Review: Living and Singing Truthfully Through MEISNER MUSICALS: OVERTURE

The acting studio Act’elier is currently conducting a 8-session offline course program by the name MEISNER MUSICALS: OVERTURE. The program is taught by Heriska Sutapha, a Designated Meisner Teacher, with a certification in Level 1 Meisner in Music Teacher. It bills itself as a way to be a “more instinctive, confident, and compelling version of yourself” as a performer.

The team from Broadwayworld Indonesia is given an opportunity to participate in the program, and here is our review of the first session.

On the first meeting, we were first given a short introduction of the Meisner technique and how it came to be. 

The Meisner technique was developed by American actor and acting teacher Sanford Meisner. It focuses on “the reality of doing”, where actors are encouraged to react truthfully to their scene partner – hence, imbuing actual, instinctual emotions to their words and actions.

Next, Heriska led the students on a vocal warm up, using a Cheryl Porter video, to both warm up our vocal chords and shake off the nerves.

Then, the students did a series of exercises in pairs, mainly consisting of the student naturally reacting to the student opposite them. The words themselves were not the focus; they start by being observances on the other student’s physical attributes or behavior, but can later involve one’s feelings. Rather, the exercises are meant to encourage the students not to overthink but react naturally to the person in front of them.

Finally, we delved into applying Meisner techniques to singing. The students were instructed to sing their prepared 1-minute song, with no instructions.

Then, each student did another back-and-forth exercise with another student – both to get the natural flow of emotions going and to hold back one’s tendency to overthink. After we did the exercise for a few moments, Heriska would clap and then we’d sing the song once again.

The students reported a marked difference between our first and second attempts, although to differing degrees. One student said they felt more confident as they knew they could direct the words they were singing to their student partner. While another said they felt more relaxed after the exercise, compared to singing out of the blue.

The sessions will continue through November and December, to delve into how to sing with more truthful emotions that will – hopefully – lead to more impactful performances.

Meisner Musicals: Overture is held for 8 sessions every Sunday in Sudirman, Jakarta until December 2025. Registrations are still open. For more information, go to their Instagram page.

Broadwayworld Indonesia is a media partner of Meisner Musicals: Overture.