meisner acting class

Meisner Method–How Effective Is It?

With regards to acting, how effective is utilizing the Meisner Method versus other methods/modes/ways of acting? I’ve been taking a Meisner Method acting class for a while now and although enjoy it, it is highly difficult at times! I feel that although it is extremely beneficial, it also provokes me into wondering about other methods and if they are equally as challenging and beneficial. Any thoughts?

I’ve studied the Method Acting and prefer the Meisner and Stella Adler branches over Strasberg. Affective memory and substitution is not for me (Strasberg and Uta Hagen advocate those things).

I like Meisner because it teaches you how to react to the moment and rely on instincts. I think it’s great for scene study and especially if the other person in the scene is a great actor (Meisner teaches you how to react off the other person as well). I, however, think it alone sucks for cold reading and when your partner sucks. I find that Meisner relys too much on the other person at times. In cold reading/auditioning, you usually have a dry casting director just reading off of the script. How the hell are you going to react off of that? Same with a sucky actor.

Over Meisner’s branch of Method Acting, I prefer Stella Adler’s. Her branch teaches you how to really use your imagination and being the character (I am…). She teaches you to immerse yourself in the environment, being specific, and being the character. I think her branch does what Meisner’s can and can’t do. It’s also the best for cold reading/auditioning. When I go in and the casting director/reader sucks, I imagine the casting director as the person whom I am talking to in the scene.