Different Types of Acting — A Comprehensive Guide

Different Forms of Acting

Screen Acting vs Theatre Acting

Let's begin with one of the most basic distinctions in the realm of acting: screen vs stage acting. While both forms of acting serve the same purpose of portraying a character and telling a story, they require different sets of skills. Screen acting involves performing in front of a camera for film or television, while theatre acting involves performing live on stage. 

Screen acting relies heavily on subtlety and realism, with the camera capturing every detail and nuance of an actor's performance. 

On the other hand, theatre acting requires projecting emotions and expressions to a live audience, often exaggerated for visibility and impact. Screen actors have the opportunity for multiple takes and close-ups, while stage actors must deliver their performance with precision in one continuous take. Here is a great interview of Ian McKellen explaining his perspective on the difference between the two.

While both forms of acting are equally demanding and rewarding, they require different techniques and approaches that showcase an actor's versatility and talent.  Take for example, Viola Davis, who has won acclaim for her performances both on stage and in front of the camera.

Types of Acting Methods

Classical Acting

Classical acting is a traditional style that emphasizes the importance of high proficiency in voice, movement, and an understanding of the grand texts of theatrical traditions, particularly those of Greek and Shakespearean drama. 

In classical acting, actors deliver their performance by marrying the precision of spoken word with pronounced physicality. Actors who excel in this domain often have extensive training and are adept at unraveling complex texts, bringing to life characters with depth, clarity, and a timeless appeal.

Classical acting, often hailed as the bedrock of thespianism, is deeply rooted in tradition. It demands a profound comprehension of the text and character, along with flawless delivery. Classical acting teaches actors to embody the spirit of a character and portray it with utmost authenticity.

This art form embodies the essence of storytelling and captivates audiences with its timeless appeal. Renowned classical actors such as Laurence Olivier,  and Judi Dench have consistently showcased their exceptional command over language and physicality, breathing life into characters through their mesmerizing and powerful performances. 

Contemporary actors such as Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson, and Meryl Streep have also embodied the principles of classical acting in their work, demonstrating how this technique continues to be relevant and impactful in modern times.

Popular Types of Acting Techniques

Method Acting

Method acting is a technique that encourages actors to fully inhabit the role they are portraying, to create a genuine and realistic performance. Rooted in the teachings of Lee Strasberg, who adapted the system created by Stanislavski, method actors use their own feelings and experiences to tap into the emotional life of the character. 

This immersive approach has the actor explore deep emotional connections, often staying in character even offstage or off-camera, to deliver a performance that blurs the lines between actor and character. Through this process, actors aim to present a truthful representation of their character's psychology, resulting in an intimate and compelling portrayal.

Method Acting, a technique that demands total immersion in the character, has been popularized by some of the greatest actors of our time.

Actors like Marlon Brando and Daniel Day-Lewis have exemplified method acting, often blurring the lines between themselves and their roles. They've shown us the power of truly living the character both on and off the set. This has led to some of the most impactful performances in film.

Method acting, known for intense and raw performances, has also faced controversy. Critics argue that it may push actors to extreme lengths, risking their mental and physical health for authenticity. 

Instances of actors undergoing stress or endangering themselves to 'become' the character have sparked debates on its ethical implications and impact on well-being. The debate questions if the quality of performance justifies the toll it takes, blurring the line between art and the artist's health.

Types of Acting Styles

Character Acting

Character acting involves the creation of a vivid, distinct persona separate from the actor's public image, allowing them to disappear into the role completely. These roles are often eccentric, unusual, or deeply specific, enabling actors to transform physically and emotionally to fit the narrative. 

Character acting allows actors to flex their creative muscles and fully inhabit a character that may be vastly different from themselves. Here is Samuel L. Jackson giving advice on approaching a character in acting. 

Character actors meticulously craft every nuance of their performance, from the accent to body language, to bring an authentic sense of individuality to their portrayals. This immersion into the character empowers the narrative and enriches the storytelling, often resulting in memorable and standout performances that contribute significantly to the depth and texture of the story.

Iconic examples of character actors are Johnny Depp, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Gary Oldman, who have continuously pushed the boundaries of their craft by taking on diverse and challenging roles. 

Impactful Types of Acting Methods

Stanislavski’s System

Although character acting has recently gained popularity, its roots can be traced back to Stanislavski's system. The Russian director Constantin Stanislavski is considered the father of modern acting techniques. His system emphasizes the need for actors to deeply understand their character's thoughts, emotions, motivations, and actions. 

This approach encourages actors to dive deep into their characters' psyche, exploring their motivations and developing a clear understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

The impact of Stanislavski's system can be seen in the work of today's character actors such as Anthony Hopkins, Cate Blanchett, and Tilda Swinton who all push the boundaries of traditional acting by fully immersing themselves into their roles.

Different Types of Acting in Cinema

Meisner Technique

The Meisner technique, created by Sanford Meisner, focuses on the actor's ability to listen and respond truthfully in the moment. It encourages actors to be fully present and react naturally to their surroundings and fellow actors. This approach helps actors tap into their emotions authentically, resulting in organic and spontaneous performances. 

The Chekhov technique is often used in character acting to create dynamic and vibrant characters that captivate audiences. Notable actors who have used this technique include Jack Nicholson, Marilyn Monroe, and Heath Ledger.

Different Types of Acting

Practical Aesthetics Method

The practical aesthetics method, developed by David Mamet and William H. Macy, is a technique that emphasizes the importance of action over emotion. In this approach, actors focus on their objective in each scene and use it as their driving force to create authentic portrayals of characters.

This technique also relies heavily on improvisation, allowing for spontaneous reactions and genuine interactions between actors. It encourages a more naturalistic and less rehearsed performance, which can be refreshing for both the performers and the audience. 

Examples of actors who have trained in the practical aesthetics method include William H. Macy, Felicity Huffman, and Clark Gregg.

Different Styles of Acting in Comedy

Comedic Acting

Comedic acting is an art that relies on timing, expression, and a deep understanding of humor to elicit laughter and delight from an audience. It's a unique form of acting that often involves exaggerated characters, witty dialogue, and situations that provoke amusement. 

Unlike dramatic acting, which is rooted in realism and emotion, comedic acting emphasizes the lighter side of life, often portraying the human experience through a humorous lens. In comedy, the actor must carefully balance the performance to deliver the humor naturally, without undermining the believability of the character or situation. 

Comedic actors like Jim Carrey, Steve Carrell, and Melissa McCarthy have shown us how laughter can be the best medicine. Their performances highlight the importance of comedic acting in lightening our spirits and bringing joy to our lives.

This style of acting requires agility in both physical comedy and the nuanced delivery of lines, with great comic actors often being quick thinkers, adept at improvisation, and skilled at connecting with their audience.

Theatrical Types of Acting Styles

Musical Theatre Acting

Musical theatre acting combines singing, dancing, and acting to bring stories to life in a dynamic and colorful way. Performers express their character's emotions through music, choreography, and spoken dialogue while maintaining continuity with the overall narrative. 

Actors in musical theatre must be versatile and proficient in all three disciplines, pushing the boundaries of their talents to captivate audiences effectively. 

Musical theatre actors like Hugh Jackman and Lin-Manuel Miranda are often referred to as 'triple threats' for their ability to act, sing, and dance with equal prowess. Their performances showcase the versatility and talent required in musical theatre.

Energy, projection, and connecting with live audiences are crucial skills for success in this genre. The melodic score heightens actors' performances, creating a visually and acoustically rich storytelling experience.

How to Use Different Styles of Acting Together

The Convergence of Techniques

Actors today have discovered a fascinating blend of classical acting, method acting, and character acting techniques. This convergence allows them to harness the strengths of each approach, resulting in captivating and nuanced performances that defy categorization.

The work of talented actors like Viola Davis, Denzel Washington, and Cate Blanchett exemplifies this convergence, showcasing a diverse range of skills that blur the lines between traditional techniques and modern interpretations. 

By employing various techniques and methods, actors push the boundaries of traditional acting, sparking inspiration for future generations. As the world of acting evolves, one can only imagine the development of new methods and techniques that will create unforgettable performances. The possibilities are boundless, and the art of acting will continually surprise and delight us for years to come.

Up Next

How Method Actors Prepare

In all acting techniques that have shaped the industry, it becomes clear that an actor's preparation is as crucial as the performance itself. Next, we'll explore the behind-the-scenes prep of method actors shedding light on the rigorous and transformative journey actors undergo to inhabit their roles.

Up Next: How Method Actors Prepare →