10th Grade; Stanislavski Method; Acting Class

Nick Bolyard
Erin Engle
Acting 1 Period 2
29 September 2008
Concentration and Relaxation: The Stanislavski Method
There is more to acting than just memorizing lines and stage directions. There are also methods that actors use to help them while they are acting. Many of the methods that the present day actors use are from a man named Stanislavski. During my most reason play, I learned that these methods will help relax and make you better as an actor.
One of the theories in this method is concentration. In order to stay in character during my scene, I used a circle of attention. The circle of attention was a theory in the method as well. My circle of attention was on Devin, who played as Cyrano, and the black box that he would stand on. Due to the fact that this was a two person, and very limited scene, I would also act as if I was there. This was difficult for me because the play is based on a scene from the 16th century.
Another theory that I used from Stanislavski was relaxation. During most of my plays, I begin to shuffle of move my feet under pressure. An emotional point of tension was trying to stay in character and eliminating the sounds from the audience. As a performer, I learn to concentrate on certain things. For example, instead of listening to the audience, I try to focus on my fellow actor and what he is saying. To relieve the tension in my heels, I move my upper body when I am being approached instead of moving away from the action.
The final theory in the Stanislavski method is sensory recall. In my scene, there was a black box with a blue bench in upstage right, while the box was upstage left. The theory and remembering the stage setup are related because you have to remember the placement of everything on stage. This will help you as an actor because it helps increase how well you know the stage setup as if you have lived there your whole life.
There are more to acting than memorizing lines and stage directions. The method and the theories listed above help you as an actor because it increases your awareness of your surroundings, and it helps you relax during the play. In the next play I will do, I will make sure that I use this method to help me grow as a better actor.