Actors typically train using a range of techniques and methods. Each offers a different way to approach the craft. Let's learn about how these methods work, what they're best for, and how to choose the right one for your acting career.
| Acting Method | Key Focus | Primary Tools / Techniques | Best Suited For | Core Philosophy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classical Acting | Text and physical discipline | Voice training; movement; script analysis | Stage and classical theatre | Truthful performance through text and physical control |
| Stanislavski Method | Psychological realism | Objectives; given circumstances; magic if; actions | Theatre; film; television | Truthful behaviour under imaginary circumstances |
| Method Acting | Internal emotional realism | Sense memory; relaxation; concentration | Film and television | Authentic emotion through personal sensory experience |
| Meisner Technique | Instinctive response | Repetition; listening; moment-to-moment work | Screen acting; ensemble work | Living truthfully in the moment |
| Stella Adler Technique | Imagination and intellect | Script analysis; imagination; given circumstances | Classical theatre; large-scale productions | The world of the play shapes behaviour |
| Michael Chekhov Technique | Psycho-physical acting | Psychological gesture; movement; imagery | Physical and stylised performance | Emotion generated through physical intention |
| Brechtian Acting | Critical distance | Alienation effect; direct address; narration | Political and epic theatre | Audience analysis over emotional immersion |
| Practical Aesthetics | Action-based performance | Script analysis; essential actions; objectives | Stage; film; television | Acting as problem-solving through action |
What Are Acting Techniques and Acting Methods?
Within actor training, acting techniques and methods differ slightly.¹ You should have a working understanding of the two so that you can work towards becoming a better actor.
An acting method is the system of acting training that's developed by a practitioner or school.² Generally, these systems provide the framework for how actors approach characters, texts, rehearsals, and performances. Popular acting methods include the Stanislavski system, Method acting, the Meisner technique, and practical aesthetics.¹ Each has its own philosophy, exercises, and priorities, and will shape how actors prepare and perform.
Acting techniques are the individual tools within the system.² If an acting method is a toolbox, acting techniques are the tools. Techniques can include things like sense memory, script analysis, repetition exercises, physical actions, imagination work, and objective-based scene study. Techniques can be transferred across methods, even if the reasoning behind the technique changes.¹
Generally, professional actors won't stick to a single method; instead, they'll combine techniques from multiple approaches.¹ After all, specific methods are better suited to different media. Theatre, film, television, and voice work all have different demands and requirements. While some methods emphasise physical presence and projects, others focus on subtle internal behaviour.
Classical Acting
Classical acting is one of the earliest approaches to actor training.¹ It remains foundational for many modern acting techniques. Historically, classical acting came about in the 1800s. Theatre practitioners moved away from exaggerated presentational styles and towards more psychologically grounded performances. This shift laid the groundwork for realism, character motivation, and truthful behaviour on stage.¹
Voice and movement are central to classical training.¹ Actors learn to use breath efficiently, articulate language clearly, and move with control and purpose. Gestures are very intentional, and physical choices support the text.
Stanislavski Method (Stanislavski’s System)
The Stanislavski method, or Stanislavski's system, is one of the most influential foundations of modern acting.¹ It was developed by the Russian actor and director Konstantin Stanislavski in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The system aimed to create believable and psychologically grounded behaviour in actors.
The method involves actors experiencing truthful behaviour in imaginary circumstances rather than merely imitating emotion.¹ The structured approach encourages performers to analyse the script carefully and understand the characters' internal logic. Say you take acting classes in London, you'll likely have the option to work using the Stanislavski method, as it's still taught worldwide. Many performers encounter it early in their drama schools, workshops, and professional training.
Method Acting
Method acting is one of the most recognised acting methods.³ However, it's frequently misunderstood. This method was developed in the mid-20th century by Lee Strasberg, with the method growing from ideas associated with Stanislavski's system.
Strasberg believed that actors needed to respond authentically in imaginary circumstances. The Method begins with relaxation and concentration to heighten awareness of the body and mind.³ Actors can access genuine responses by reducing physical and mental interference.
The use of sense memory is one of the defining features of Method acting. This is a technique in which actors recreate sensory experiences, such as tasting food or feeling heat or cold, to stimulate truthful reactions.
Method acting also involves emotional preparation. Actors enter scenes with a fully developed inner life, allowing emotions to emerge when the screen begins. This is particularly effective for film and television work, where subtle internal shifts are more easily noticed.³
Meisner Technique
The Meisner technique is an acting method to help performers respond truthfully.¹ This was developed by the American acting teacher Sanford Meisner. It was a direct response to overly internalised approaches to acting.
The idea of "living truthfully under imaginary circumstances" is central to the Meisner technique.¹ Actors are trained to place their attention on their scene partner and the environment around them. The result: spontaneous, instinctive behaviour that evolves naturally from moment to moment.
Stella Adler Technique
The Stella Adler technique focuses on imagination, intellect, and script analysis.¹ It was developed by the American actor and teacher Stella Adler. Adler believed that great acting comes from understanding the world of the play rather than reliving the actors' private experiences.¹
With the Stella Adler technique, actors are taught to study the social, historical, and cultural context of a story to understand the characters' circumstances. The world shapes behaviour.
If Method acting often turns inwards, Adler's approach pushes actors toward the text, environment, and relationships on stage. This is an excellent technique for classical theatre, large-scale productions, and roles that require an intellectual grasp of language and circumstance.
Michael Chekhov Technique
The Michael Checkhov technique focuses on the connection between imagination, physical movement, and inner life.¹ It was developed by Michael Chekhov, a former student of Stanislavski. The approach is often described as a psycho-physical method, where physical action is used to unlock psychological and emotional truth.
Chekhov encouraged performers to work through imaginative physical choices. The idea is that the body can generate emotion through intention and imagery. Movement, posture, and energy can help actors to access complex emotional states without relying on emotional recall or personal memory.
One of the key tools of the Michael Chekhov Technique is the psychological gesture, a deliberate physical action to express a character's deepest desire or inner drive. Actors explore this during rehearsal. It should inform posture, rhythm, and behaviour in performance.
Brechtian Acting and Epic Theatre
Brechtian acting is an approach that challenges the idea that audiences should become emotionally immersed in a story. This method emerged in the early 20th century and was developed by the German playwright and director Bertolt Brecht.
Brechtian acting encourages actors to present behaviour in a way that invites the audience to analyse what they're seeing. Brecht wanted spectators to question social systems, power structures, and moral choices. The goal is understanding rather than empathy.¹
Practical Aesthetics
Practical aesthetics is an acting method that focuses on action over emotional introspection.⁴ This was developed by the playwright David Mamet and the actor William H. Macy. The idea is to give actors repeatable and disciplined ways to approach scenes without becoming overly self-conscious.
Practical aesthetics treats acting as a problem-solving process.⁴ It's an outward focus that helps performers stay grounded within the scene. Actors aren't asking about how a character feels, they're working to identify what the character is doing and why.
Other Acting Techniques Worth Knowing
The major acting methods are the backbone of most professional training.¹ However, the approaches are often used alongside systems rather than each as a standalone method. Here are a few more you may want to look into.
Uses structured theatre games to develop spontaneity, presence, and responsiveness. Improvisation training helps actors trust their impulses, react authentically, and remain flexible during rehearsals, auditions, and live performances.
Focuses on time and space in performance, including tempo, duration, spatial relationship, gesture, and movement. Commonly used in devised theatre and ensemble work, Viewpoints strengthens physical awareness and group dynamics.
Emphasise specificity, substitution, and object exercises to support truthful behaviour. These techniques are often taught as part of broader realism training rather than as a standalone method.
Draw on movement, rhythm, and body-based storytelling to communicate character and narrative beyond dialogue. Particularly useful in stylised, ensemble, or non-verbal performance contexts.
Include breath control, articulation, and physical alignment work that supports clarity and endurance across all performance styles and mediums.
How to Choose the Right Acting Technique for You
No single acting method will work for every performer. Just like with private tutoring, it's about fitting the approach to the person. Choose an approach according to how you learn, the kind of work you do, and where you are in your training.
Start with how you naturally work
Consider Meisner or practical aesthetics, which keep focus on action and your scene partner.
Stanislavski method or classical acting may suit you well.
Look into Michael Chekhov or movement-based techniques.
Stella Adler’s approach emphasises imagination and text over emotional recall.
Match the technique to your performance medium
Classical acting, Stanislavski, or Brechtian acting provide strong vocal and physical foundations.
Method acting, Meisner, or practical aesthetics support subtle, camera-ready behaviour.
Viewpoints, improvisation, and Meisner-based training enhance collaboration and responsiveness.
Consider your emotional boundaries
Method acting may be appropriate when practised responsibly.
Adler, Chekhov, or practical aesthetics offer effective alternatives.
Think long term, not short term
Action-based techniques like practical aesthetics provide consistency.
Combining Stanislavski, Meisner, and imagination-based tools is often effective.
Start with foundational techniques, then layer others as experience grows.
Final guidance
References
- BBC Maestro – Seven Acting Techniques Every Actor Should Know
https://www.bbcmaestro.com/blog/seven-acting-techniques-every-actor-should-know - Backstage – What Do Acting Techniques Mean?
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/acting-techniques-mean-1534/ - Backstage – The Definitive Guide to Method Acting
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/the-definitive-guide-to-method-acting-65816/ - StageMilk – Acting Methods: A Guide for Actors
https://www.stagemilk.com/acting-methods/ - Rockstar Academy – Acting Techniques and How to Choose the Right One
https://www.rockstaracademy.com/blog/acting-techniques-and-how-to-choose-the-right-one
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