[Watch the video interview on YouTube here]
Film Courage: What would you say are the most prominent acting techniques today?
Lynda Goodfriend, Actor/Creative Director for Acting for Film at New York Film Academy (NYFA) Los Angeles:The most prominent techniques are the techniques we usually teach to every first semester actor.
It’s Uta Hagen, Stella Adler, Meisner and method, Lee Strasberg. Those are the basic American techniques.
We do it in every first semester class, even the Master’s program, it’s an overview of all of those techniques because we, as a school, promote for acting.
We encourage students to figure out their own technique, find your own process. If you have tools, and some of the tools for these techniques are very similar, but if you understand them and can try different techniques, then you can choose what works for you.
I studied method acting for 14 years. I studied some Meisner as well with Sandy Meisner.
I studied with Lee Strasberg. I was very fortunate to study with these great masters but I probably am a stronger method actress whereas Meisner, a lot of people go Meisner is it, that’s it.
I do think they all work together and at the end of the day I believe that technique is to help you when something isn’t working but eventually the technique is part of you. It’s something that you have at your fingertips.
New class with Film Courage this Sunday!
If you’re thinking about technique, it’s like a great tennis player, if they’re thinking about how to hold that handle, they’re going to have a hard time at Wimbledon. It’s to help you learn what your skill set is, how to use those tools, and at some point, I think the tools become just part of you.
Film Courage: You’ve described your teaching style as quote, “Keep it simple.” Why this style of instruction?
Lynda: I think actors complicate things too much because our brains can only really think of one thing at a time. The bottom line to me is…(Watch the video interview on YouTube here).
Our gratitude to Anthony Leone for crafting this set! And a special thanks to Christopher Pettoni for his work behind the scenes and making this possible!
About:
Lynda Goodfriend is the Creative Director for Acting for Film at New York Film Academy (NYFA) Los Angeles Lynda Goodfriend received her BFA from Southern Methodist University and did her acting study with legendary masters Lee Strasburg and Sandy Meisner. She has appeared in numerous shows on and Off-Broadway, including Good News, West Side Story, She Loves Me, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Boyfriend. For eight seasons, she played Richie’s (Ron Howard) girlfriend, Lori Beth, on the legendary sitcom Happy Days and guest-starred on shows like The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Vega$. Onscreen, she’s appeared in Pretty Woman, Taxi Driver, The Front, Nothing in Common, and Beaches. She founded the award-winning Actors Workout Theater in NoHo as well as the Actors Workout School. Behind the scenes, she has also worked in talent management, even opening her own firm, and has directed several television projects.
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About:
Founded in 1992 by Jerry Sherlock, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) provides an accessible, hands-on education in filmmaking, media, and the performing arts. With a mission to make the film industry more accessible to all, NYFA empowers students from diverse backgrounds to tell powerful stories through a project-based, immersive curriculum. Students work closely with industry professionals, gaining invaluable mentorship and real-world experience while building creative, technical, and collaborative skills. NYFA’s global community includes students from over 160 countries, fostering a network of passionate storytellers. From day one, students dive into creating projects that refine their craft and prepare them for successful careers. With a focus on practical experience and individualized support, NYFA equips students with the tools and confidence to excel in the competitive world of filmmaking and the arts.
CONNECT WITH NYFA
Nyfa.edu/location/nyfa-los-angeles
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New book from Film Courage! – See it on Payhip here
New book from Film Courage! – See it on Payhip here
