One of the biggest misunderstandings about Method Acting is that it was invented by Constantin Stanislavski. Mr Stanisnlavski was alive at the end of the 1800s/ early 1900s, and did contribute significantly to the later developments within ‘The Method’ but let’s be clear, he didn’t invent ‘The Method’ he invented ‘The System’.

The amount of Drama Schools and Acting Schools that continuously get this wrong is staggering.

Lee Strasberg invented The Method.

Not Sanford Meisner, Stella Adler or any other practitioner, which is another common misconception.

The Method is very different from the teachings of Adler, Meisner and Stanislavski.

One of the main differences is the use of Affective Memory. Stanislavski initiated this concept which was later explored more fully by Lee Strasberg.

Affective Memory is the use of the actor’s own personal memories to produce the correct emotional content for a scene.

This tool is only used by Method Actors and is probably one of the most important tools for the actor.

Basically, it ensures that the actor can create emotion on demand. When action is called or when the curtain rises, the actor has emotional memory tools to produce the inspired emotion at will.

Otherwise, the actor is hoping that inspiration will turn up.

I have always been obsessed with developing dependable reliable tools for actors. There is nothing worse than turning up for an acting job and not being able to produce what the Director wants from you emotionally.

A final misconception of The Method is that Method Actors are emotionally out of control. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, they are extremely adept at manipulating their emotions to deliver the correct emotional content for scenes.

Method Acting courses cover this important acting tool within the method acting training.

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