5 Best Acting Techniques for Beginners to Learn in Acting Classes

It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to learn acting. Acting is a craft that one can improvise for a lifetime. There is always something you should learn to upgrade yourself with acting techniques. Many times, actors give importance to continuous learning, education, and professional growth by joining acting classes.

If you want to join films online acting courses, there are plenty of options, and there is no right or wrong approach that can fit all. You need to decide the right technique as the core of your acting, and you can add varieties yourself. Many wannabe actors join the acting classes to prepare for their film, TV, theatrical roles, and voice acting.

1. Classical Technique

Classical acting consists of different acting techniques. It has something of each acting aspect – the voice, the body, the script choice, the imagination, and the character. It combines different methods. But it is widely known as the blend of Michael Saint-Denis’s teachings and Stanislavski technique. A lot of acting schools in India teach this technique. The actor learns to be verbally and physically open.

2. Method Acting

Initially developed by Lee Strasberg, an American instructor, and actor, Method Acting has all the elements to make your performance as real and emotional as possible. Actors have to indulge their personal experiences when they perform. They have to recall strong emotions related to their past, resulting in pure, genuine emotion. It is a myth that method acting means staying in character all the time, even off the camera and stage.

3. Meisner Technique

Developed by Sanford Meisner, the Meisner Technique is an offshoot of the Stanislavski technique. This technique was developed in the 1930s. It teaches the actor to respond to true instinct and stop intellectualizing. It forces the actor to quit any affections or habits and be responsive and open and teaches them to be in the moment. Repetition exercises are developed to encourage the freedom and spontaneity of the performer.

4. Stanislavski Method

Developed by Konstantin Stanislavski in Russia, this acting technique was the first of its kind in its era. Earlier, acting was limited to performative, superficial, and presentational style. Stanislavski brought realism, and the rest is history. This method breaks a role down into several actions and tasks. Here are the circumstances that are given to the actor about their character –

• Who are you?
• Where are you?
• Your Desires
• The period you are in
• Why do you want it?
• How will you achieve it?
• What should you do to succeed?

The actor discovers the character's problem or task by finding out “What do I expect from another character and how do I convince him or her to do it?” or “What do I need?”

Actors also put themselves in their character’s shoes. They develop an imagination in rehearsal with some sensory elements to enter into the circumstances of their character.

5. Chekhov Technique

Developed by Michael Chekhov, the Chekhov technique focuses on the character's humane side and subconscious mind. It consists of exercises to get into such notions. The psychological gesture is one of these exercises in which the actor indulges his desire or internal need in the gesture. The actor can re-internalize emotions by using or repeating the same gesture. This technique has a different focus, and it is aimed to be less real. But it improves the depiction of reality.

Some Tips for Budding Actors

Gain some experience

After taking your professional headshots, it’s time to gain some experience in acting. Attend as many open auditions as you can and find some extra work in casting agencies. Join a starting theatre group that has shows. This way, you can get vast exposure. You can also find an opportunity to connect with other industry experts.

Create an engaging portfolio

It is one of the best tools to show your talents. Perform in variations within a short time and record it in your showreel. You may or may not hire someone to edit or shoot your scenes, ask your family or friend to look your part, and hire a professional to create the best portfolio. If your friend has good editing skills, a pro camera, and some experience, you can ask for their help.