Bridging Linklater Voice and Meisner Acting within the Chinese Classroom

Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) published my newest article!

VASTA is a world renowned organisation focused on all aspects related to the study of voice and speech. Its members hail from multiple countries, including (and not limited to) the United States of America, Britain, France, Italy, Australia, Singapore, Germany and China. Their primary concern is the research, promotion and study of the fields of voice and speech. They collect knowledge and experience from each country's experts and share this knowledge and experience with the rest of the world.

I am extremely pleased that, through VASTA, everybody can further understand The Chu Acting Method's curriculum and background. My newest article "Bridging Linklater Voice and Meisner Acting within the Chinese Classroom" was published on the 13th November 2022! This article has special significance for me: I started the research process in 2018 when I taught at the nationally acclaimed Shanghai Theater Academy, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. I explored how I could integrate the Meisner Acting Technique and Linklater Voice Method so that students could learn more quickly, effectively and directly. Through years of reflection, research and experimentation, I have laid out my findings in this attached article.

You may be asking: "So what are the common goals of these two techniques? How would you integrate them?"

My answer is: "Both techniques emphasise living truthfully, relaxation, and the ability to dive into imaginary circumstances. The most effective way to integrate these two techniques is to simultaneously teach their most essential elements - that is, to relax, breathe, and strengthen your body; this allows you to more competently Really Do what you have to do, excite your imagination and let it freely play on your body."

This integration point is exactly the foundation for The Chu Acting Method. I am, through this article, breaking down this topic, and explaining how its curriculum is organised and why it is effective for actor-training.

I highly respect my teachers: my Linklater Voice teacher, Kristin Linklater (founder of the Linklater Voice Method) and my Meisner Acting teacher, Scott Trost (Master Meisner Teacher). Through their support and encouragement, I have now founded my own acting method, The Chu Acting Method; my goal is to promote and expand this method in China. And last but not least, a big thank to all my students who have supported and taught me over the years. Love you all.

Warren Chu