I have just finished reading the seminal acting book Sanford Meisner on Acting. It is a must read for aspiring actors who want to explore Sanford Meisner's ways of working or to discover them for the first time. Being told to act "truthfully" is a scary and convoluted demand - this book deconstructs the process of "truthful" acting, defines it, and sets out guidelines on how it can be achieved. This blog post introduces Sanford Meisner, discusses the book, and I set out my notes from reading Sanford Meisner On Acting towards the end (so skip there if you want to get a quick breakdown of how to apply the Meisner technique to your performances.)
Who Was Sanford Meisner?
Sanford Meisner (1905–1997) was an American actor and acting teacher who revolutionised modern performance with his unique approach to the craft. As one of the founding members of the Group Theatre in the 1930s—a collective that included acting legends such as Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg (Meisner critiques Strasberg quite scathingly for his "phoney" actor training)—Meisner contributed significantly to the evolution of realistic acting in America.
Later, he became a long-time teacher at the Neighbourhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York, where he refined and taught what would come to be known as the Meisner Technique.
Meisner's philosophy centred on the belief that great acting is rooted in genuine human behaviour. He rejected the overly intellectual and analytical approaches to acting that some of his contemporaries advocated, favouring instead an emotional, instinctual connection between the actor and the character.
The Meisner Technique: Living Truthfully Under Imaginary Circumstances
The foundation of Meisner's teaching is often summed up by his iconic phrase: “Acting is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” To achieve this, Meisner emphasised the importance of being fully present in the moment, listening deeply, and reacting authentically to one's scene partner.
Key elements of the Meisner Technique include:
1. Repetition Exercises
At the core of Meisner's training are repetition exercises. Actors repeat a simple phrase to each other, focusing on subtle emotional shifts and genuine reactions. This practice strips away self-consciousness and helps actors tune into their instincts and impulses.
For example:
Actor A says, “You look upset.”
Actor B repeats, “I look upset.”
This back-and-forth continues, with each actor adjusting their delivery based on the evolving emotions in the interaction.
Through these exercises, actors learn to listen rather than think ahead, fostering spontaneous and truthful performances. It instills another of his mantras: ‘Don’t do anything unless someone does something to you.’
2. Emotional Preparation
Meisner taught actors to cultivate an emotional state before entering a scene, ensuring their character's feelings are grounded in authenticity. Instead of relying on "emotional recall" (revisiting personal memories to trigger feelings), Meisner encouraged actors to imagine circumstances that provoke the desired emotion.
3. The Reality of Doing
Meisner emphasised the importance of fully committing to an action in a scene. Whether washing dishes, tying shoelaces, or consoling a friend, the focus should be on genuinely doing rather than pretending. This approach creates performances that feel grounded and believable.
Inside Sanford Meisner on Acting
Sanford Meisner on Acting is not just a book—it’s a guide, a philosophy, and a conversation. Co-written by Meisner and Dennis Longwell, the book presents Meisner’s teachings through the lens of a real acting class. Readers follow students as they engage in exercises, scenes, and discussions under Meisner’s guidance.
Highlights include:
The Journey of the Actor: The book outlines the step-by-step progression of Meisner’s technique, from basic repetition to complex scene work.
Emotional Freedom: It delves into the importance of emotional accessibility and how actors can break down walls that inhibit truthful expression.
Mastery of the Moment: Meisner’s lessons remind us that great acting happens in the present—listening, reacting, and staying open.
Each chapter is rich with insights that illuminate the path toward honest, compelling acting. Meisner’s wit and wisdom shine through, making the book both practical and deeply inspiring.
Why Meisner Matters Today
In an age of rapid cuts, CGI, and spectacle, Meisner’s emphasis on authentic human connection feels more relevant than ever. His technique encourages actors to strip away artifice and build performances rooted in truth—a skill that resonates with audiences regardless of the medium.
Whether you're preparing for your next audition, navigating the subtleties of a new role, or seeking to deepen your craft, Sanford Meisner on Acting offers tools that will transform the way you approach your work.
MY NOTES FROM READING
· Emotional Preparation
o Imagination memory - Daydream at will
o Focus on scene partner – actors build off one-another
· Repetition Exercises
o Observing scene partners
o ‘Word Repetition Game’ – observations – ‘I’m standing next to you’ becomes ‘You’re standing next to me’
§ Active listening
§ Grows into naturalistic acting
§ Say what you see – improve observation skills
o Say the first thing that pops into your head – prevents overthinking
· Improvisation
o Only react when provoked
o Spontaneity
o External acting
o “Act before you think”
o Take concentration away from oneself and onto your surroundings
· Instinctive response
o Motivated impulses over intellect
· Not good for classical acting
· Don’t rehearse line inflections
o Deliver in the moment (Marlon Brando)
o Listen to scene partner, not waiting for cue
· Existing in the moment (but can lead to flat characters)
· Unlearn “bad habits” to stay fresh
· The “Reality of Doing”
o Character is action
o Focus on the action that needs to be done, don’t feel
o Action over thought
· Silence is a moment – it affects a moment
o Don’t repeat the same response
· ‘Don’t do anything unless someone does something to you.’
o Action depends on provocation
o Truth is reacting, otherwise you are “creating”, not responding
· ‘Public Solitude’ – don’t be conscious of the audience
· Preparation
o Using the imagination to prepare for the scene’s objectives and emotion
o Enter a scene with purpose – what is the objective?
o Find a corner and imaginatively prepare
· For long responses (not monologues), look to the last two lines – take the emotion of these and prepare for them, then read improvise the speech, except the last two lines. Gradually add more lines, but maintain the prepared emotion taken from the last two. This way, the journey is plotted.
· Remove stage directions and inflection tags from a script – they hinder the spontaneity of the performance
· Improvise the moment before the scene (as determined by the motivations of the text) and then act the scene
o Find the emotion
o Then do textual analysis
Final Thoughts
Sanford Meisner's legacy is a testament to the power of authenticity in storytelling. His techniques challenge actors to confront their fears, embrace vulnerability, and connect with others on a profound level. As you explore his teachings, remember that great acting isn’t about showing—it’s about being.
You can read more about the Meisner Technique at my article here.
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