Introduction
Sanford Meisner’s On Acting is one of the most influential books on acting technique, offering a clear, practical, and no-nonsense approach to the craft. Based on transcripts from his legendary acting classes, the book takes readers on a step-by-step journey through the Meisner Technique—a method focused on truthful, instinctive performance rather than mechanical or forced acting.
Learn and grow from these tried and true techniques.
For anyone serious about acting, this book is an essential read. It strips away the idea of “pretending” and replaces it with a philosophy rooted in genuine emotion, active listening, and truthful response.
Summary of the Book
Unlike traditional acting manuals, On Acting doesn’t provide abstract theories or rigid rules. Instead, it follows Meisner’s students as they progress through his training, illustrating how actors develop their skills over time.
The book covers key aspects of the Meisner Technique, including:
- Repetition Exercises – Training actors to respond instinctively rather than overthinking.
- Emotional Preparation – Helping actors tap into real feelings before entering a scene.
- Independent Activities – Teaching focus and presence through meaningful on-stage actions.
- Listening and Reacting – Encouraging actors to stay fully engaged with their scene partners.
- Subtext and Improvisation – Strengthening authenticity by understanding what’s beneath the words.
Through a combination of class dialogues, practical exercises, and Meisner’s sharp insights, the book provides a structured yet organic way to train as an actor.
What Makes On Acting Unique?
There are many books on acting, but On Acting stands out for its practicality and clarity. Unlike Stanislavski’s An Actor Prepares, which can feel intellectual and theoretical, Meisner’s book is straightforward and action-driven.
Strengths of the Book
- Emphasis on Truthful Acting – Meisner rejects superficial performances and focuses on real emotional connection.
- Clear, Step-by-Step Approach – The book follows students from beginner to advanced stages.
- Real-Classroom Feel – The conversational tone makes it feel like you’re in a live acting class.
- No Overcomplication – Meisner’s method is accessible, even for beginners.
Weaknesses of the Book
- Tough Love Approach – Meisner can be blunt and harsh, which may not suit all readers.
- Lacks Traditional Structure – The book is more of a transcript than a structured textbook.
- Requires Active Practice – This is not a book to read passively; it needs to be applied in real acting exercises.
Who Should Read On Acting?
- Aspiring Actors – If you want a solid foundation in acting, this book is invaluable.
- Experienced Performers – Even trained actors can refine their craft using Meisner’s techniques.
- Directors and Teachers – Understanding the Meisner approach can help in directing and coaching actors.
- Anyone Interested in Authentic Performance – If you struggle with overthinking or being “in your head,” this book will help.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Read for Serious Actors
On Acting by Sanford Meisner is a practical, insightful, and deeply influential book that remains relevant decades after its publication. It challenges actors to let go of self-consciousness, trust their instincts, and engage fully with their scene partners.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, results-driven approach to acting, On Acting is one of the best books you can read.
Rating: 9/10 – A must-have for any serious actor.
Sanford Meisner’s On Acting is a cornerstone of modern acting training, presenting the Meisner Technique in a structured and practical way. The book is written in a conversational format, capturing Meisner’s teachings over a series of acting classes. It follows students as they learn the technique, covering key principles such as repetition exercises, emotional preparation, and living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.
Below is a chapter-by-chapter summary of On Acting
Chapter 1: Introduction – The Reality of Doing
Meisner begins by emphasizing that acting is about truthful behavior, not pretending. He criticizes actors who focus on “playing emotions” rather than genuinely experiencing the scene.
- Key Lesson: “Acting is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.”
- The goal of the Meisner Technique is to train actors to respond truthfully and spontaneously in every moment.
Chapter 2: The Repetition Exercise – Getting Out of Your Head
The first major training exercise is the Repetition Exercise, where two actors repeat a simple phrase back and forth while focusing on their partner’s behavior and emotions.
- Purpose of Repetition:
- Helps actors listen and react truthfully.
- Teaches them to stop “thinking” and start responding instinctively.
- Develops genuine emotional connection with their scene partner.
Meisner insists that acting should never be pre-planned, but rather fluid and responsive to what’s happening in the moment.
Chapter 3: Independent Activities – The Foundation of Acting
Meisner introduces the Independent Activity, where actors must complete a task that requires concentration while engaging in the repetition exercise.
- Why Independent Activities Matter:
- Teaches actors to focus on something real, preventing forced or “acted” behavior.
- Encourages natural reactions rather than manufactured ones.
- Adds depth by making sure actors have an inner life while interacting with others.
Meisner pushes his students to find high-stakes activities that truly engage them.
Chapter 4: Emotional Preparation – Accessing True Feelings
Meisner introduces Emotional Preparation, where actors mentally prepare before a scene by recalling personal experiences or using their imagination to generate emotions.
- Key Points:
- Actors must arrive emotionally full before a scene begins.
- Emotional preparation should be private, personal, and deeply felt.
- Meisner warns against “pushing” emotions—actors should let feelings emerge naturally.
Chapter 5: The Knock on the Door Exercise – Entering a Scene with Purpose
In this exercise, one actor is engaged in an independent activity, while another actor enters the scene with an emotional preparation.
- Key Lesson: The emotional life should organically influence the actor’s behavior upon entering.
- Actors must be affected by what they find in the room, not just their preparation.
This chapter reinforces that acting is about being fully present—reacting not just to internal emotions but also to external changes in the scene.
Chapter 6: Relationship – The Heart of a Scene
Actors often focus too much on their lines and actions rather than their relationship with their scene partner.
- Meisner’s Rule: Your relationship dictates how you act in a scene.
- The way you treat another character must come from a real emotional connection.
For example, a scene between lovers, rivals, or long-lost siblings will drastically change the way an actor behaves, regardless of the words in the script.
Chapter 7: Working with Text – Words as a Roadmap
Meisner insists that actors should not memorize lines robotically. Instead, actors must first find the emotional core of a scene, then allow the words to flow naturally from that emotional life.
- How to Approach a Script:
- Find the relationship in the scene.
- Discover the objective—what does the character want?
- Let emotions dictate how the lines are spoken, rather than reciting them in a pre-planned way.
Meisner teaches that words are secondary—what matters is how they are said and what’s happening beneath them.
Chapter 8: Subtext – The Unspoken Truth Behind Dialogue
This chapter focuses on subtext, the underlying meaning of a scene that isn’t explicitly spoken.
- Actors should focus on:
- What the character is really thinking when saying a line.
- The hidden motivations behind words.
- The non-verbal communication that adds realism to a performance.
Meisner argues that great actors are not just speaking lines—they are living moments.
Chapter 9: Improvisation – Strengthening Instincts
Improvisation is a key part of Meisner’s training, as it forces actors to react truthfully in unpredictable situations.
- Why Improvisation Matters:
- Helps actors develop spontaneity.
- Prevents over-reliance on scripts.
- Strengthens the actor’s ability to stay present and engaged.
Chapter 10: The Reality of the Scene – Finding Truth in Every Moment
Meisner stresses that acting is about real moments, not manufactured ones.
- The biggest acting mistake: Planning exactly how to deliver a line rather than responding to what’s happening.
- The best performances happen when: The actor is fully invested in their circumstances and responds truthfully.
Meisner continues to emphasize that actors must always be engaged, present, and emotionally available in their performances.
Chapter 11: Advanced Scene Work – Putting It All Together
Actors now apply all the previous lessons to fully developed scenes.
- Key Steps for Effective Scene Work:
- Establish a strong relationship with your scene partner.
- Find the stakes—why does this scene matter?
- Use emotional preparation when needed.
- Live moment to moment, rather than planning reactions.
At this point, students start to perform with genuine emotional depth and spontaneity.
Chapter 12: Final Thoughts – The Actor’s Journey
In the concluding chapter, Meisner reminds his students that acting is a lifelong journey.
- Acting is about:
- Authenticity.
- Emotional truth.
- Genuine human connection.
- Meisner’s Final Advice:
- Never fall into mechanical acting.
- Always strive for truth over performance.
- The best actors are the ones who listen, react, and feel deeply.
Conclusion: Why On Acting is Essential for Actors
Sanford Meisner’s On Acting is a practical, no-nonsense guide to acting that strips away artificiality and forces actors to engage fully in their performances.
Why it’s important:
- Teaches actors to stop acting and start living truthfully.
- Provides step-by-step exercises to improve emotional connection.
- Helps actors break bad habits of forced, superficial performances.
If you want to become a more honest, instinctive, and emotionally connected actor, On Acting is a must-read.