Lee Strasberg developed The Method as a way of training actors to act realistically and with true emotion. His inspiration for The Method came from Stanislavski and his work at the Moscow Art Theatre. Lee noticed there were problems the actors continually faced and they were not able to fully engage with their emotions. He refined The Method and began teaching it to his students at The Actor’s Studio in New York City. The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York City was opened 50 years ago this year concurrently with The Lee Strasberg Institute in Los Angeles for students to be trained specifically in Method Acting. For decades, Method Acting has helped many actors develop their techniques and fulfill their potential. The Method has changed the lives and careers of countless actors and changed the face of American Theater and film.
Of the many notable alumni that have come from The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Insitute, and a majority of them consistently use Method Acting Techniques in their acting work. Here is what some of our alumni have said about Method Acting.
“I have to say the Strasberg Institute as an actor had the most profound effect on me. And I would say the tools that I learned studying here have been the most valuable tools that I to this day bring to the work. Both in the theatre and in film.”
Karen Allen at her 2011 StrasbergTALK in New York City
“I still use a straight back chair to relax in, I do it on television sets, on movie sets, in my dressing room at theatres.”
Vincent D’Onofrio in his 2017 Strasberg Master Class in New York City
“The whole idea that your are your instrument. A violinist has a violin and you have your emotional instrument… If you are going to be on Broadway it is your job to get your emotional instrument in good shape”
Estelle Parsons at her 2014 StrasbergTALK in New York City
“The foundation of my acting, everything is built on Strasberg. Relaxation and all that stuff I do it before every audition… Everything we need as actors is inside ourselves… In [Strasberg] acting is at its purest.”
Joshua Chang, known for Silicon Valley and Jane the Virgin
Strasberg taught me what the truth is and that you have to bring it back to your heart… you know the truth. The Method keeps me grounded and coming with more passion and focus on being a good actor.
Benjamin Josiah Tan, Singaporean actor known for Long, Long Time Ago
What is Method Acting and History pages are perfect for anyone who wants to know more about the creation of The Method and Lee Strasberg’s life.
For more about what our alumni are doing right now, check out our Alumni News Page.
If you are an alumni and have a story you think should be featured, please email [email protected].