In this 15-class workshop, we will explore Sanford Meisner’s renowned approach to acting, learning to act moment to moment, behave truthfully, and follow impulses rather than overthinking. Through dynamic exercises and scene work, students will develop core acting skills rooted in listening, following instinct, and embracing truthful raw emotions.
You’ll discover how to:
Truly listen and respond to your scene partner
Get out of your head and into the moment
Trust your instincts and emotional impulses
Bring imaginary circumstances to life with truth, simplicity and fun!
The next "Introduction to the Meisner Technique"
ON FRIDAY EVENINGS
September 5 - December 12, 2025 !
Duration: 15 classes
Time: Friday, 7pm - 9:30pm
Total Hours: 37.5 hours (2.5 hours per class, once a week)
Venue : ELFS Japan
Level: Open to actors of all levels—ideal for those new to the Meisner Technique or looking to solidify their foundation.
Price : ¥80 000
On the final day of the program, we will film the scenes and students will receive edited version of their scene.
CLASS CALENDAR :
September
5 (Friday) (金)
12 (Friday) (金)
19 (Friday) (金)
26 (Friday) (金)
October
3 (Friday) (金)
10 (Friday) (金)
17 (Friday) (金)
24 (Friday) (金)
31 (Friday) (金)
November
7 (Friday) (金)
14 (Friday) (金)
21 (Friday) (金)
28 (Friday) (金)
December
5 (Friday) (金)
12 (Friday) (金)
Weeks 1 : Behave Instead of Thinking
Exercises to cultivate presence, spontaneity, and “really doing.”
Weeks 2 : Read Behaviors / Listen, Really Listen
Group and partner exercises
Introduction to the “Word Repetition” exercise
Weeks 3 : What’s Your Point of View?
Deepening repetition work
Connecting behavior to instincts, impulses and emotional point of view.
Weeks 4 : “As If” and Simple Improvisations
Creating imaginary circumstances using Open scenes (A/B dialogues)
Beginning improvisation work using Meisner’s tools
Week 5 : Enter the Scene Full
Introduction to the “Door and Activity” exercise
Emotional preparation and fully inhabited entrances
Week 6 : Pick Up on Behavior, Not Cues
Scene assignment and first scene readings
Focusing on behavior-driven responses
Weeks 7 – 10: Live Truthfully Under Imaginary Circumstances
Scene work with emphasis on spontaneity and authenticity
Exploring the imaginary circumstances Meisner’s lens (not performance-focused)
Week 11 – 14: Don’t Try to Play the Character, You Already Are
Second Scene Assignment (depending on your progress with the first)
Exploring characterization through physical and emotional choices
Organic script breakdown: approaching the text through instinct, behavior, and emotional truth rather than intellectual analysis.
Week 15: On Camera
Each student will film one scene, putting everything learned into practice in front of the camera.
By the end of the course, students will:
Understand and practice Meisner’s core exercises
Be more emotionally available and responsive
Develop stronger instincts and imaginative engagement
Approach scene work with greater depth and authenticity
“Acting is the ability to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” – Sanford Meisner
WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT THIS CLASS
"Fantastic introduction to the Meisner method. Lucas is an extremely attentive teacher and clearly knows his stuff. Fun and surprisingly intense. I really learnt a lot!"
Matthew T.
"This class is a great way for beginners to understand what acting is, how to bring out emotions, and how to act in the moment."
Yuriy Y.
"Excellent class, highly recommended. The practical lessons were truly empowering!"
Chloe Q.
"It was the second acting class in my life. It was fun yet challenging experience that helped me grow as an actor and get better in touch with my actors instruments: my body, my energy and my emotions. Throughout the class students could rely on Lucas's support, feedback, wise advices and suggestions for further exploration. Being new to acting I had a lot of hesitations and fear of known. Can I do it? Should I even try? What will I get from that experience? In the hindsight I couldn't be much happier that I decided to join the class! It was good time and shaping experience for me, I also got to meet plenty of interesting people."
Igor O.