Windsor-Cunningham - ah, yes...something about the 10,000 hours of dedicated time. I have recently started studying acting to aid in my writing, and I must say it has already helped profoundly. Reading excellent plays and being around great talent is truly inspiring.

[@Rosannasfriend]

You explained that very well, thank you. I feel as if I don't need to go elsewhere for further explanation.

[@crazyguy8512]

he really explained it very well,congratulations

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Sandy once told me - and a full class I was in - that his technique can take "Twenty years" to learn. I think he meant that we can get better and better at it. So that's something I could have added. Best wishes, John Windsor-Cunningham

[@NIKONGUY1960]

I will never look at oranges the same. Brilliant

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thank you. My life's work is done! So many people are looking at oranges in the same old disrespectful way, and it is time for Oranges to have their day. I have enrolled you in the Society for Protection of Oranges - not easy to get into, a membership of 5 already, others including Sir Anthony Hopkins, Clint (Eastwood), and me. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@NIKONGUY1960]

Excellent

[@kjleskapfryser6568]

This man is a saviour

[@FlamingEmberSeal]

I just bought two Meisner Books looking forward to learning about this method.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

THere's no harm n reading the books, but Sandy would have hated them by now. What matters is DOING the technique, practicing it and applying it to class-scenes, monologues, auditions and performances. You get that out of working with others, not out of books, sorry! So find somebody who is REALLY good at teaching Meisner. And I am not AT ALL asking people to come to me as it takes too much time and I really only coach for auditions. Just beware of books! Acting is learned from ACTING. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@FlamingEmberSeal]

I have my first Acting fundamentals class in June. Being a begginer I think reading a few books can help. Practical practise being a necessity can be said for a lot of things. I dont have anyone to practise with at the moment so Im currently making do.

[@DavidBreslow]

Hi John--I'm a huge Meisner fan and student. Thank you for all your training videos. Question--did you ever consider showing 2 people ACTUALLY doing the repetition and activity exercises in the video and THEN add you comments about it?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks for question. I can't do that in a short video. People need to come to me for that ( ! )

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

No, sorry, it would be impossible to do a true video of what you ask, as it depends so much on the person running the class to help the particular actors in the class. I sometimes do run course that people can attend in person, but there are many other Meisner coaches available, so I can only suggest actors try them and make sure they have real experience. Any other reply from me would be unprofessional. Sorry, John Windsor-Cunningham at Windsor-Cunningham.com

[@hellbooks3024]

Are you kidding?? No one’s been up in his place for years.

[@shawnsmith3884]

Sorry to be late, that was amazing. I’m taking acting classes now and we did an exercise like this, now I feel like i have more of an understanding of the meaning of the technique

[@scorpionghostfilms1260]

Hi John I also study Meisner style of acting , I studied at The Actor Lab in Wichita Kansas , my acting coach was Tracy Sloat .

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes, I knew Tracy well. A talented woman whom I'd like to have encouraged more, but never had the time til it was too late sadly. But her legacy lives on. I think that, like myself, she actually studied with Sandy for a while, and hope you truly gained from knowing her too. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@sayed3297]

i have to add another comment this is just amazing

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thank you. I do private coaching in person and on skype if you need more specific help, through the 'contact' page on my website. John. wwwWindsor-Cunningham.com

[@samlynch1265]

Is it possible to give the person knocking at the door a preparation that is similar and interferes with the other persons activity? For example the person inside the house has an activity to balance a set of books on top of each other. Whereas the person knocking on the door has a preparation to maybe, look for a certain book or find a book which would then interfere and make the other person angry or annoyed. Or is it better to keep the activity and preparation different to each other?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

This is an important question, and don't think my answer rude, as I have coached many experienced actors who have got this wrong. The whole point about the 'prep' (done by the actor coming into the room/ space ) is that the moment after they have knocked on the door they put the prep completely OUT of their mind. THey are no longer looking for a book consciously, if at all. If the prep has been done well then they will still feel desperate to get in, and anxious, but no longer aware (in your example) of needing to find a book. They just RESPOND to the apparently rather insensitive OTHER person who is consumed with their own activity which may make you feel irritated, or helpful towards them, or certainly interested. The point is to be wide awake, which is what most beginner actors are simply not. John.

[@samlynch1265]

@@NewYorkActingCoach Thanks that makes a lot more sense. One last question, where can I find meisner classes? I’m in liverpool currently but are the best classes in London and so should I move to London to take them

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

@@samlynch1265 Yes, of course, London is more likely to have a good Meisner coach, and, again, of course, the U.S.A. even more. Try and look up the details of any 'teacher' t see if they actually studied with Sandy, and, unless it is an incredibly serious class (putting on some sort of productions) just attending a few classes won't be enough for most actors, Other issues - Speech problems, and other 'techniques' - are a normal part of any serious beginner's process, and even RADA and Juilliard don't guarantee any kind of actual future work. If you have to audition for any of these and need help, we could talk in mor detail on Skype. JOhn

[@samlynch1265]

@@NewYorkActingCoach I’ve googled some London meisner classes online and it seems like the “London Meisner Company” is the top choice, do you know if it is? Or do you know which the best meisner classes are in London (the very best) so I know which ones to apply for. Preferably people who have worked with sandy

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

@@samlynch1265 Please would you mind using my email for this as the conversation is getting a bit long! And send me your list of what seem to be active Meisner classes in London, with names of who runs them. I don't want to give names here of people whom I admire and those I don't ( ! ) Thanks, John My email is [e-mail]

[@MissFawlty]

You are a fantastic teacher, I wish you were based in Europe!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Just saw your kind remark about my videos on acting, and wishing I taught in Europe. I do in fact teach on skype.

[@faizanuzmafilms336]

wow. This is amazing, thanks for doing this and explaining it to us.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're very welcome! Always happy to help. John (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@chrispapa2782]

You are fantastic! Thank you!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome! John (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@paulbacchus1015]

Fascinating, Iam familiar with Stanivlaskie's method but not yet known to this technique, love to know more.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Actors usually end up with their own mixture of methods, using one more than another depending on the kind of part they are playing. What's necessary is to work on ANY method and as many plays and films as possible, and with Meisner (which take years to make work) you need to find a GROUP, a class with others to work on it with you, and a good teacher. I mainly help actors when they get stuck. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@smartshortTV]

i live in turkey, where the industry doesnt respect this kind of acting at all. They just want so work with "ACTORS" whom can play their act natural and look pretty. So the people claim to teach this technique or any other technique really in this country are usually frauds. Because nobody really actually know what technique does what. And they dont try to explain the depth of any activity or creativity or why you are doing it. They are like "Oh you want to act son? then do this dont ask why it would help". So i try to educate myself as a young actor. So please keep up these videos coming it helps so much more than you know.

[@ChrissyHogueBartels]

This is really interesting. I highly encourage understanding craft such as what is going on in the teaching in this video, but, you must also know how to run your acting career like a business.

[@carry9937]

very nicely explained.easy to understand .thanks a lot.

[@Realrizvlogs]

I learn from your videos. Practice on a daily basis. Write my own script as per the character and perform. I would love to be your student to spread your knowledge in Asia.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

If you mean you would like to try a session or two of coaching on Skype, it's best not to leave messages here as they can get lost. I'm happy to help, and best found through the 'Contact' page on my website ( Windsor-Cunningham.com ) or my direct email ( [e-mail] ) and I'll send details. Otherwise just keep working and working as that is one good way of moving on! John Windsor-Cunningham

[@Realrizvlogs]

@@NewYorkActingCoach sure, I'll contact on your website.

[@sayed3297]

Brilliant Sir well explained thank you

[@canaldefelipecastro]

What a great discovery is for me to have found your videos, excellent job professor, and thanks a lot for your time, effort and kindness, granting us with your knowledge.

[@KimDragonborn]

Thank you so much. This video has helped me a lot.

[@kylevelaz]

Hello John, I totally understand and agree with many points from Meisner. But I am very invested in the ideas of Stella Adler as well. What are your views on the Stella Adler technique and how it may differ from Meisner's?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

All approaches to acting aim at the same result. Truth. The point is to find the one which suits you, which inspires you, to make your acting not just truthful but clever, not just fun but profound. John (Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@DebbieBridge]

I really enjoyed your video, it's always great to hear others who are doing this technique and have such a great understanding of it. I have studied it and am now teaching it myself, so it was nice to hear a few new ideas for me to try out - thanks for posting!

[@actorgames9628]

Thank you sir!

[@AshokKumar-ui5wb]

sir, can u pls make videos on all the techniques , and explain them

[@craigbee]

Yes, please make videos on every technique and explain them to us in detail from your armchair so that you form a huge, comprehensive and free resource that we can view until we die OK thank you.

[@LeonKnighTits]

He died

[@catdoesnoteatmylunch]

@@LeonKnighTits wait rlly

[@dangelooquendo8602]

I have wanted to be an actor since i could remember and i never knew that it would be so hard. I didn't realize how to start or where to begin and it was very frustrating, But this video has opened my eyes to educating myself a bit more before jumping in with no prior education besides a few classes in high school. I do have some trouble understanding the technique but the sadness i felt when the orange was taken away confused me. Thank you for this video, though i am very late. I will be furthering my education through your videos!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

I bet you that most actors you admire - look them upon wikipedia,and you'll see this is true - and all of those even doing a little work occasionally, will have gone to a drama school, or hundreds of classes, or both. So if you're serious get down to it. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@micahsmith6331]

One of the funniest vids on KZbin 😂

[@warrior9326]

really gonnna try that

[@BrittKatSlat]

Hey John, I learned Meisner in Chicago from Ted Hoerl at (now closed) Act Now Studios. We did JUST this except there was "judgment" repetitions. I have a question for you though, I'm in LA and going out for TV and film auditions a lot. How can I apply Meisner to the script. I studied Meisner for two years and never learned how to apply it to a dang script. Your jnsight and help would be very valuable! Thankyou for this video. Much appreciated. Have a good day.!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Sorry I didn't see this question until 2 years later, better if you contact me direct (on the links at the end of most of my videos) - but the answer is that if you don't feel it helpful to make you act truthfully then work much more at it, as it is something you have to 'discover' has happened to you, that has opened up inside of you, then it is simply a part of your acting. If you don't 'get' it like that then try another method. Just work night and day. If you dont do that then the others competing for roles will get them, because good actors nowadays prepare night and day. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@tipsandthoughtsonfilmmakin6368]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome. Thanks for kind words. More help if needed, and best got through the 'Contact' page on my website (not here) which is Windsor-Cunningham.com where odd questions are answered for free and I also teach on Skype. John

[@6123arvind]

Thanks a lot !!!....this is very much helpful by repetition exercise, i feel that i am towards the reality ...thanks once again ...

[@ScribblebytesWorldwide]

You made some great points!

[@Stephensorrentino]

Great stuff. Thank you

[@Morabeverly]

Wow, this is very helpful. Thank you very much

[@stefaniea8180]

Love this video! If you have sides for an audition, do you do this whole exercise with each of your lines? Or with just a significant line from your scene?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Hard to answer. Each person could do different lines depending on what the part was like. Can't advise more without coaching you for a session, and am not saying you need that- I charge as little as possible but am not fishing for people! - and if you just persevere you will probably find your own way. Perseverance works. John (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@mitchellharper9814]

thank you for the lesson.

[@youngfraser1]

you are a genius!!

[@djoh1186]

Hi John, Excellent activity idea. I used to struggle to come up with a door and activity three times a week. Do you have any advice on coming up with activities when you feel you're racking your brain. I studied Meisner some years ago in Sydney and it was the most difficult and challenging thing I'd ever done including a Masters degree. One of the problems I had was that often the meaning I put into doors and activities was so real that it really screwed me up on an emotional level. It was like opening an old scar and then cutting into it again and again week after week. So I gave up because I felt myself falling into a hole of depression. I was 21 at the time and I'm now 34 and I feel I have to go back. There's nothing like the thrill of this technique. It's incredibly powerful and liberating. That said, do you have any advice on how to switch off the emotion when the scene is done? Thanks for the upload.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes, I've sent you an email.

[@quickcast693]

+John Windsor-Cunningham hello mr. Cunningham . can you also forward the email to me ?? [e-mail]

[@andylu7026]

+John Windsor-Cunningham Hello, I would like to know the same, could you e-mail me too?

[@KrisMavericko]

John Windsor-Cunningham Dear Mr. John, could you kindly forward that email to me as well? Please and thank you. :) Best regards, Kris

[@BetteDavis19]

could anyone send me that to? thank you.

[@manishsingh8622]

Thank you very much for replying

[@nehemiahpersoff9534]

I DID NOT STUDY WITH MEISNER. BUT HE LED A GROUP OF US IN THE ACTORS STUDIO ON-HOW DOES A METHOD ACTOR APPROACH DOING SHAKESPEARE. HE WAS NOT DOGMATIC, WE WERE ALL FLEXIBLE AND I THIK WE ALL LEARNED SOMETHING FROM SANDY. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Not urgent, but perhaps you'd send me your resume some time. A project in the future might iterest you. THanks, John Windsor-Cunnngham at [e-mail]

[@robb7398]

Nehemiah Persoff needs to send you his resume?

[@thakuraryansingh47]

Sir, I didn't get that meisner technique fully. Will you made another detail video about that technique??

[@EllaArmstrong25]

Wonderful, thank you.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome! JOhn (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@russelldavidoakley2802]

so, You intrigued me and off to meisner I went. I did six hours. Very Very interesting but I really don't think that one needs to do it for 4 years but everyones different. I love trying different things to break my routines, mask theatre was very helpful, it really surprised me. How long did you study or practice meisner for? Am I missing something for thinking that I get it after only six hrs? your thoughts please.

[@sas3k]

Love your Videos

[@easybullet3]

I enjoyed watching this explanation, but I cant see how this helps someone to act (other than perhaps teaching people how to engage and react). What exactly have I missed ? Or is it purely an exercise to help people observe and react more realistically ?

[@ChrissyHogueBartels]

Acting is about listening and responding honestly in the conditions in which you've agreed to play. If you're looking for a plan of action towards becoming a working actor, let me know. I have some great resources for you. I also have a KZbin Channel where I give away tons of free information on how to make a living acting anywhere. :-)

[@yforu7109]

Thankyou a ton

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Totally welcome. John.

[@ashishbisht2459]

Hi, I have a question related to character preparation. For example I have got some role in a play, so how one should prepare for that role and character so that one can give proper emotional and facial expressions and gensture while performing it? I am really not getting it exactly. Please have a look.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Your question cannot be answered without me knowng what you are like. If you want coaching go to my website (Windsor-Cunningham.com) or my direct email ([e-mail]) as it sunds as if you have a misunderstanding about a few things. Or find somebody else, but you need help from someone I think. JOhn Windsor-Cunningham

[@ashishbisht2459]

John Windsor-Cunningham sure sir, I will drop you a email.

[@trueactinginstitute]

I see, I see, fantastic!

[@xxxxxxxxxxxxxer]

Thank you John you have made me think!

[@ZteveW]

So what does this exercise teach, think fast on your fee (i.e. improv)?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Good question. But this video is only intended to sum up the basics of Meisner. For more you need to join a Meisner group (there are lots all over the place) of - if you think it worthwhile - come to me for coaching. My contact page is at www.Windsor-Cunningham.com but I'm not meaning to push you. A local Meisner group may be all you need.

[@vansh4383]

Sir please make a video on Chekhov technique

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

The 'Michael Chekhov' technique can't be explained in a short video, not by me anyway, and there is lots of information online about it. I have used it and believe that all techniques led (or should lead if used well) to the same result - a 'truth' in one's acting, and an inventiveness, so try anything! But all acting work needs experience and practice, so don't expect easy answers. Just try it. Sorry that's all I can say on this here. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@anaspirant8208]

Hey can you please suggest some great acting books

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

NO, books are not the answer. You need to be DOING it, working on scripts, reading screenplays and then watching the films to see if the actors performed parts differently to what you imagined, watching classes online, or getting an acting / advice coach on skype. Actors who read books do not sound to me like actor who will get jobs. Sorry. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@anaspirant8208]

@@NewYorkActingCoach is there any way to get any free classes on Skype sorry to ask ignore of not appropriate

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

@@anaspirant8208 Please ask questions like that through the 'Contact page' on my website (Windsor-Cunningham.com) or my direct email ([e-mail]) , and give me reasons please, - like what you need coaching for, what your experience is, etc. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@vg2324]

do you teach in colorado springs?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

I coach on skype. and I may miss messages here, so please use the "Contact' page on my website (Windsor-Cunningham.com) or my direct email ([e-mail]) and I'll give you details. And mention about Colorado Springs when you write please. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@kayasarangelo9663]

Can you change the line of dialogue as the repetition happens?

[@SamWirde]

Very helpful thanks xD

[@TheMarilynuribe]

excelent !!

[@pavlestanimirovic]

Thank you kindly

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome! John (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@bestkilimanjarohike]

can I get soft copy please

[@niyatichoubey]

Hey.. I am reading the book Sanford Meisner on acting and trying to find someone with whom I can do online practice, is anyone interested?

[@vinnyjamea96]

Does acting affect your personal emotions ?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Well, a deep question, and all people are different. Actors are like any one else, there are kind people and selfish people doing it, and some who may find that their work is more important than anything else in their life! Who are we to say they are wrong to feel that way? But I don't believe actors become insincere people - unless they were insincere to begin with - because the whole point of acting is to be truthful and honest about the lines one has to say. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@beatsbymist]

What does the "444" mean?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Sorry, but I don't know what you mean by "444". When have I said it? Could you have misunderstood something else? John.

[@beatsbymist]

@@NewYorkActingCoach at 12:41 in the centre of the screen, the number 444 appears. Was just curious if there was a meaning to it.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Well, thanks for trying to see meaning in everything here, but the "444" is some kind of accident, don't you think? - either from the internet, or from my starting to add some text at that point and not deleting it when I changed my mind! Not worth your time, in other words. John

[@Abdullah_rahil86]

I find this quite weird technique about Meisner technique which says "Act before you think"

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

I worked with Sandy, and he once said it takes 20 years to really learn to use his technique well, so don't be surprised that some things he said sound unusual. But he had a secret towards great acting IF what he said is done RIGHT. What he meant by what you quote would be to DIVE in and say your lines truthfully from the start BEFORE thinking if your instincts for playing it that way (with anger or joy or fear etc) are right. Just make sure you are acting! No falseness at all. Then, with more time, you will - hopefully - be inspired to DISCOVER what you 'think' of the scene'. That's a very simple answer. John Windsor-Cunningham