Phase 2 continues to build upon the work from Phase 1. It should be stressed that this work is designed in a very systematic, step-by-step fashion. We are trying to develop a habitual way of working. The instructor arranges semi-private meetings with students new to Phase 2 to discuss and explain the technique of "emotional preparation." Emotional preparation is the tool the actor uses to generate a truthful, emotional life. It's how the actor connects him/herself emotionally to the prior circumstances.
Once again, actors are reminded that in Meisner's, work great emphasis is placed upon the creative use of the imagination to generate emotion. Emotional preparation now adds a whole new dimension to the work. This aspect of the work is the most challenging and also the most exciting. The improvisations are now filled with emotional life. The technique, which now includes the emotional aspect, is once again applied to scene work. Phase 2 culminates with the addition of "relationship" to the structured improvisations. A presentation of scene work for the Studio staff determines which students are ready to move on to Phase 3.