Acting techniques

The different acting techniques for developing lifelike performances, such as method acting, classical acting, and Meisner technique.

acting technique
acting procedures
acting practices
acting methods

knowledge

cross-sector

Acting techniques is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Performing arts theatre instructor: Performing arts theatre instructors educate students in specific theory and, primarily, practice-based theatre courses at a specialised theatre, or acting, school or conservatory at a higher education level. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master in theatre. Performing arts theatre instructors monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance of theatre practice through assignments, tests and examinations.
Dancer: Dancers interpret ideas, feelings, stories or characters for audiences by using movement and body language mostly accompanied by music. This normally involves interpreting the work of a choreographer or a traditional repertory, although it may sometimes require improvisation.
Drama teacher: Drama teachers instruct students in a recreational context in the various theatrical genres and dramatic expression forms, such as comedy, tragedy, prose, poetry, improvisation, monologues, dialogues etc. They provide students with a notion of theatre history and repertoire, but mainly focus on a practice-based approach in their courses, in which they assist students in experimenting with and mastering different dramatic expression styles and techniques and encourage them to develop their own style. They cast, direct and produce plays and other performances, and coordinate the technical production and the set, props and costume usage on stage.
Drama teacher secondary school: Drama teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, drama. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of drama through assignments, tests and examinations.

Acting techniques is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Stand-in: Stand-ins replace actors before the filming starts. They perform the actions of the actors during the lighting and audiovisual setup, so everything is in the right place during the actual shooting with the actors.
Actor/actress: Actors/actresses play roles and parts on live stage performances, TV, radio, video, motion picture productions, or other settings for entertainment or instruction. They use body language (gestures and dancing) and voice (speech and singing) in order to present the character or story according to the script, following the guidelines of a director.
Casting director: Casting directors select actors for all roles in a motion picture or television series. They co-operate with the producer and director to determine what they are looking for. Casting directors contact talent agents and organise interviews and auditions for the parts. They determine the fees and contracts for the actors and extras.
Secondary school teacher: Secondary school teachers provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually specialist subject teachers, who instruct in their own field of study. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary and evaluate their knowledge and performance through assignments, tests and examinations.
Singer: Singers are professional musicians, skilled in the use of their voice as a musical instrument, with different vocal ranges. They perform for live audiences and for recordings in different musical genres.
Performing arts school dance instructor: Performing arts school dance instructors educate students in specific theory and, primarily, practice-based dance courses at a specialised dance school or conservatory at a higher education level. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for dance. Performing arts school dance instructors monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the dance through, often practical, assignments, tests and examinations.
Stunt performer: Stunt performers execute actions that are too dangerous for actors to perform, that they are not physically able to do or require specialised skills such as fight scenes, jumping from building, dancing and others.
Extra: Extras perform actions in the background or in crowds during filming. They do not contribute to the plot directly but they are important to create a certain atmosphere.
Voice-over artist: Voice-over artists perform the dialogues of animated television or movie characters. They empathise with their characters and make them come alive with their voice.

References

1. Acting techniques – ESCO