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Konstantin Stanislavski, Mikael Chekhov and Sanford Meisner are the names of our inspirational trifecta of techniques and systems. 

Stanislavski was actually the grand master of this trilogy. He was born in Russia, the nephew of the famous playwriter Anton Stanislavski. The Stanislavski system is a foundation system of techniques we use in our drama classes. Konstantin Stanislavski was a Russian actor, director and all round theatrical genius born in Moscow in the late 1800's! He created a system from which realism and real-life experiences were forged into an approach to creating realistic emotions and reaction in theatre acting.

Here at Abbey Road, we believe that tapping into Stanislavski's system creates a formidable foundation in our young actors and actresses. From realism comes accentuation, humor, drama, pantomime and every other class of theatrical art.

It is from the basis of real emotional authenticity, and relatable representation that we can then connect with our audiences and other performers alike. Through this method he pioneered the success of "serious" theatre.

Using this system, we have our students apply real life experiences and felt emotions into their characters and dramatic performances. It is the truest foundation of realism in theatrical and performing arts.

Actors who utilize this fundamental system include Robert DeNiro, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, Meryl Streep and Al Pacino.

Chekhov trained directly under Stanislavski, and being noted by his teacher as his "most brilliant student". The Chekhov technique is another approach we utilize by using this psychophysical approach. This technique uses physical movement, imagination and emotion to create characters or personas that are separate from the actor.

In a way, this technique is almost a form of conscious puppeteering, using the whole “imaginary body” to project characters or personas through. This method is supposed to help actors bypass their own self, feelings and ego to create an alter that can absorb the emotional impact.

When we are given a character to portray, being able to imagine their physical representation enables us to step outside of ourselves, and into their temporary existence.

Our drama students are encouraged to he led by the “mood” to feed their character’s presentation. With movement modalities and physical expression, they are able to create an almost entirely new physical being while maintaining mental separation, unlike method acting which drives the actor to almost entirely immerse themselves into their character.

Russian-American actor, his method was created in the 1920’s and is still utilized today all over the world. Actors who use this method include Sir Anthony Hopkins, Gregory peck, Ingrid Bergman and Clint Eastwood.

 The Meisner technique is rooted deeply into the teachings of Stanislavski. This technique focuses on, similarly to both Stanislavski and Chekhov, "Living truthfully under imaginary circumstances". This method of acting is characterized by repetitive exercises, emotional preparation and improvisation. It's deeply set in creating instinctive, organic and connected relationships on stage. Honesty and truthfulness in your emotions of each character portrayed as real, stemming from one's ability to step into the character's emotional responses and personality. 

 Meisner perfected this technique in the 1930's and over the decades to follow during his time at the Neighborhood playhouse in New York. He worked alongside the likes of Lee Strasburg and Harold Clurman. While the Meisner technique is heavily influenced by "method acting", it is separated somewhat by the actor's ability to step out of the role they are playing, unlike method acting which often requires lifestyle changes off-stage to full immerse the actor into their character. 

The Meisner technique is implemented the world over in drama and acting schools to prepare students to perform from an emotionally authentic perspective, being able to naturally interpret scripts and screenplays, while building an impressive improv response, again drawing from organic reaction, emotion and human behavior. Notable actors trained in this method include Chadwick Boseman, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, James Gandolfini, Timothee Chalamet, Sandra Bullock and Sam Rockwell.