Studied with Uta and Sandy Meisner, 1 cycle each. 95% of the students were so rapped up in pleasing teacher. I learned more about acting by getting up on a stage and getting in front of a camera. Always made a living in NYC andLA.Now my Guild pension and Social security always keeps me in the MOMENT and I'm still working.....for what it's worth.
Thank you Matthew. I auditioned for a prestigious acting school in Atlanta. I thought I did great, but the director put me in intermediate class and told me to brush up on Uta. Now, from watching for a little while, I can see several things that I could have done better! Uta is legendary.
"When I go to the theater, if I can see the acting I really don't like it." Here here! The best actors out there are the ones who never show you that they're acting.
Yes. She passed away in 2004. I was listening to an audio recording of her as Desdemona alongside Paul Robeson's "Othello" from the '40s. Unbelievable that no one had the foresight of filming a performance!
That advice with the props is a little gem. It sounds like common sense but you see the difference in the reality of the performance, when straightening the trousers on the hanger is a background detail, and she's listening to the actor first.
Uta Hagen is a goddess. It's not just Meryl (or Amanda Peet or Whoopie) who recommeds her... she's pretty much the standard by which teachers are judged.
Lindsay Crouse is one of the most underrated actresses in the world and I love hearing Uta Hagen say that she should be on stage all the time. Her performance opposite Joe Mangegna in "House of Games" is so wickedly funny I can't go six months without rewatching that movie.
I am fortunate enough to be studying with one of Uta Hagen's disciples, and he is an excellent teacher, but I would have loved taking the class with Miss Hagen herself. It's too bad none of us have that opportunity any longer.
I wanted to take acting lessons for awhile too, but just like you i was terrified.Then I took a one week introduction class and was absolutely hooked! You never know if you like it untill you try it! To prepare for my first acting class i read a couple books on acting which helped. And yes, it gives you that much more confidence when it comes to public speaking and improves communication skills!
This is Brilliant! I love the fact that Whoopi speaking in such hushed, hallowed terms about her. How I wish we had acting teachers who really cut to the chase like this, instead of ritually indulging in the vague, messy expensive wankfest which never made any sense. This makes SENSE, I love this. Thanks soo much for posting. Inspiring and very, very affirming.
this is really really cool! I am inspired to film my acting class now and this was the best acting at it's time... but the only of it's kind.. to shed light on this still cutting edge and evolving art form that is impossible to teach and learn but just comes naturally after time and with a Guru type mentor to take you all the way...
Ive seen this video and Yes it is great. Uta really knows how to help other actors turely express themselves as the character they transform into. . . . oh and i think shes a chain smoker!
This is a great video for actors! I studied Uta's technique for 2 1/2 years! I've been working on a channel for acting and I love watching acting videos. Keep in touch!
@Dion1957 I studied with Sandy as well. My experience was not yours at all. Sandy encouraged us all to find our own way, to develop our own path to "living truthfully". Studying with a good teacher is a great way to keep your chops up and work and experiment in between jobs. Athletes, dancers and musicians have coaches that prod and push them to excel, experiment and grow. There is nothing wrong with an actor doing the same with the ultimate goal being to work whenever and wherever you can.
@Talli732 Let me clarify. We should not PUSH to be realistic, to "look natural." But when the actor has done all of the work that he must, he will not really be acting. Rather, he will be responding spontaneously to the realities that he has created for himself. And then, no matter the "size" of the emotion, it will be realistic because he believes in the circumstances.
@AtLastOnTheGround Actually, it's "Hear! Hear!" And that's what Ms. Hagen's teaching was all about. HEAR the other actors, and you'll know what to do. Never stop listening when you're on stage, even if it's just to your own thoughts as the character.
@OctoberAle They each learned from Stanislavsky and took what they absorbed from him and made it their own, Like so many others around that time. They all put their own stamp on what they learned.
I think its becouse you get to see what people are really mead of, & when you see something amazzing you just lived it with them basicly.. For the spell binding Part The Shen Yun, or Devin performing arts is very truthfully lived & eligent.. & all of its shows have something deeply born in them. Which is Cultural, based in principles of Anchent baliefes & moderen experinces by thoughs who refine them selfes threw Cultivation I get to valentire this year to sell tickets in Co, I'm excited!
my expeirience is that well experience hepls confidence but just being knowing that what you do is good makes it soo much easier to do it with ease in front of crowds. did that help?
I was in that class and almost put in the final cut I'm desperate to find my footage, if there's anyway possible please let me know I'm happy to pay for it.
@Talli732 @Talli732 Let me clarify. We should not PUSH to be realistic, to "look natural." But when the actor has done all of the work that he must, he will not be acting. Rather, he will be responding spontaneously to the realities that he has created for himself. And then, no matter what, he will -- and the audience will -- believe.
Do you have to audition to get into her class? I feel a bit intimidated just being around these seasoned actors. Where does she teach (if she still does) and how much would these workshops cost?
@borstalboy1981 She didn't so no one ever paces..she said no one ever paces WITHOUT A REASON. I pace too A LOT..and it's always because I'm anxious about something or trying to figure something out.
@emergencyexit16 Pacing is an act of indecision. You want it, you don't want it. The thoughts actually go through your mind subconsciously in real life. But you as actor are aware and you must know what it is that you do, physically, and reproduce it naturally, that's why rehearsals exist.
I know this may seem like a silly question, but recently I've been thinking about Acting, although when I was at school, the thought of having to act infront of class terrified me. If I was to take acting lessons, would this boost my cinfidence? or do you think I'd end up where I was before? ;/
@Talli732 Well no, we shouldn't be naturalistic in our acting (mumbling, slurring words, rubbing noses -- the annoying little unprofessional things that actors who want to "feel natural" onstage do) but, when the actor has done all of his character work and has personalized everything that he must, the acting will be invisible. You don't PUSH for the invisible and realistic acting, it will just happen with the right technique.
@AtLastOnTheGround well, technically, an actor should be able to act without a technique...just the simple fact of the imagined circumstances should be enough to inspire him to act truthfully....technique is for when you dont feel inspired. but yeah that was my biggest gripe with a phrase such as "i shouldnt see the acting" is that for most people that means naturalism. But many characters are way more interesting when they are of the Fantastic Realism kind. They still should be truthful.
Well . . . a different approach might be to go WITH your current strength for the time being, instead of against it. Cultivate your self-consciousness in greater depth . . . with methods like (for example) journaling and taichi. It might take longer to get comfortable with people in this way . . . but it'll probably be on a more well-grounded and authentic basis. Good luck (!)
@AtLastOnTheGround i think that phrase shouldnt be used...because its open to interpretation....what does it mean to "see the acting" you know...many people would disagree on what THE acting is by no means should acting on stage be as it is in our everyday life...Stanislavsky warned us of that.
@QuantumProphet Actors need to be trained... so yes, there should be schools that focus on acting. Let us just hope that the schools teach Uta's wonderful technique.
@trueblue4321 Since when is the comments section restricted to comments of "usefulness?" And your comment is contradictory in itself seeing as its completely pointless to assume I or anyone else would not say such a thing in person.
you dont go to acting because of money or fame if thats your atitude your gonna fail.Ask your friend would she do it if all of her life she would only get an avarage income of acting would she still do it.Of course its an exaduration put if she accpets with the worst then theres nothing to stop her.Also always have plan b because if she fails she can fall back onto sth.Now what i see in your sentence isnt connected with acting at all.what your saying is she wants to help kidsin africa. not actin
I have met someone who calls himself an excellent coach and had studied with Uta Hagen many years ago. But all he tells me to do is to memorize my lines and nothing else. The guy thinks he’s so cool and wants me to be exactly like him. He never bother to provide any guidance but thrown many insults at me and I will never forgive him for that. The guy is a shit actor/coach and I bet Uta Hagen isn’t any different.
I watched this in some college class...boring and a waste of time ...i didnt even take an acting class and wound up watching this in like the fall of 09...holy shit
i think your friend should focus on acting. not becoming famous and go all anjelina jolie and help african kids. that is what bothers me most about the entertainment industry. 95% of the people dont do it for the craft, just for fame and money.
Uninteresting actors. A waste of effort. This is just one way of acting: trying to convice yourself and the audiance that you "are" the character. The best actor is a madman. He knows beyond any doubt that he "is" Jesus Christ.
Studied with Uta and Sandy Meisner, 1 cycle each. 95% of the students were so rapped up in pleasing teacher.
I learned more about acting by getting up on a stage and getting in front of a camera.
Always made a living in NYC andLA.Now my Guild pension and Social security always keeps me in the MOMENT and I'm still working.....for what it's worth.
Ms. Hagen was the refutation of the phrase, "those who cannot do, teach". She was a master at both.
Well said
OMG I felt the realness when she acted out that one line!!! She's soooo good I want that DVD!!!!
Thank you Matthew. I auditioned for a prestigious acting school in Atlanta. I thought I did great, but the director put me in intermediate class and told me to brush up on Uta. Now, from watching for a little while, I can see several things that I could have done better! Uta is legendary.
"When I go to the theater, if I can see the acting I really don't like it."
Here here! The best actors out there are the ones who never show you that they're acting.
She looks like one of the best teachers I've seen, makes me want to take acting classes
Yes. She passed away in 2004. I was listening to an audio recording of her as Desdemona alongside Paul Robeson's "Othello" from the '40s. Unbelievable that no one had the foresight of filming a performance!
This DVD is availble both through Amazon and HB Studios in New York, which is where she taught.
It is DEFINITELY at the top of my Christmas list!
That advice with the props is a little gem. It sounds like common sense but you see the difference in the reality of the performance, when straightening the trousers on the hanger is a background detail, and she's listening to the actor first.
Uta Hagen is a goddess. It's not just Meryl (or Amanda Peet or Whoopie) who recommeds her... she's pretty much the standard by which teachers are judged.
Lindsay Crouse is one of the most underrated actresses in the world and I love hearing Uta Hagen say that she should be on stage all the time. Her performance opposite Joe Mangegna in "House of Games" is so wickedly funny I can't go six months without rewatching that movie.
I am fortunate enough to be studying with one of Uta Hagen's disciples, and he is an excellent teacher, but I would have loved taking the class with Miss Hagen herself. It's too bad none of us have that opportunity any longer.
Our theatre teacher is teaching us her techniques now. We love her!
I wanted to take acting lessons for awhile too, but just like you i was terrified.Then I took a one week introduction class and was absolutely hooked! You never know if you like it untill you try it! To prepare for my first acting class i read a couple books on acting which helped. And yes, it gives you that much more confidence when it comes to public speaking and improves communication skills!
Being in Uta's class was inspiring. Thank you Uta... I going into my third decade of coaching acting.-Anne Hulegard
This was awesome. It is nice to see different peoples opinions.
This is great stuff. The thing I love most about acting is the fact that you can be honest. Whoopie Goldberg. Big up.
This is Brilliant! I love the fact that Whoopi speaking in such hushed, hallowed terms about her. How I wish we had acting teachers who really cut to the chase like this, instead of ritually indulging in the vague, messy expensive wankfest which never made any sense. This makes SENSE, I love this. Thanks soo much for posting. Inspiring and very, very affirming.
this is really really cool! I am inspired to film my acting class now and this was the best acting at it's time... but the only of it's kind.. to shed light on this still cutting edge and evolving art form that is impossible to teach and learn but just comes naturally after time and with a Guru type mentor to take you all the way...
She was so incredible in 'Virginia Woolf', and there IS a video of it somewhere.
Ive seen this video and Yes it is great. Uta really knows how to help other actors turely express themselves as the character they transform into. . . . oh and i think shes a chain smoker!
1: 30 i saw her in a movie at 11 i'm 30 now and i still remember that movie shes a great actress
Uta was also an underrated film actress. Loved her as Ada in "The Other". Did a great job playing a Nazi in "The Boys from Brazil".
This is a great video for actors! I studied Uta's technique for 2 1/2 years!
I've been working on a channel for acting and I love watching acting videos. Keep in touch!
"And those who can't teach, teach gym." - Jack Black
@Dion1957 I studied with Sandy as well. My experience was not yours at all. Sandy encouraged us all to find our own way, to develop our own path to "living truthfully". Studying with a good teacher is a great way to keep your chops up and work and experiment in between jobs. Athletes, dancers and musicians have coaches that prod and push them to excel, experiment and grow. There is nothing wrong with an actor doing the same with the ultimate goal being to work whenever and wherever you can.
@Talli732
Let me clarify. We should not PUSH to be realistic, to "look natural." But when the actor has done all of the work that he must, he will not really be acting. Rather, he will be responding spontaneously to the realities that he has created for himself. And then, no matter the "size" of the emotion, it will be realistic because he believes in the circumstances.
shes pure life :)
@AtLastOnTheGround Actually, it's "Hear! Hear!" And that's what Ms. Hagen's teaching was all about. HEAR the other actors, and you'll know what to do. Never stop listening when you're on stage, even if it's just to your own thoughts as the character.
19 people are really good at acting like they don't like this.
@OctoberAle They each learned from Stanislavsky and took what they absorbed from him and made it their own, Like so many others around that time. They all put their own stamp on what they learned.
I think its becouse you get to see what people are really mead of, & when you see something amazzing you just lived it with them basicly.. For the spell binding Part
The Shen Yun, or Devin performing arts is very truthfully lived & eligent.. & all of its shows have something deeply born in them. Which is Cultural, based in principles of Anchent baliefes & moderen experinces by thoughs who refine them selfes threw Cultivation
I get to valentire this year to sell tickets in Co, I'm excited!
my expeirience is that well experience hepls confidence but just being knowing that what you do is good makes it soo much easier to do it with ease in front of crowds. did that help?
I was in that class and almost put in the final cut I'm desperate to find my footage, if there's anyway possible please let me know I'm happy to pay for it.
I love this video!! You guys are so cool!! do you also have your video on globaltalentshow com???
yes it should be because its what you WANT to do.
@Talli732
@Talli732
Let me clarify. We should not PUSH to be realistic, to "look natural." But when the actor has done all of the work that he must, he will not be acting. Rather, he will be responding spontaneously to the realities that he has created for himself. And then, no matter what, he will -- and the audience will -- believe.
I miss you:(
Do you have to audition to get into her class? I feel a bit intimidated just being around these seasoned actors.
Where does she teach (if she still does) and how much would these workshops cost?
@borstalboy1981 She didn't so no one ever paces..she said no one ever paces WITHOUT A REASON. I pace too A LOT..and it's always because I'm anxious about something or trying to figure something out.
Sounds cool!
@emergencyexit16 Pacing is an act of indecision. You want it, you don't want it. The thoughts actually go through your mind subconsciously in real life. But you as actor are aware and you must know what it is that you do, physically, and reproduce it naturally, that's why rehearsals exist.
Is this the lady from "Murder She Wrote?"
I know this may seem like a silly question, but recently I've been thinking about Acting, although when I was at school, the thought of having to act infront of class terrified me. If I was to take acting lessons, would this boost my cinfidence? or do you think I'd end up where I was before? ;/
@Talli732
Well no, we shouldn't be naturalistic in our acting (mumbling, slurring words, rubbing noses -- the annoying little unprofessional things that actors who want to "feel natural" onstage do) but, when the actor has done all of his character work and has personalized everything that he must, the acting will be invisible. You don't PUSH for the invisible and realistic acting, it will just happen with the right technique.
@AtLastOnTheGround well, technically, an actor should be able to act without a technique...just the simple fact of the imagined circumstances should be enough to inspire him to act truthfully....technique is for when you dont feel inspired.
but yeah that was my biggest gripe with a phrase such as "i shouldnt see the acting" is that for most people that means naturalism. But many characters are way more interesting when they are of the Fantastic Realism kind. They still should be truthful.
Who had the better acting technique? Stanislavski or Michael chekov?
Would anyone say uta's technique is similar to stella adlers? If not whats the difference?
wonderful! thank you!
very educational! Thanks
Anybody know of any Arkansas schools just for acting????
Well . . . a different approach might be to go WITH your current strength for the time being, instead of against it.
Cultivate your self-consciousness in greater depth . . . with methods like (for example) journaling and taichi.
It might take longer to get comfortable with people in this way . . . but it'll probably be on a more well-grounded and authentic basis.
Good luck (!)
@AtLastOnTheGround i think that phrase shouldnt be used...because its open to interpretation....what does it mean to "see the acting" you know...many people would disagree on what THE acting is
by no means should acting on stage be as it is in our everyday life...Stanislavsky warned us of that.
Thank you for your help. ^^
im taking my drama gcse soon and i was wondering what books you read or which ones you think would be useful for me to read x
2:20 Never cared for a pacing direction.
Why is the pace what it is?
Richard Holliday Actor
Stop hiv 101 para la semana que viene y colaboración
awsome. :)
@QuantumProphet
Actors need to be trained... so yes, there should be schools that focus on acting. Let us just hope that the schools teach Uta's wonderful technique.
Hmmm..Maybe Amanda Peet should go back.
@trueblue4321 Since when is the comments section restricted to comments of "usefulness?" And your comment is contradictory in itself seeing as its completely pointless to assume I or anyone else would not say such a thing in person.
Whoopi - please take it easy on the pot.
I believe she's no longer alive. I could be wrong though.
I actually pace all the time...
@GomerDosethen you must be a bad actor because
that video was good.
🎭🕯🚬💍🎓🏟⛺🕌💌
hmmmmm. do all the activity before learning the lines.
Um, she's actually already dead.
Stanislavski
Gosh! woopy have no eyebrows :S
i dont want
i think that is wrong advice
you dont go to acting because of money or fame if thats your atitude your gonna fail.Ask your friend would she do it if all of her life she would only get an avarage income of acting would she still do it.Of course its an exaduration put if she accpets with the worst then theres nothing to stop her.Also always have plan b because if she fails she can fall back onto sth.Now what i see in your sentence isnt connected with acting at all.what your saying is she wants to help kidsin africa. not actin
5370861red
are you now trying to become mad?
For that you will not need to take any acting classes. Society will make you mad- for free.
Amanda Peet is better looking than Beth Ostrosky.
I have met someone who calls himself an excellent coach and had studied with Uta Hagen many years ago. But all he tells me to do is to memorize my lines and nothing else. The guy thinks he’s so cool and wants me to be exactly like him. He never bother to provide any guidance but thrown many insults at me and I will never forgive him for that. The guy is a shit actor/coach and I bet Uta Hagen isn’t any different.
I personally believe that you shouldn't get into acting just for fame and fortune.
I watched this in some college class...boring and a waste of time ...i didnt even take an acting class and wound up watching this in like the fall of 09...holy shit
i think your friend should focus on acting. not becoming famous and go all anjelina jolie and help african kids. that is what bothers me most about the entertainment industry. 95% of the people dont do it for the craft, just for fame and money.
Uninteresting actors. A waste of effort.
This is just one way of acting: trying to convice yourself and the audiance that you "are" the character.
The best actor is a madman. He knows beyond any doubt that he "is" Jesus Christ.