Lee Strasberg And "Method" Acting Lesson Plan for 12th Grade Example Students

Unit Lesson Plan: Lee Strasberg and Method Acting

Objectives & Outcomes

• Understand the philosophy and techniques of Method Acting, including the Stanislavski Method's emphasis on self-awareness and introspection.

• Gain practical experience in applying Method Acting techniques, particularly emotional recall, to create authentic and powerful performances.

• Develop an understanding that the Stanislavski Method can be applied to various acting styles, promoting versatility and exploration in performances.

• Recognize the importance of using personal experiences and emotions to inform character portrayals, fostering self-discovery and a deeper connection with the role.

Lesson Design

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Engage students by asking them about their understanding of acting techniques.

• Share the key points about method acting:

a. The Stanislavski Method emphasizes self-awareness and introspection for creating authentic performances.

b. Emotional recall is crucial for establishing profound connections with characters.

c. The Stanislavski Method can be applied to various acting styles, allowing for versatility and artistic exploration.

d. The Actors Studio promotes self-discovery through the use of personal experiences.

2. Exploring Method Acting Techniques (20 minutes)

• Show a short clip from a film or play that demonstrates Method Acting techniques, emphasizing the actors' authentic portrayals.

• Facilitate a class discussion on the clip, encouraging students to identify specific elements of Method Acting observed.

• Introduce the concepts of emotional recall, sense memory, and affective memory, explaining their significance in creating realistic and emotionally resonant performances.

3. Acting Exercise: Emotional Recall (30 minutes)

• Divide students into pairs or small groups.

• Provide each group with a scenario or scene and instruct them to apply emotional recall techniques to enhance their performances.

• Encourage students to draw upon personal memories and experiences to create authentic emotions for their characters.

• Circulate the classroom, offering guidance and feedback to individual groups.

4. Discussion and Analysis (15 minutes)

• Allow each group to perform their scenes for the class.

• Facilitate a post-performance discussion, highlighting the emotional connections established by the actors and their impact on the scene's effectiveness.

• Encourage students to share their experiences, challenges, and discoveries throughout the exercise.

5. Application to Different Acting Styles (15 minutes)

• Discuss how the Stanislavski Method can be adapted to different acting styles, such as realism, stylized, and abstract approaches.

• Show examples or discuss renowned performances that showcase the versatility of the Stanislavski Method in various acting styles.

• Encourage students to consider how they can apply Method Acting techniques to their preferred acting style or explore different styles to broaden their skills.

Assessment

1. Performance Reflection (10 minutes)

• Assign students to write a reflective journal entry or complete a questionnaire, focusing on their experience with emotional recall and the impact it had on their performance.

• Prompt them to describe the challenges faced, discoveries made, and how the technique influenced their portrayal.

2. Scene Analysis (15 minutes)

• Provide students with a scene from a play or film.

• Ask them to analyze how Method Acting techniques, such as emotional recall, could be employed to enhance the characters' depth and authenticity.

• Have students present their analysis in small groups or as a class discussion, highlighting their understanding of Method Acting principles.

Classroom Management

1. Establishing a Safe Environment

• Emphasize the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for actors to explore their emotions and experiences.

• Encourage active listening, empathy, and respect during scene performances and discussions.

2. Collaborative Learning

• Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups for acting exercises, fostering collaboration and mutual support.

• Promote peer feedback and constructive criticism to enhance learning and growth.

3. Individual Attention

• Circulate the classroom during the acting exercise, providing guidance and personalized feedback to each group.

• Address individual concerns or questions during discussions to ensure every student feels supported and engaged.

4. Time Management

• Allocate sufficient time for each activity, allowing for thorough exploration and meaningful discussions.

• Use timers or visual cues to ensure smooth transitions between activities and to keep the lesson on track.

Conclusion

Conclude the lesson by summarizing the key concepts and takeaways discussed throughout the session.

• Emphasize the importance of self-awareness and introspection in Method Acting.

• Reinforce the value of emotional recall and using personal experiences to enhance performances.

• Highlight the versatility of the Stanislavski Method across different acting styles.

• Encourage students to continue exploring Method Acting techniques and to integrate them into their acting practice for greater authenticity and depth.