Professionals  |  Workshop  |  Learn Building the Scene with the Actor & Discovering the Meisner Technique Workshop with Pico Berkowitch

Place:
Centre National de l'Audiovisuel
Dates:
From 02.12.2024
to 16.12.2024
Price:
Actors & Directors: 30€
Application

Application: Please send your CV and your latest work/performances (or a link to your actors.lu page for actors) to formation@cna.etat.lu

All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality by Mylène Carrière (CNA) and Pico Berkowitch.

Application Deadline
01.11.2024

The relationship and collaboration between a director and an actor are crucial in the filmmaking process. Contrary to popular belief, directing actors does not end with casting. It continues throughout the shoot with a dialogue aimed at guiding the actor's creative process. An actor is a key player in the creation of a film, not merely someone who hits their marks and delivers lines "with conviction and feeling" as the director envisions. There exists a language, a mode of communication that aids the actor, excites them, and encourages them to explore beyond the conventional paths.

Acquiring this is the goal of this workshop for directors, alternating between a presentation of tools and practical exercises or scenes, under the guidance of Pico Berkowitch.

"Acting is the ability of the actor to live truthfully under the imaginary circumstances proposed by the author," says Sanford Meisner. He also adds that "Acting is not about saying a text, but about finding what makes the words of the dialogue necessary." Actors, guided by Pico Berkowitch, will be able to discover the Meisner Technique and apply it under the direction of participating directors.

Pico Berkowitch – Filmmaker and Instructor

He has assisted various acting teachers in the United States and France (Barry Primus—actor and filmmaker, Judith Weston—teacher in Los Angeles, Bobby Lewis—founder of the Actors Studio...). He is a certified instructor of the Meisner Technique. Since 1991, he has been coaching and teaching in Belgium, the United States, Norway, the Philippines, Lebanon, Switzerland, and France. He has created weekly actor workshops in Brussels, Paris, and Geneva that provide a training space for actors to develop their skills. Besides his coaching activities, Pico Berkowitch has directed short films and documentaries. He is currently involved in several scriptwriting collaborations with directors in France and Switzerland, as well as a feature film project and a television series in development..

Why Sanford Meisner?

Sanford Meisner is a pivotal figure in the world of theater and cinema. He developed a teaching method that revolutionized the way actors approach their craft.

What Makes His Method Special?

  • Focus on Impulsiveness: Meisner emphasizes the development of the actor's impulsive reactions, encouraging them to respond spontaneously and authentically to situations.
  •  Importance of Listening: The Meisner Technique stresses the importance of active listening. The actor must be fully present in the moment and react to what they hear and observe from their partners.
  • Detachment from Ego: The Meisner Technique helps actors detach from their own ego and focus on the scene's circumstances and other characters.

Key Objectives of the Meisner Technique:

  • More Authentic Performances: By focusing on instinct and listening, actors can create more natural and convincing performances.
  • Greater Creative Freedom: The Meisner Technique encourages actors to explore different possibilities and find their own voice as artists.
  •  Better Collaboration: By learning to listen and react to others, actors can create richer and more interesting dynamics with their partners.

In summary, Sanford Meisner offered actors an innovative and effective approach to developing their talents. His method, which continues to be taught worldwide, has allowed many actors to deliver memorable performances and enrich the theatrical and cinematic landscape.

Dates, information & Participation Conditions
Actors ONLY:


Objectives:

  •  The foundations of the Meisner Technique.
  • Setting up listening training (Repetition Exercise).
  • Introduction to emotional preparation.
  • Scene analysis concepts.

Teaching Methodology: Based on the teaching structure proposed by Sanford Meisner. Definition of an actor's workspace that systematically relies on the personalization of stakes and the deliberate creation of a "life more alive than life itself." Initial practical applications of the principles characterizing this approach and its originality.

Dates: Monday, December 2 to Friday, December 6, 2024

Location: Centre national de l’audiovisuel (CNA), 1B rue du Centenaire L-3475 Dudelange

Audience: Actors, actresses, members of actors.lu

Number of Participants: Maximum 10

Participation Fee : 30€

 

Directors ONLY:


Objectives:

  • Acquisition of communication tools and a common language with actors (action verbs, needs, objectives, etc.).
  • Scene analysis and preparation for working with actors.
  • Awareness of listening to actors' performances and the importance of "layer-by-layer" scene rehearsal.

Teaching Methodology: Alternating between the presentation of tools and practical application, in the form of exercises or scenes, where directors will act under the guidance of the instructor.

Dates: Sunday, December 8 to Thursday, December 12, 2024

Location: Centre national de l’audiovisuel (CNA), 1B rue du Centenaire L-3475 Dudelange

Audience: Directors, filmmakers, members of LARS

Number of Participants: Maximum 8

Participation Fee: 30€

 

Actors AND Directors (Mandatory Participation):


Combining the work through the filming of scenes by the participating directors and actors.

Dates:

  • Saturday, December 14 to Monday, December 16, 2024: Rehearsals and filming
  • Monday, February 3, 2025: Screening and debriefing day (date to be confirmed)

Location: Centre national de l’audiovisuel (CNA), 1B rue du Centenaire L-3475 Dudelange

Audience: Actors, actresses, directors, filmmakers participating in the training 

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