About Lights, Camera, Action! The Stanislavski System

Lights, Camera, Action! The Stanislavski System

By Steven Galvin - Last update Jul 18, 2023

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Have you ever considered exploring acting? Studying acting brings with it a wide range of benefits that extend far beyond the stage or screen. Whether you dream of becoming a professional actor or simply wish to explore your creative side, taking up an acting course can be a life-changing experience.

In this article, we thought it would be a great idea to explore a famous acting technique that is used all over the world in acting classes to bring out the best in students and bring their performances to life!

Konstantin Sergeyevich Stanislavski was a seminal Soviet Russian theatre practitioner. He was widely recognized as an outstanding character actor, and the many productions that he directed garnered him a reputation as one of the leading theatre directors of his generation

The Stanislavski Technique comes from his theatre practice and is a fascinating theory where the art of acting comes alive! So let’s take a closer look at it and explore its core principles and show you how to unleash your inner Oscar winner!

Lights, Camera, Action! The Stanislavski System

Stanislavski

Konstantin Stanislavski revolutionized the world of acting with his innovative approach. This system encourages actors to delve deep into their characters, tap into their emotions, and bring authenticity and truth to their performances. It’s like a secret recipe for creating unforgettable portrayals that resonate with audiences.

Emotions

In the Stanislavski system, emotions play a crucial role. It’s all about connecting with your inner emotions and tapping into those feelings to make your performance come alive. Whether you’re portraying joy, anger, love, or heartbreak, embracing your emotions and letting them flow through your acting can create moments that are pure magic on stage or screen.

Motivation

Understanding your character’s motivations is key to bringing them to life. What makes them tick? What drives them? Dive deep into the psyche of your character, explore their desires, fears, and dreams. By understanding their motivations, you’ll be able to make choices that reflect their unique personality, creating a truly captivating performance.

Magic If

Imagine this: What if you were in your character’s shoes? What if you experienced their circumstances? The “magic if” technique in the Stanislavski system encourages you to use your imagination to fully embody your character. Let your creativity run wild as you explore the endless possibilities of how your character would react in different situations. It’s like stepping into another world and bringing it to life!

Observation

Have you ever found yourself eavesdropping on strangers’ conversations or observing people’s mannerisms in public places? Well, in the Stanislavski system, these habits become research! By observing real people and their behaviors, you can draw inspiration for your characters. Pay attention to the way they speak, move, and interact with others. These little details can add layers of authenticity to your performances.

Collaboration

Acting is not a solo endeavor—it’s a team sport! Embrace the joy of collaboration as you work with fellow actors, directors, and crew members. Together, you’ll create a vibrant and dynamic world onstage or on set. Let the playful energy flow and allow yourself to explore, experiment, and take risks. After all, acting is all about having fun and creating memorable moments – both for you and your audience! And the winner for best acting is…

Are you interested in studying acting? The Drama/Acting Diploma Course at StageScreen Classes is currently registering for Autumn.

This course is designed for adults who wish to study acting at an advanced level. Students have the option of studying for a teaching qualification in speech and drama from London College of Music and Drama or an acting diploma with Trinity College London.

Performances – Core Module

Each year students will take part in two performance in a city centre venue. These performances take place in February and May. The February showcase consists of a number of original short plays and improvisation. The May show will be a full scale performance of a play.

Acting to Camera – Core Module

This module covers a number of acting methods and styles primarily the Stanislavski system. The Stanislavski system is focused on the actor. Using your own experiences to put into your characters. This module will cover sense memory, emotional memory and the magic if. A highly effective method of acting that many actors from Robert Di Niro to Heath Ledger have trained in and used for decades.

The class will then be divided into pairs and will work on scenes from well known movies and tv series. These scenes will then be professional filmed and can be used for showreels.

Improvisation – Core Module

Improvisation is a hugely important tool for an actor to learn. In live theatre anything can happen. Things can and often go wrong and actors need to be adaptable and flexible. Improvisation is completed in groups where the group is given a title and five minutes to prepare a short play based around the title or theme. It is a fun, creative, bonding part of the course.

Industry Focus – Core Module

This part of the course prepares the student for life after the course. The main element is a audition workshop with a leading casting director. The students prepare a scene and the workshop runs like a casting session with feedback and the opportunity to ask any questions on cvs, casting, self taping etc.

Previous casting directors to give this workshop have included Sarah Jones from the Abbey Theatre and Karen Skully from Louise Kiely Casting.

Accent Workshop

This workshop covers the RP British accent and the General American accent. These are the two most requested accents in the industry and it is essential to have in an actor’s repertoire.

Chekhov Technique

The Chekhov technique is a completely imaginative approach to experiencing the truth of a moment. According to Chekhov the work of an actor is to create an inner event which is an actual experience occurring in real time within the actor. Elements covered includes;

Expansion, Contraction and Radiating; Archetypal Gesture.

Movement with qualities.

Imaginary Body.

Stage Combat

This workshop includes all the basics with regards to fighting on stage; slaps, punches, hair dragging etc. A hugely fun, energetic and important workshop for actors. Most tv series casting will require some form of violence so it is hugely beneficial for students to learn in a safe and supportive environment.

Book Course here

Reviews

“I recently studied with Conor for my teaching diploma in speech and drama and couldn’t recommend StageScreen enough. Conor is an excellent tutor and his relationship with the students, both adult and kids is exceptional.”

Fintan Kelly (taken from google)

“The course is amazing. Conor is a brilliant teacher. After each term, we presented a play in the theatre, which was great because we were able to put into practice everything we learned in front of the audience. I also obtained my Diploma in Speech and Drama through StageScreen Classes where Conor helped me with absolutely everything I needed to pass the audition. I highly recommend it.”

Fernanda Mammana (taken from google)