I have almost completed Meisner's book and I feel that his words incorporated with the thoughts of actors who studied with him has helped me along in my own process as I strive to become the best actor I can be. It is extremely clear to me after reading Meisner's book, listening to Mr. Carnegie's words of wisdom, and participating in many excercises and one scene that the most crucial component an actor must grasp in order to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances is to truly know one's self. I believe that this is a very difficult challenge for any human being, but I also believe that a real artist is able to look inside themselves with more intenstity and understanding then someone who has chosen a different path in life. As an artist I feel that my biggest and most important job is being able to connect to what truly affects me. It amazes me that knowing myself could be such hard work. I feel every human lives with some level of denial about themselves, and as an actor I know that being in denial about myself will stunt my artistic expression. It is an incredible feeling for me when I am able to unlock certain aspects of myself that for some reason I was blind to. I believe being able to look at yourself, especially at the your dark side is very courageous and crucial to being a good person and a interesting artist. It excites me that knowing myself is a journey I will be on for my entire life, and that through this journey I will be able to create art. Meisner's approach to acting and this class has given me the tools to find myself on a deeper level and I am so thankful for the clarity, confusion, joy, and sorrow that it has brought to my life. .
