What makes a performance truly unforgettable—technique or instinct? 

The answer often lies in the acting style behind it.

Acting has evolved through the centuries, shaped by visionaries like Stanislavski, Strasberg, Adler, and Meisner. Each brought a unique lens to what it means to embody a character, shaping how actors train and transform on stage and screen. 

ActingClass by the Pallikoodam explores western and eastern acting philosophies, from Stanislavski’s psychological system to Meisner’s instinctual spontaneity. Let’s trace this lineage and reveal what makes each style so transformative.

Stanislavski’s System: Foundations of Modern Acting

Konstantin Stanislavski is often called “the father of modern acting”. acting with a focus on psychological truth and introduced the “magic if” (“What if I were in this character’s situation?”) to inspire realistic reactions.

Actors identify objectives (what they want) and super-objectives (the play’s overall goal), and use emotional memory, drawing on personal feelings or senses, to bring authenticity to performance.

He famously outlined seven key questions (e.g. “Who am I? What do I want?”) that help actors deeply inhabit their roles.

Strasberg’s Method: Emotional Recall for Actors

 Lee Strasberg adapted Stanislavski’s ideas into the American Method, emphasizing emotional recall. Actors relive personal memories to generate genuine emotions on stage or screen.

Becoming the Role: He taught substitution, urging actors to literally become the character by immersing themselves in its life. This intense immersion often means experiencing real fear, joy, or anger to capture a truthful performance.

Stella Adler: Imagination & Independence in Acting

Adler studied with Stanislavski but rejected emotional memory. She insisted the actor’s imagination could be as vivid as real experience, making acting less painful.

Actors are encouraged to research and build rich backstories, bringing knowledge and creativity to the role. Adler taught students to make bold, informed choices that express the character’s intentions and feelings.

Her method gives actors independence and confidence. By expanding their worldview and visualizing vivid images, performers create authentic moments without relying on personal trauma

Meisner Technique: Authentic Acting Through Spontaneity

Meisner’s hallmark is the Repetition Exercise. Two actors repeat simple phrases back and forth until natural emotion emerges. This drill sharpens true listening and spontaneous reaction.

He urged actors to stay present and instinctive, responding honestly in each moment. “Live truthfully under imaginary circumstances” means making real choices even during rehearsal.

Rather than scripted emotion, Meisner advocates arriving on stage ready to feel whatever the scene requires. This focus on genuine response keeps performances fresh and compelling.

Putting It All Together: Finding Your Acting Style

There’s no single best technique. Stanislavski’s introspection and Meisner’s spontaneity represent two ends of a spectrum. Many actors blend methods — drawing on memory, imagination and improvisation, to fit different roles and personalities.

As one source notes, the best acting style is deeply personal. Experiment with various approaches (in class or on stage) to find what resonates with you.

If exploring different acting styles got you thinking about your own approach, ActingClass with Lakshmipriyaa Chandramouli is a space that lets you try things out without being tied to one method. It brings together ideas from both Eastern and Western traditions, helping you build technique and clarity in performance, at your own pace.