The Power of the Meisner Acting Technique

The Meisner Acting Technique has been gaining popularity in recent years, and its benefits are being felt in various parts of the country, including Bacolod City. Recently, actors in the city took part in a five-day crash course on the technique, which was organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines and its FDCP Film School and Cinematheque Centre Negros. **A Unique Opportunity for Local Talents**

The workshop, facilitated by Headteacher Angeli Bayani and supported by apprentice teachers Elora Españo and Ross Pesigan, offered local talents a unique opportunity to explore the principles of modern acting through a series of dynamic lectures, hands-on exercises, and collaborative activities. The program was a collaboration between the FDCP Film School and Cinematheque Centre Negros, Meisner Studio Manila, The Negros Museum, and the Negros Cultural Foundation, Inc.

1. Local talents had the chance to engage in repetition exercises to build emotional awareness, improvisation drills to enhance spontaneity and authenticity, and scene work and pair acting to apply the techniques learned.
2. The workshop included a brief history of modern acting, foundational repetition exercises, and scene work and pair acting.
3. Throughout the week, participants also engaged in improvisation drills to enhance spontaneity and authenticity.

**Learning Key Principles**

Participants shared positive feedback on their experience, with Bacolodnon actor-director Kent Jerriane Caduhada saying he learned three key things: understanding an actor’s objective, reacting authentically, and portraying a role with “realness”. Art educator and cultural worker Geli Tupas Arceño noted that the technique requires “so much rawness and honesty in acting.” She emphasized the importance of being fully present to observe and react to a scene partner, stating, “To be able to be the most interesting person in the room, you have to be the most interested in your scene partner.”

**The Core Principle of the Meisner Technique**

Elora Españo, an apprentice teacher, explained the core principle of the Meisner Technique, “The truth of who you are is the root of your acting.” She added that this approach leads to a more collaborative and empathetic creative process. Españo highlighted the importance of being honest and authentic in one’s acting.

Definition:

The Meisner Technique is a method of acting that emphasizes the importance of being honest and authentic in one’s performance.

**A Sense of Safety and Freedom**

Nathan Jalbuena Sotto, an actor and acting coach from Iloilo, praised the sense of safety the technique provides. He contrasted it with a previous experience utilizing another method where he felt “damaged” after staying in character for weeks. Bayani reinforced this, stressing that when actors feel safe, they feel free to explore and create.

“Actors who feel safe are more likely to take risks and be spontaneous, which leads to a more authentic and engaging performance.” – Angeli Bayani

**A New Perspective on Acting**

Actors from the USLS Maskara Theatre Ensemble – Danielle Faye Magno, April Joy Baquilar Singson, and Richard Bermejo Tolosa, Jr. – expressed their gratitude for the course, noting how it deepened their connection to both their craft and each other. Bacolod Film Festival 2024 actors, including Jing Torrecampo (“A Flower a Day” and “Laragway sa Karon”), Crystal Puying (“Glub”), and Tex Romero (“Manokan Country”), also took part in the workshop.

1. Jing Torrecampo, Crystal Puying, and Tex Romero all appreciated the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and connect with fellow actors.
2. They reported feeling a sense of camaraderie and shared understanding among the participants.
3. The workshop provided a unique experience, allowing them to explore their craft and grow as artists.

The event, which marked the first regional stop for the Meisner Crash Course, brought the type of professional training centered on this particular acting technique for the first time to the Visayas. Participants shared their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and connect with fellow actors. The event showcased the power of the Meisner Acting Technique in enhancing the craft of local actors. As one participant noted, “This workshop was a game-changer for me.