Darcy Tuppen

Darcy Tuppen

Justin Lehmann Studio

 

 

The Meisner Technique emphasises imagination and emotional truth

The studio is passionately focused on the Sanford Meisner Technique. Meisner firmly believed that the last place you want to begin your training as an actor is with a scene. He understood the importance of building a foundation, much like a musician practicing scales. Using the analogy of a ballet dancer, for example, in the first class a dancer would not perform Swan Lake. instead, they would begin at the barre to build strength and develop technique. Similarly, a pianist doesn’t begin with Chopin; they start with scales. And so it is with the Meisner Technique.

The Justin Lehmann Studio provides a thorough, step-by-step process in the Meisner technique designed to establish a solid foundation, as it is only with a strong underpinning that true artistic excellence can be consistently achieved.

Over many years, the Meisner Technique has proven to be a reliable, organic and healthy way to learn the craft of acting. Inspired and deeply informed by the work of New York master teacher, William Esper, Justin Lehmann Studio is dedicated to connecting the actor back to the original purpose and wisdom of Meisner’s famous foundational exercises. As you unfold in this work, your experiences will become more expansive, your work more authentic and your capacity to embrace and work from within yourself will be much richer. This studio is a space for those who have a serious intention to train, and a need to grow and expand in the pursuit of artistic excellence.

LIVING TRUTHFULLY: THE POWER AND PRACTICE OF THE MEISNER TECHNIQUE

The Meisner Technique offers a unique and powerful approach to acting by cultivating an actor’s ability to respond truthfully in the moment. Unlike traditional methods that may focus primarily on intellectual or emotional preparation, the Meisner Technique teaches actors to work instinctively, developing a natural connection to their scene partners and the material. Through exercises like Repetition and Independent Activity, actors learn to listen actively, remain fully present, and respond authentically, which creates a compelling sense of spontaneity and realism in their performances.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Meisner Technique is its emphasis on truthful behaviour under imaginary circumstances. By training actors to focus on their partner rather than themselves, the technique reduces self-consciousness and brings a depth of realism that’s hard to achieve otherwise. This approach not only builds the actor’s confidence but also deepens their ability to work fluidly and dynamically within a scene.

Moreover, Meisner’s progressive layering of exercises—starting with Repetition and evolving to text work—gradually builds the actor’s skill set, making the technique accessible to beginners while challenging enough for advanced practitioners. This structured process allows actors to consistently improve their craft, cultivating skills that remain relevant and powerful in any performance medium, from stage to film.

In short, the Meisner Technique trains actors to live truthfully within a scene, resulting in performances that are both grounded and emotionally resonant. Its emphasis on listening, responding, and being fully present makes it a highly effective method for actors who aspire to bring authentic human experiences to life.