11 Jan What is Acting?
You might think that acting is just the process of pretending to be someone or something that you are not – but you would be mistaken. There is much more to being an actor than just knowing how to look and act differently. Character portrayal involves research, understanding, and dedication to an accurate presentation of the subject matter.
Understanding the different types of acting
There are several different types of acting. These include the Stanislavski system, the Chekhov method, Method acting, the Spolin method, the Meisner method, the Practical Aesthetics method, and the Laban movement. In this post, our focus is on a type of acting known as the Heller Approach, and how it differs from Method acting.
In Method acting, the actor aspires to achieve sincere and emotionally expressive performances by fully immersing himself or herself in the role of the character. This involves becoming so devoted to becoming the character that the actor will often stay in character off-screen. Some well-known Method actors include Marlon Brando, Heath Ledger, and Kate Winslet.
What’s different about the Heller Approach?
The Heller Approach is something altogether different. Based upon the lessons of the late Don Richardson, the Heller Approach teaches another way to arrive at emotions. This non-Method technique helps you learn how to analyze a scene and create believable, entertaining characters. It relies on muscle memory and developing a conditioned reflex so that the actor doesn’t have to think about what they are doing. Actors who have used the Heller Approach include Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead), Tyler Blackburn (Pretty Little Liars), Masi Oka (Heroes), Harmon Jones (Children’s Hospital), Ashley Moore (I Know What You Did Last Summer), and Keith Powers (Straight Outta Compton).
With the Heller Approach, actors are taught two phases of acting: Preparation and Execution. Preparation is where you learn everything. Execution is where you allow your body to remember what it has learned. Just like athletes, actors must train with the body and mind. They must not focus on making sure what they are doing looks “right.” This method also addresses anxiety and stage fright.
The Heller Approach teaches students the tools to be able to act under any condition. Brad Heller of The Heller Approach is known for providing the best and most effective acting classes available worldwide. Classes are also available on Zoom, in group classes, and in private lessons. For more information on the program, visit the website at thehellerapproach.com or check out our YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/thehellerapproach.