Method actors draw on their own experiences and feelings to portray the emotions associated with their character. For example, to act sad, a method actor must try to feel sad. While the small sample size obviously prevents much generalization, these experimental workshops have indicated that the Cyrano method could contribute to correctional treatment in two distinct ways. The character-creation stage of the process could be a valuable diagnostic tool, and rehearsals could be used as a form of intervention. During the character-creation stage, all of the inmates projected their own inner lives and previous experiences into their roles.
Inmates can, therefore, get in touch with their emotions through their roles.
The staff, who were familiar with the plays and roles, helped us assess the inmates' interpretations of characters. For example, one play featured a father who loves his son but cannot assert himself. The inmate actor transformed the character into an authoritarian who continually denigrated his son. Another inmate actor attributed a very negative attitude and an alcohol problem to his character. The script did not refer to such problems at all, but the inmate had an alcohol problem.