Meisner technique? Reacting to the imaginary circumstances as your character?

Question

Using Meisner's technique... how is does one react to the imaginary circumstances as their character and not as themselves? How can one be sure?

Answer 1

The Meisner technique is more of a training technique than a technique to use while acting, although, through sufficient training, the actor applies on stage what was learned through the exercises.

The exercises are in series, which means that each exercise builds upon the one that comes before it and so no exercise can be done out of sequence.

The main principle of the Meisner Technique is that good performance comes from the actor's real and human response to the imaginary circumstances. Thus, the actors are put through a series of exercises that teaches them to use their own, natural responses. They are taught to recognise those responses and consciously use them while acting.

While you may not be 100% sure if you are reacting as the character, if you are believable in the role you are at least near being wholly the character.