Ever since I was a freshman in high school I’ve been told that my first semester in college would change me the most. Although I expected this to be true, I had no idea that my metamorphosis would be due to Theater 120, “Fundamentals of Acting.” Although this class is designated primarily for beginning actors, we touched upon subjects that changed me both as a person and an artist in ways I hadn’t found in prior exposure to theater arts.
Before you athletic sporty sport pre-med folks stop reading– you should know that this class was not initially part of my schedule. Rather, I swapped it in after confronting an overwhelming workload for a 200 level LAW course (that I hope to take at some point, but would have physically failed if I had tried it during my first year). I had heard wonderful things said about Theater 120, so I joined the class late with permission from the professor.
This was the most important, spontaneous academic choice I’ve ever made.
At first, I expected the worst. I’ll be completely honest. I walked into a room full of recognizable football and baseball players, and my narrowly open mind assumed that nobody would take the art form seriously. I could not have been more wrong with my judgment, and am still embarrassed for underappreciating all 19 of my fellow acting classmates for even a few moments.
We explored the foundations of truth in acting through the “Meisner” technique, an external approach to acting that encourages one to become so aware of their surroundings that they are able to act honestly in the given moment. If correctly practiced, the words in the scripts are altered by the performance rather than vice versa. We learned how to provide a reality for words written for us, and we learned how to fall in love with the world around us.
NOW! I’m going to list some components of Meisner training to explain how the lessons within the system are applicable to everyday life– on and off of the stage.
1. Communication
Before we could do anything related to acting, we were required to be mind-blown by our serious failure as humans in terms communication. Contrary to my self-preconceptions, I frequently neglected to make eye contact with people. I also never learned to listen to others properly. My first class required my friend (then, a total stranger) and I to stare into each other’s eyes, locked, while moving about the room. We were supposed to move according to one another without letting go of the gaze. “Listen to each other”, my professor said. What the hell did that mean? We weren’t talking! We did this for about forty minutes in silence, and yes, it was exhausting, awkward, and nerve wracking. I know his face so well that I could paint it without referencing a picture. She kept saying “if you look into another’s eyes, you might fall in love”. She was right. I did develop an emotion only describable by the word “love” for my partner, and with everyone in the class as we continued to work together during the
semester. We were challenged to make eye contact with everyone we spoke to, including our friends and professors. Now that I understand how much we learn from the eyes around us, I really try to look into them hoping to optimally learn the people in my life. Listening requires more of the senses than just hearing. It incorporates seeing and feeling if done properly. Prolonged eye contact makes a conversation more intimate.
There was a second part to the lesson. On another day, she had us sit face to face with a partner. We were told to take turns talking for a solid two minutes about anything we wanted to. We told stories, vented, etc. The listener was required to keep eye contact, taking in their eyes and words without nodding or giving verbal indications of listening such as “mhmm”, “oh” or “wow!” This too was kind of awkward at first. I didn’t know what my partner was thinking of my babbling, and I was so sickly afraid to be judged. However, his response was very kind and instructive. He gave effectively encouraging words that were crafted from my raw worries. This experience was unique and taught me to breathe in the words of others like fresh air. The exhalation, in turn, is more personal if you’re aware of all of the wants and needs presented to you.
I’ve used all of these techniques in my other classes and in the dining hall while making new friends. Never have I found myself cherishing brief encounters so deeply.
2. Awareness
Effective communication also requires strong physical awareness. The truth is, our competitive world needs us to stand out if we want to make an impact. Acting class will teach you how to take over an entire room with your own energy. This will be an important factor in confidence building. It will also help you to get the most of your typical or dreary days. You’ll want to know how to have presence equal to or stronger than a “stage presence” when you’re walking into your job interview one day.
We did a lot of moving about our given space. All 20 of us walked around the room, filling gaps on the floor while making eye contact and smiling at each other. I learned to be present with others. I learned that to live in the moment is the most valuable phenomenon. Not only did I find myself acknowledging and appreciating my classmates more, but I also felt deeply for everyone I encountered. The strangers you meet on the sidewalk serve a purpose. We were constantly told during class to “say ‘I love you’ with your eyes.” If you can bring yourself to do this, your world will turn much more smoothly. Our eyes can say so much, and change the dynamic of our days. Even small invitations to those passing, asking them to listen to you with all of the senses. You have the power to remind people that they are special and significant with only a glance.
In theater, it’s so easy to fall in love with your friends, romantically and platonically. Presence has power. My studies so far have helped me to develop genuine relationships in all areas of my life.
Theater also gives you a lot of confidence. Once you’ve practiced these things and become accustomed to ensemble work, you’ll have nothing to hide. This class was the key to taking control of your body and mind. Thank you, my classmates, and my professor, for sharing all of this with me.