Becoming an excellent actor involves a continuous learning process. This is simply because, with each passing day, new styles and techniques of acting are being introduced.

Even though there are tons of techniques of acting to master. Still, there are some top acting techniques that every actor must know about. These techniques are taught in almost all acting classes globally. 

Listed below are some of these key techniques. 

Classical Acting Technique

This type of acting technique combines a variety of methods. As such, it is hard to pinpoint a specific method to it. The method concentrates on all elements of the performer’s instrument, ranging from speech, voice, body, imagination, script analysis down to character.

Classical technique is often used in British acting schools. Some have argued that the method is a combination of the Stanislavski method of acting and that of Michel Saint-Denis

Stanislavski Method

As an actor, you must know about the Stanislavski method of acting. It is the foundation from which most other acting techniques originated from. This method of acting was created in Russia by Konstantin Stanislavski. During the creation of this method, there was none like it. This system of acting brought in a sense of realism rather than the superficial, performative, and presentational style of acting everyone was used to.

The method entails the breakdown of a particular role into actions and duties. Any actor using this technique considers him or herself in the circumstance of the character by asking questions using pronouns like; Who, where, what, how, why, and so on.

With this method, actors put themselves, in the circumstance of the character, been given by creating imaginary stimuli. 

Meisner Technique

This method was created by Sanford Meisner who was a colleague to Lee Strasberg and Stella Alder in the 1930s. Three of them used the Stanislavski technique while they were together but later departed to develop their methods. 

Meisner’s technique makes the actor come out of his head and respond to only pure instincts. The method aims to rid the actor of any affection-related response and act based on instinct and openness. The method is often termed with the phrase “being in the moment”.

Practical Aesthetic Acting Technique

This method was derived by two American actors- David Mamet and William H. Macy. Just like most techniques, it was also derived from the Stanislavski technique. The method demystifies a scene by employing four elements—The literal, the want, the essential action, and the “as if”.

Chekhov Technique

The Chekhov method was developed by Michael Chekhov, a nephew to an American actor- Anton Chekhov. Who happened to be trained by Konstantin Stanislavski. He felt Stanislavski’s method was too natural. As such he developed his technique by incorporating physicality into acting with less focus on practical performances.

Viola Spolin Technique

This method entails improvising. The activities involved in the technique were referred to as “Theater Games”. This game aims to stimulate actors to act and respond spontaneously on stage as they would in real life. 

Uta Hagen Technique

This method was also derived from the Stanislavski Technique. It substitutes emotional memory like personal events for fictional events. It is believed that this substitution will create a more practical response.

Most modern actors employ a range of techniques while acting. Acting is dynamic. Therefore, using one technique may cause a lack of creativity. As such you need to equip yourself with different techniques to have an outstanding acting career. For ease of learning, you should enroll yourself in an acting school.