Sanford Meisner: The Theater's Best Kept Secret

For those of us who actually had the privilege of studying acting with Sanford Meisner, this remarkable documentary is a wonderful reminder of that experience. For those who are curious about the reality of the life of an actor, this is an eye opener.

Sanford Meisner during his teaching career was arguably America's greatest acting teacher. His only serious rivals were Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg, and Uta Hagen. Together they elevated the standard of professional acting in America. Kent Paul's carefully created documentary can make you understand the reasons why this is true.

Before Sandy (as his students refer to him) died, he was asked, "How do you want to be remembered? As a grest teacher?"

He replied, "As an influence." That is already the case, and should be for years to come. Grab the chance to see this documentary the next time that it is shown on PBS or Bravo. It is nothing less than enlightening.

I originally saw this invaluable, wonderful documentary when it was premiered at Joe Papp's Public Theatre in NYC, in 1985.

Immediately I was inspired to learn the Meisner method. I couldn't afford the expensive commitment required at the Neighborhood Playhouse, Meisner's headquarters, but I was fortunate to train for a year with Sandy's favorite teacher---the lovable Fred Kareman, at Carnegie Hall Studios.

It revolutionized my ability to perform and liberated me from all the "mental" techniques we all learned in college and during our formative years.

Luckily I recorded this movie from PBS TV and have used it frequently as a teaching tool. I never became a famous actor, but Meisner's legacy lives on, through me, as I have instructed many, many young people with the nurturing encouragement that Fred Kareman instilled in me. If it hadn't been for Meisner movie, I never would have experienced the true JOY of the "craft" of acting.