Robin Synder, age 16, of Baton Rouge, La., for her question:

WHAT IS THE STANISLAVSKI METHOD OF ACTING?

The Stanisiavski method of acting came from a well known Russian director and stage actor. His name was Konstantin Stanislavski.

Stanislavski tried to create truthful performances by having his actors study the inner lives of the characters they would be portraying on stage as if they were real people. The actors attempt to live the life of the character became known as the "Stanislavski method."

Konstantin Stanislavski was the director's stage name. He was born Konstantin Sergeyevich Alexeyev in Moscow in 1863. In 1898, with  Vladmir Nemirovich Daachenko, he established the Moscow Art Theater. The theater became famous for its realistic performances of plays by Chekhov, Gorki and others.

Stanislavski's fame increased with his writings describing the methods he used in teaching actors and directing plays. His works include "An Actor Prepares" and "Building a Character."

Stanislavaki died in 1938 at the age of 75.