DHALX05 Meisner technique

Theatre Faculty
Summer 2026
Extent and Intensity
0/3/0. 1 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
BcA. Lucie Rossi (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. MgA. Lukáš Rieger, Ph.D.
26/27 Dramatic Acting Department – Dramatic Acting Department – Dean’s Office – Theatre Faculty – Janáček Academy of Performing Arts
Supplier department: 26/27 Dramatic Acting Department – Dramatic Acting Department – Dean’s Office – Theatre Faculty – Janáček Academy of Performing Arts
Timetable of Seminar Groups
DHALX05/FD: Mon 14:30–17:00 301, L. Rossi
DHALX05/CH: Wed 8:30–10:00 105, Wed 12:45–13:30 105, L. Rossi
Prerequisites

Enrollment in this course requires successful completion of Meisner Technique I (two semesters) and Meisner Technique II (one semester).

Students entering the course are expected to have a solid foundation in the core principles of the Meisner technique, including repetition exercises, emotional preparation, independent activity, and moment-to-moment action. They should demonstrate the ability to work in genuine contact with a scene partner, openness to feedback, and readiness to integrate the technique more deeply into work with a fixed dramatic text.

Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives

The aim of the course is to develop the student’s ability to live truthfully and presently within a precisely structured dramatic text through the application of the Meisner technique. The course focuses on practical acting work with a Shakespearean sonnet as a fixed formal structure that supports, rather than limits, the actor’s freedom.

Emphasis is placed on moment-to-moment action, relationship to a partner (including an imaginary one), the willingness to take risks and enter discomfort, and the integration of technical work with rhythm and structure into a living, responsive performance. The course is led by two instructors who provide complementary perspectives and individual guidance throughout the process.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • act truthfully and vividly within a fixed Shakespearean text,

  • apply core principles of the Meisner technique (active listening, impulsive response, emotional preparation, contact),

  • demonstrate awareness of the rhythmic and formal structure of a sonnet and use it as support for authentic action,

  • maintain connection with partner, self, and circumstances,

  • reflect critically on their own artistic process and development,

  • present their work publicly in a final performance as a synthesis of technical precision and truthful acting.

Syllabus

The course is structured as continuous practical work on a selected Shakespearean sonnet that students have previously chosen and memorized. Throughout the semester, students repeatedly return to the same text, deepening their work technically, emotionally, and relationally.

The syllabus includes:

  • detailed work on rhythm, structure, and vocal expression of the sonnet,

  • application of Meisner technique principles to a fixed text,

  • development of moment-to-moment action within structured language,

  • work with an imaginary partner and given circumstances,

  • individual coaching and feedback from both instructors,

  • active observation of classmates’ work as an integral part of learning,

  • preparation for the final public performance (showing).

A written reflective paper submitted at the end of the semester forms part of the course requirements.

Literature
    required literature
  • ARISTOTELÉS. Poetika. Praha: Oikoymenh, 2014. info
Teaching methods

The course is taught through practical studio work, individual performance in front of the group, guided reflection, and structured observation. The methodological framework is based on core principles of the Meisner technique, particularly active listening, spontaneous response, emotional preparation, and truthful action in the present moment.

The two instructors jointly lead the course, alternating and complementing each other in feedback, demonstrations, and individual guidance. Active observation is considered an equal and essential learning tool. Technical elements (rhythm, structure, vocal awareness) are integrated with relational and emotional work.

Assessment methods

Assessment is based on continuous evaluation of the student’s work throughout the semester and on the quality of the final public showing. The evaluation focuses on:

  • truthfulness of action and moment-to-moment responsiveness,

  • relationship to the text and its formal structure,

  • application of Meisner technique principles,

  • artistic development and visible progress over the semester,

  • professional conduct (attendance, preparedness, respect for the collective process),

  • quality of self-reflection demonstrated in the written paper.

Minimum 80% attendance, consistent preparedness (text memorized), active participation (including observation), submission of the reflective paper, and participation in the final public showing are required to receive course credit.

Language of instruction
Czech
The course is also listed under the following terms Summer 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.jamu.cz/course/difa/summer2026/DHALX05