Sanford Meisner Based Approach
The Meisner technique (also known as the Sanford Meisner approach) is based upon the teachings of the late Sanford Meisner, a founding member of the Group Theatre. The Group Theatre, which existed from 1931 to 1940, was the most influential acting company in American history. The Group acting style was based upon the system developed by the legendary Russian actor-theoretician Constantin Stanislavski.
Along with Sanford Meisner, the Group included other American acting icons such as Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg, Bobby Lewis, Harold Clurman, and Elia Kazan. Members of the Group, and their disciples, have trained some of the most influential actors and teachers of the late twentieth century. A short list of actors trained in the Sanford Meisner approach includes: Robert Duval, Joanne Woodward, Steve McQueen, Kim Delaney, James Caan, Kathy Bates, James Franco, Diane Keaton, Jeff Goldblum, and Illeana Douglas.
