Use of learned skills of acting, movement, speech, and interpretation to create roles.

An acting technique originally conceived by David Mamet and William H. Macy. It is based on the practice of breaking down a scene using a four-step analysis that entails the following: The Literal, The Want, The Essential Action, and The As If.

An approach to training actors that was the first to involve something more than merely physical and vocal training. This system begins internally, but also includes external acting to create an honest character. It is detailed in The Actor Prepares, Building a Character, and Creating a Role.

An acting technique adapted for stage by Anne Bogart. It is an improvisational system that trains an actor to use their body in space, shape, time, emotion, movement, and story to create meaning.

A theatrical technique of suggesting action, character, or emotion without words, using only gesture, expression, and movement.

The art of exaggerated movements, to create imagined props in a scene with dialogue.

A training and rehearsal technique that seeks to encourage sincere and emotionally expressive performances, through sociological aspects. It focuses on the development of independent actors, the power of imagination, the importance of action, script interpretation, and the cultivation of a rich humanity.

A training and rehearsal technique that seeks to encourage sincere and emotionally expressive performances, through behavioral aspects. This technique focuses on the reality of doing, as well as living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.

A training and rehearsal technique that seeks to encourage sincere and emotionally expressive performances, through psychological truthfulness. This technique involves combining improvisation and affective memory to create the appropriate emotions demanded of the character.