Alison Hodge’s book lays out actor training throughout the ages, offering a comprehensive look at various acting methods and techniques.
It is an amazingly thorough exploration of major drama practitioners of the last 150 years, and even the acting philosophies that came before that.
For actors wondering “what is method acting” or seeking to understand different types of acting, this book provides valuable insights into the evolution of performance techniques.
While this book is broken down into clear and definitive sections, what we quickly discover is that all of these practitioners are linked.
While we may view them as contradictory, they are in fact all in conversation with each other, contributing to the evolution of acting styles and performance techniques, from classical approaches like those used in Shakespeare to modern methods like the Suzuki method.
This book describes the practitioners’ backgrounds, the classes they lead, their goals, philosophies, and practical exercises they developed.
It covers a wide range of acting techniques, from the Stanislavski method to physical theatre approaches. It explores various drama skills and techniques, including imagination, active listening, spontaneity, and spatial awareness.
It is an extremely useful resource for any actor looking to go into training, develop their own personal practice, or introduce themselves to new ideas in the world of acting.
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Here are the top 3 lessons we can learn from “Actor Training” by Alison Hodge.
1. There is no one way to learn acting, and every new methodology builds off what has come before
Firstly, there is no single route to becoming an actor. Many teachers may try to tell you that their way is the only way, but this is simply not true.
The acting methods that may work can depend on many things, including the way you process information, your natural personality, your background, your interests, your values, and your goals for performance.
None of these can be more or less valid than any other. All it means is that some practitioners’ work, whether it’s method acting or physical theatre techniques, will better align with you and the way you think or work than others.
They all have the goal of creating impactful and meaningful performances.
Not only that, but throughout time, each new practitioner is simply building off the ideas of whoever came before them.
They are either developing ideas further, finding alternatives to what didn’t work for them, or responding to issues posed in the work from their own point of view.
This evolution can be seen in the transition from Stanislavski techniques to later techniques like the Meisner technique, which incorporates exercises such as the repetition exercise.
This may give us pause for thought about why it’s important for us to read acting theory books and how we may respond to them, as they all contribute to our understanding of different acting styles and performance techniques.
2. Each practitioner’s methodology reflects their background and experiences, and there will be one that resonates with you (even if it’s not the one you expect).
Not only do drama practitioners take inspiration and instruction from the practitioners who came before them, but from their own lives too. This is crucial, as these practitioners aren’t just relying on theory.
They are reflecting on the world around them and their experiences of life. These impact their own unique take on formulating an acting approach and, in fact, may be the key to finding the practitioners that make sense to you.
Often, the experiences we have in life are the main cause of the way we view things and the opinions we hold. This in turn, impacts how we respond to creative stimulus and approach character development.
Understanding the contrast between method acting vs natural acting can help actors choose the approach that best suits their style and the demands of a particular role.
By finding acting practitioners with whom you have a similar life philosophy, you may be able to find a similar philosophy of acting practice, too.
This could influence your approach to emotional authenticity and how you engage with given circumstances in a role.
Crucially, this may not be the acting practitioners you expect it to be. Perhaps you want to be a serious dramatic film actor, so you assume method acting is the one for you.
Maybe you think being present and instinctive is all you need to create great work and find your home with the Meisner technique.
That’s great, and there’s nothing to say these practitioners won’t have a great and important impact on your work. However, make sure you don’t write off others by judging a book by its cover.
Did you know clowns like Lecoq and Gaulier based their work partially on their experience of post-war Europe? Their relationship to tragedy can help us approach serious and socio-political questions, demonstrating how physical theatre can contribute to emotional depth.
Jacques Lecoq techniques, for instance, emphasize the importance of movement in drama and physicality in creating authentic performances.
Did you know Grotowski’s movement in acting system was developed in order to help the actor dig beneath the surface and find a deeper sense of truth?
This shows how physicality in acting can be a pathway to emotional authenticity. Understanding various types of physical theatre can greatly enhance an actor’s range and ability to convey emotions through body language.
Exploring the reality of the works of these practitioners can help us find the truth of their work.
Hodge’s book is a fantastic rung on the ladder in achieving this understanding of various acting techniques and rehearsal techniques.
3. Forming your own opinions, and critiques and building your own methodology based on others is as important as any other part of being an actor.
As discussed before, every single one of these practitioners built off what came before them. They were experts in the tradition of their craft. However, what made them truly great was not being afraid to add their own voice to the mix.
By following this model, I believe that we ourselves can rise above copying and go forward into creating, in not just our roles but our entire way of working. We can begin to create a personal practice that works for us.
I feel that there are three steps in following this approach to become an acting expert.
First, is to acquire as much knowledge as possible about the actors who came before. You cannot be in conversation if you do not know what has already been discussed. Plus, this saves you time in figuring things out.
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel because it has already been done for you. This includes understanding different approaches to scene work, improvisation, and even voice training.
Studying the work of some of the best method actors can provide valuable insights into this intense and immersive approach to acting.
Second, is to form your own opinions. Critique what you’ve read. If you disagree with something or find it’s not for you, then understand why. Cut it from your practice. If something works for you, then understand why. Include it in your practice.
Feel free to be selective. You are your own person and your perspective is important too. This could involve experimenting with different rehearsal techniques or approaches to line-learning.
Third, is to add your own ideas and continue the practitioner’s line of thinking. Perhaps you have found a unique way of combining the work of multiple practitioners, blending elements of naturalism with physical theatre.
Perhaps you think a practitioner’s work on a particular area is incomplete. Or perhaps you have something new to add to the conversation.
This is where you come into your own right as a creative acting practitioner.
Key take aways from Actor Training by Alison Hodge
The key take aways from actor training are that;
- All methodologies are valid; it’s about finding what works for you.
- All practitioners are part of a wider conversation.
- Your voice is just as valid as anyone else’s.
Through reading Actor Training, you can begin to take those steps in becoming an acting expert. Discover methodologies you want to dive deeper into and find your own place in the art.
The Ultimate Actor’s reading list
This book is included right at the top of my Ultimate Actor’s Reading List. If you’re looking for your next acting book, check out the list to find the perfect one for you.
Conclusion
Whether you’re interested in method acting, physical theatre, or any other acting style, this book provides a solid foundation for understanding the diverse landscape of acting techniques and drama practitioners.
For those considering formal training, many drama schools offer programs that explore various acting methods, from the Stanislavski style of theatre to more contemporary approaches like Viewpoints.
These programs often incorporate a range of exercises focusing on physical action, emotional recall, and other essential acting skills.
Remember, great actors are not just performers but also students of their craft.
By studying different types of acting and continuously honing your skills in areas like active listening and spatial awareness, you can develop a well-rounded approach to your craft.
Whether you’re performing Shakespeare or engaging in a rhythmical stage act, a deep understanding of various acting techniques will serve you well in your journey as an actor.
