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Movement 1 completely changed my way of thinking about my body as my instrument. I have... https://flic.kr/p/2bsMriE

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Monologues are such a beast...everything from finding plays with characters that fit you,... https://flic.kr/p/2brmRhC

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Look. This shit is hard. There's no way around that. These people will push you to... https://flic.kr/p/NKHumP

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It's home. I met great people, forged fantastic relationships and absolutely love and... https://flic.kr/p/2borByy

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I studied for two years, but here's my review on one class in specific: Cold reading is a... https://flic.kr/p/2bkrfgm

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I really don't know where to start. I graduated from the 2 year conservatory program in... https://flic.kr/p/Qhefom

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I had successfully booked minor work in New York with only high school drama experience... https://flic.kr/p/2aZXU6v

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I graduated with a BFA from NYU before I started at Maggie Flanigan and this is the best... https://flic.kr/p/NxiG1R

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Free and Open and Truthful

The Fall Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio is a nine-week acting program that teaches actors the first part of the first year of Meisner training. After taking the six-week Meisner intensive this summer, Jamie Ragusa sat down to talk with Katie about what it was like being in the program both as a working actor and a mother.

Meisner Acting Program - Jamie Ragusa Interview

Q: Jamie, what did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six-week Meisner intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio?

A: What did I think it meant to be trained as an actor? I've always known that when you're training, it's difficult. You have to be willing to explore yourself. I think that's a huge part of acting. If you don't know yourself, then how can you play these fantastic parts and identify which section to apply to those parts? I knew that coming into it, but what I didn't realize that what I wanted to work on is the spontaneity more and surprising myself.

I certainly had maybe a point of view of certain things, but I wasn't able to surprise myself every time. That's initially why I wanted to train here. Charlie and I had talked about that and that's a big part of this work is finding that spontaneity.

Q: Have you studied Meisner previously?

A: I was introduced to it, but not in this way. This is intense in a significant way. I think the difference from what I was taught before is to work from a personal place really and that can be difficult for people, to open yourself up in that way in front of a room full of people. Also, the importance of listening and putting the emphasis on the other person. I sometimes think in my past work, and I would work so hard to make sure I knew what it was about. Sometimes, I wasn't listening at all, which didn't make it truthful.

Q: What happened during this six-week Meisner intensive that changed your perspective on acting and training?

A: Well, I was lucky to be working this summer as well as taking a class. I was able to see progress or just a shift in my thinking with my work and hearing Charlie's voice in the back of my head sometimes. Just saying "This is happening for the first time, be present, focus on the other person." In a callback I had, I had some nice spontaneous moments that I wasn't even expecting, and they just came from that simple thought as, "Be present, be open, be willing to be played on, and work off the partner and let it go. Get out of your head and see where it goes."

I can see in my work; it's helped tremendously. I can now detect the b******* from watching others act and knowing it in myself when something isn't truthful. "Now do it, but don't do it again." It's brought a lot to my work in something that I want to continue to explore.

Q: Was there a specific class or a particular moment working through the activity or on the scene that really, you felt the shift in yourself?

A: Well, my work before, I sometimes worked hard to get the results of the emotion. Here, I'm learning how to not put any effort into that, and last week, in our class, we're up on our feet now, doing scenes. It was the first day to do our view on our feet. I had a beautiful moment where I felt the emotion bubbling in me, and I went into my head, and I said, "No, don't do that" because it could be too emotional. I was judging myself. Afterward, I got the notes; if you just let that emotion go and be free with that, it could change that next line entirely in this beautiful, unique way.

It was good to have that happen last week, and then today, we did the scene again. A similar thing came up, but I let it go. It was at a different part, but it's truthful, and I found what that sensation is. That's what I want to continue to get more of, is that moment where it's so free and open and truthful.

Q: What did you learn about yourself over these past six weeks that was a surprise or that changed you?

A: That's a good question. I'm comfortable hiding behind the characters I play. Sometimes, it's difficult for me to expose my true self to others and as warm and open and emotionally available- I can be. I thought that was surprising, that I was a bit more vulnerable than I thought I was before.

Q: You mentioned you've studio at other studios or taken other classes. How has your experience been different here at Maggie Flanigan Studio?

A: Well, more so than the other places. It's just that it's pushing me more. My eyes are just open to, "That's it. That's what I want." Because I started to have those moments and you want to live in that and do it more often. It's a blessing and a curse, if you will because now I want more and I want to keep going and exploring and see where it could lead to next.

Q: How would you describe Charlie as a teacher?

A: Charlie is intense. He's extraordinary. I had a dance background, so some of my dance teachers were very strict and disciplined, and they teach you that. Charlie is big on doing the work but never take it personally of his intensity because he genuinely cares about the work and just the action. It's very evident, and it's lovely because he wants everyone to succeed. You can see that, and I was in an excellent class where everyone grew. It was such high energy, and they all fought for it. You can see him. He's rooting for everyone to find the same truthfulness and spontaneity and he wants the best for others and doing good work.

Q: Many people think you can be an actor without training. How has being a working actor with a background in prepared you for this intensive?

A: My work ethic is exceptionally disciplined because of my dance background. I work in acting every day of my, and I hustle every day because I love it and I have an idea of what I want, what type of actor I want to be. This intensive is precisely what I was doing, just in a different technique. Now, I'm taking on this new information, and now my job is to apply it and see where that will help me progress as an actor. It frustrates me because sometimes people show up on set and they're still memorizing their lines, and they're in their heads, and you're trying to be there.

You're ready, you're prepared, and the other person isn't, and it can be frustrating that people have that misconception that you can walk out and acting is easy, and anybody can do it. In some cases they do, but the excellent acting that you want to watch is so much more than that.

Q: There's a lot of Meisner intensives in Manhattan as well. Why would you tell a prospective student who is maybe deciding on different places that they should consider Maggie Flanigan Studio?

A: It just is so strong in the Meisner technique. Charlie is great and Karen as well. They know what they're talking about and it's not b*******. It's not trying to get large classes and fill a certain quota. It's about the work, and I can't speak for other intensives, but I know this place is about changing you as an actor for the better and you can see that. I was drawn to even the website and read more about the information that Charlie gave in the interviews. This is serious work, and they take it very seriously as they should. They're creating strong actors, not lazy ones.

Q: A lot of new actors feel like they don't have the time to commit to training. What would you say to those actors?

A: Yes. I’m a mother of two children. Ages three and five. I have a lot on my plate in general, but all I can say is that is if you love it and you love the craft, do yourself a favor and understand it and do the work. I come from the train of thought that you can never be too prepared to do this work. I believe in classes and learning. I will probably be in class for the rest of my life. This is always something you can learn in different people to work off of.

Just do yourself a favor and learn the work to be the best actor you can be. There’s a ton of excuses you can throw out there, but if you have a vision of what you want and the type of work you want to do, then you understand why training is so necessary.

New York Meisner Acting Program

The Fall Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio

Learn more about the acting classes, acting programs, and the Meisner Intensive this fall, by visiting the programs page on the Maggie Flanigan Studio website http://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/. Actors who are interested in applying for admission to the program need to fill out the online application and schedule an interview. Call (917) 789-1599 with questions you have about the program during open office hours.

The preceding article Free and Open and Truthful See more on: Acting Classes

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by Maggie Flanigan

Free and Open and Truthful

The Fall Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio is a nine-week acting program that teaches actors the first part of the first year of Meisner training. After taking the six-week Meisner intensive this summer, Jamie Ragusa sat down to talk with Katie about what it was like being in the program both as a working actor and a mother.

Fall Meisner Intensive Jamie Ragusa – Maggie Flanigan Studio

Meisner Acting Program – Jamie Ragusa Interview

Q: Jamie, what did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six-week Meisner intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio?

A: What did I think it meant to be trained as an actor? I’ve always known that when you’re training, it’s difficult. You have to be willing to explore yourself. I think that’s a huge part of acting. If you don’t know yourself, then how can you play these fantastic parts and identify which section to apply to those parts? I knew that coming into it, but what I didn’t realize that what I wanted to work on is the spontaneity more and surprising myself.

This place is about the work. They are changing you as an actor for the better and you can see that. Everyone here takes it very seriously, as they should. They're creating strong actors, not lazy ones.

Jamie RagusaMeisner Intensive, Student

I certainly had maybe a point of view of certain things, but I wasn’t able to surprise myself every time. That’s initially why I wanted to train here. Charlie and I had talked about that and that’s a big part of this work is finding that spontaneity.

Q: Have you studied Meisner previously?

A: I was introduced to it, but not in this way. This is intense in a significant way. I think the difference from what I was taught before is to work from a personal place really and that can be difficult for people, to open yourself up in that way in front of a room full of people. Also, the importance of listening and putting the emphasis on the other person. I sometimes think in my past work, and I would work so hard to make sure I knew what it was about. Sometimes, I wasn’t listening at all, which didn’t make it truthful.

Q: What happened during this six-week Meisner intensive that changed your perspective on acting and training?

A: Well, I was lucky to be working this summer as well as taking a class. I was able to see progress or just a shift in my thinking with my work and hearing Charlie’s voice in the back of my head sometimes. Just saying “This is happening for the first time, be present, focus on the other person.” In a callback I had, I had some nice spontaneous moments that I wasn’t even expecting, and they just came from that simple thought as, “Be present, be open, be willing to be played on, and work off the partner and let it go. Get out of your head and see where it goes.”

I can see in my work; it’s helped tremendously. I can now detect the b******* from watching others act and knowing it in myself when something isn’t truthful. “Now do it, but don’t do it again.” It’s brought a lot to my work in something that I want to continue to explore.

Q: Was there a specific class or a particular moment working through the activity or on the scene that really, you felt the shift in yourself?

A: Well, my work before, I sometimes worked hard to get the results of the emotion. Here, I’m learning how to not put any effort into that, and last week, in our class, we’re up on our feet now, doing scenes. It was the first day to do our view on our feet. I had a beautiful moment where I felt the emotion bubbling in me, and I went into my head, and I said, “No, don’t do that” because it could be too emotional. I was judging myself. Afterward, I got the notes; if you just let that emotion go and be free with that, it could change that next line entirely in this beautiful, unique way.

It was good to have that happen last week, and then today, we did the scene again. A similar thing came up, but I let it go. It was at a different part, but it’s truthful, and I found what that sensation is. That’s what I want to continue to get more of, is that moment where it’s so free and open and truthful.

Q: What did you learn about yourself over these past six weeks that was a surprise or that changed you?

A: That’s a good question. I’m comfortable hiding behind the characters I play. Sometimes, it’s difficult for me to expose my true self to others and as warm and open and emotionally available- I can be. I thought that was surprising, that I was a bit more vulnerable than I thought I was before.

Meisner Intensive – Interview with Jamie Ragusa at Maggie Flanigan Studio

Q: You mentioned you’ve studio at other studios or taken other classes. How has your experience been different here at Maggie Flanigan Studio?

A: Well, more so than the other places. It’s just that it’s pushing me more. My eyes are just open to, “That’s it. That’s what I want.” Because I started to have those moments and you want to live in that and do it more often. It’s a blessing and a curse, if you will because now I want more and I want to keep going and exploring and see where it could lead to next.

Q: How would you describe Charlie as a teacher?

A: Charlie is intense. He’s extraordinary. I had a dance background, so some of my dance teachers were very strict and disciplined, and they teach you that. Charlie is big on doing the work but never take it personally of his intensity because he genuinely cares about the work and just the action. It’s very evident, and it’s lovely because he wants everyone to succeed. You can see that, and I was in an excellent class where everyone grew. It was such high energy, and they all fought for it. You can see him. He’s rooting for everyone to find the same truthfulness and spontaneity and he wants the best for others and doing good work.

Q: Many people think you can be an actor without training. How has being a working actor with a background in prepared you for this intensive?

A: My work ethic is exceptionally disciplined because of my dance background. I work in acting every day of my, and I hustle every day because I love it and I have an idea of what I want, what type of actor I want to be. This intensive is precisely what I was doing, just in a different technique. Now, I’m taking on this new information, and now my job is to apply it and see where that will help me progress as an actor. It frustrates me because sometimes people show up on set and they’re still memorizing their lines, and they’re in their heads, and you’re trying to be there.

You’re ready, you’re prepared, and the other person isn’t, and it can be frustrating that people have that misconception that you can walk out and acting is easy, and anybody can do it. In some cases they do, but the excellent acting that you want to watch is so much more than that.

Q: There’s a lot of Meisner intensives in Manhattan as well. Why would you tell a prospective student who is maybe deciding on different places that they should consider Maggie Flanigan Studio?

A: It just is so strong in the Meisner technique. Charlie is great and Karen as well. They know what they’re talking about and it’s not b*******. It’s not trying to get large classes and fill a certain quota. It’s about the work, and I can’t speak for other intensives, but I know this place is about changing you as an actor for the better and you can see that. I was drawn to even the website and read more about the information that Charlie gave in the interviews. This is serious work, and they take it very seriously as they should. They’re creating strong actors, not lazy ones.

Best Meisner Acting Program New York – Maggie Flanigan Studio – Call (917) 789-1599

Q: A lot of new actors feel like they don’t have the time to commit to training. What would you say to those actors?

A: Yes. I’m a mother of two children. Ages three and five. I have a lot on my plate in general, but all I can say is that is if you love it and you love the craft, do yourself a favor and understand it and do the work. I come from the train of thought that you can never be too prepared to do this work. I believe in classes and learning. I will probably be in class for the rest of my life. This is always something you can learn in different people to work off of.

Just do yourself a favor and learn the work to be the best actor you can be. There’s a ton of excuses you can throw out there, but if you have a vision of what you want and the type of work you want to do, then you understand why training is so necessary.

New York Meisner Acting Program

The Fall Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio

Learn more about the acting classes, acting programs, and the Meisner Intensive this fall, by visiting the programs page on the Maggie Flanigan Studio website http://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/. Actors who are interested in applying for admission to the program need to fill out the online application and schedule an interview. Call (917) 789-1599 with questions you have about the program during open office hours.

The post Free and Open and Truthful appeared first on Meisner Acting - The Maggie Flanigan Studio New York NY - 917-789-1599.

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Meisner Fall Intensive - Meisner Intensive: Jamie Ragusa - (917) 789-1599

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5 Star Review

I have now finished my first year (and summer session) of the two year program at the... https://flic.kr/p/2aFSsVN

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5 Star Review

My first year at the Maggie Flanigan Studio has been life changing. I was looking for some... https://flic.kr/p/2anhnCR

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Fall Meisner Intensive Troy Press 02 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bGuumk

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Fall Meisner Intensive Troy Press 01 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bGuuqt

via Fall Meisner Intensive Troy Press 01 - Maggie Flanigan Studio
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Fall Meisner Intensive Tashima Evans 03 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

The Maggie Flanigan Meisner Intensive trains professional actors based on the teaching and work of Sanford Meisner. In this interview, Tashima Evans discusses with Katie how the Meisner Intensive was different than she expected and how she has redefined for herself what it means to be real and authentic. Q: Tashima, what did you think training as an actor before you started the six-week Meisner intensive? A: Well, to be very honest, I’m just going to talk about my introduction into the studio and what my anticipation was in coming into studying here for the summer. I looked at it as it would be another class that I would take. I would learn a little something, add it to my resume, and then move forward. That’s kind of how I looked coming into, studying at the studio, that’s how I looked at my experience. I was like, “I’ll do this. I’ll study a little bit, I’ll add it to my resume and boom, I’ll be good.” Q: What do you think actor training is now that you’re in your last week of the six-week program? A: It’s been, for me, incredibly life-changing. I’ve seen it help me grow as far as my artistry, and I feel like coming into it, I had the respect for acting as an art. I’m an artist. I always say, “I’m not just an actor, I’m an artist.” I’ve had a profound respect for artistry, but I don’t think I saw how deeply flawed I was in my view of my art and how I put limitations on what I did with my art. I feel like being in the class with Charlie has been mind-blowing. It's impacted my personal life. I find myself hearing Charlie's voice in my head when I'm out and about. If something is going on that I want to do, I'm thinking, "What's more important, what this person is doing or what you need and want?" It's helped me to be more clear about what I wanted in my life, and there's no turning back, I feel like now. It is no way for me to go back to whatever I was doing before as an actor. It's completely transformed how I view training. Q: Was there something specific that happened over the course of the six weeks that changed your point of view on the training? A: Wow. There were so many moments, not even just for myself, but watching other people work, but I'll say there was one moment where I was doing an activity, and I used a very personal experience. I wept in a way that I've never wept in front of anyone. No one in my life, my family, friends that I'm close to that I know has ever seen that part of me. I was choosing to use that as my motivation. It was something I've done privately by myself, but never in front of people. To me, that feeling is very addicting. It also it showed me that's what I want to share more as an actor. I want to expose more of my private moments. When I'm by myself, when I'm my thoughts, when I'm in the car, whatever that is, I want to showcase that. I feel like that opened my eyes to what I've been-- a wall that's been up for myself. It's been like, "I can be strong, and I'll do this little part of myself but this private moment, feelings, and emotions that I share, I don't want to share that." I feel like that was the moment where it opened it up for me, and I was like, "Hey, just do whatever you feel what's real." To learn more about the acting programs at the Maggie Flanigan Studio, including the Meisner Intensive, visit the acting programs and registration pages on the studio website URL. Interested students should contact the studio during business hours to schedule an admissions interview. Call (917) 789-1599. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bGuumv

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by Maggie Flanigan

Fall Meisner Intensive Tashima Evans 02 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

The Maggie Flanigan Meisner Intensive trains professional actors based on the teaching and work of Sanford Meisner. In this interview, Tashima Evans discusses with Katie how the Meisner Intensive was different than she expected and how she has redefined for herself what it means to be real and authentic. Q: What did you learn over the course of the six weeks that was a surprise or that changed you? A: That I needed training. I came into it thinking, "Well, I'm going to do this class and then I'm just going to put it on my resume. I don't even need to move forward in anyway." Just how much I needed to unlearn and grow as an actor and how I had emotional blocks in places I wasn't even aware of. I feel like that was a big thing for me, but then also to be more of myself and be real and authentic. Q: How has your experience at Maggie Flanigan Studio been different from other classes and other studios where you have studied? A: I will say that I did take away things that were good from other situations or experiences that I had because it can to where I am, but I feel before, I was playing at acting. I wasn't tried and right coming from my heart and my soul more. I feel like being here and studying at Maggie and studying with Charlie has taught me how to bring my soul forward, and it is not a thing that I'm playing at but being real and being authentic. I feel like that's the difference, not being-- also, about Charlie, is Charlie's not trying to sugarcoat anything. He's keeping it all the way real. I even tell people that the thing that he's noticed about me and about things that I'll do and how it materializes in class, I'm not even aware. He's been so on point and accurate in a way that no other acting coach has done with me before. I feel like this is where it's about the artistry, it's about the craft. It's about respecting it, and it's not about, "Let's see what jobs you're going to book." No, it's like, "No. Where's your heart? Where's your soul? Where's the feeling?" Q: How would you describe Charlie as a teacher? A: Well, he's rough. There were moments in the beginning, as I was getting to know him, that he doesn't even know this, but I was p***** off at him. I could think in my head like, "I'm going to walk out." I'm telling myself, calming myself down and turning, "I'm going to walk out," but I realized I need his teaching style. It's not going to be about making you feel good, it's going to be about the truth, and sometimes, the truth hurts. It doesn't always feel good. I feel like Charlie has a respect for the craft, respect for the art, and he's not about making people feel good. It can be rough sometimes. I've seen people and myself cry because of that. To learn more about the acting programs at the Maggie Flanigan Studio, including the Meisner Intensive, visit the acting programs and registration pages on the studio website URL. Interested students should contact the studio during business hours to schedule an admissions interview. Call (917) 789-1599. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bCbB51

via Fall Meisner Intensive Tashima Evans 02 - Maggie Flanigan Studio
by Maggie Flanigan

Fall Meisner Intensive Tashima Evans 01 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

The Maggie Flanigan Meisner Intensive trains professional actors based on the teaching and work of Sanford Meisner. In this interview, Tashima Evans discusses with Katie how the Meisner Intensive was different than she expected and how she has redefined for herself what it means to be real and authentic. Q: What would you say to someone who was thinking about signing up for the Meisner intensive next summer, but is saying, "I don't need the training." "So and so is a famous actor and they didn't do any training." Or, "I'm 24, I'm too old, or I don't have the time." What would you say to that person? A: We all need to grow. As anyone has learned it was myself that there was so much in me that needed to come out. I hadn't even at all touched my maximum potential. I don't even feel like that I've reached that in six weeks. It's been like grazing the surface of what I'm capable of doing. It's worth the investment; it's worth the time. Who cares what anyone else is doing? What do you see yourself needing to do? What do you know that you need to bring forth? What about yourself needs to shape and change? If someone's even inquiring about it, then there's a part of you that knows you need it. Don't sell yourself short and think, "No, I'm good because I've done that before." I did that part with this, doing the summer intensive. It's like, "No, you need it. You need to grow." If you want to be great at anything, it requires training. Q: There are a lot of intensives all over the country and a lot of Meisner intensives in New York, so why would you tell someone that Maggie Flanigan Studio is the best place for them to train? A: Before coming here, I looked at some other places. From what I've seen, from the people that have studied here, this was a tried and true like, "This is where you need to be." I came to a movement performance, it was their final movement performance, and I was moved to tears. Not even just because, "Oh my gosh, these are great looking people and they're perfect," but every single person's soul was infused in what they were doing. I feel like studying at Maggie has shown me what everyone is. It sets a standard for every person in the class, professionally and as far as artistically. I just have not experienced that anywhere else. I am tough-- What is it, like a tough egg to crack? It's the truth for me, and it's opened me up in so many other ways. I feel like there's no other place for me to train. To learn more about the acting programs at the Maggie Flanigan Studio, including the Meisner Intensive, visit the acting programs and registration pages on the studio website URL. Interested students should contact the studio during business hours to schedule an admissions interview. Call (917) 789-1599. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bGuunx

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by Maggie Flanigan

Fall Meisner Intensive Jamie Ragusa 04 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

The Fall Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio is a nine-week acting program that teaches actors the first part of the first year of Meisner training. After taking the six-week Meisner intensive this summer, Jamie Ragusa sat down to talk with Katie about what it was like being in the program both as a working actor and a mother. Q: How would you describe Charlie as a teacher? A: Charlie is intense. He's extraordinary. I had a dance background, so some of my dance teachers were very strict and disciplined, and they teach you that. Charlie is big on doing the work but never take it personally of his intensity because he genuinely cares about the work and just the action. It's very evident, and it's lovely because he wants everyone to succeed. You can see that, and I was in an excellent class where everyone grew. It was such high energy, and they all fought for it. You can see him. He's rooting for everyone to find the same truthfulness and spontaneity and he wants the best for others and doing good work. Q: Many people think you can be an actor without training. How has being a working actor with a background in prepared you for this intensive? A: My work ethic is exceptionally disciplined because of my dance background. I work in acting every day of my, and I hustle every day because I love it and I have an idea of what I want, what type of actor I want to be. This intensive is precisely what I was doing, just in a different technique. Now, I'm taking on this new information, and now my job is to apply it and see where that will help me progress as an actor. It frustrates me because sometimes people show up on set and they're still memorizing their lines, and they're in their heads, and you're trying to be there. You're ready, you're prepared, and the other person isn't, and it can be frustrating that people have that misconception that you can walk out and acting is easy, and anybody can do it. In some cases they do, but the excellent acting that you want to watch is so much more than that. Q: There's a lot of Meisner intensives in Manhattan as well. Why would you tell a prospective student who is maybe deciding on different places that they should consider Maggie Flanigan Studio? A: It just is so strong in the Meisner technique. Charlie is great and Karen as well. They know what they're talking about and it's not b*******. It's not trying to get large classes and fill a certain quota. It's about the work, and I can't speak for other intensives, but I know this place is about changing you as an actor for the better and you can see that. I was drawn to even the website and read more about the information that Charlie gave in the interviews. This is serious work, and they take it very seriously as they should. They're creating strong actors, not lazy ones. Learn more about the acting classes, acting programs and the Meisner Intensive this fall, by visiting the programs page on the Maggie Flanigan Studio website. Actors who are interested in applying for admission to the program need to fill out the online application and schedule an interview. Call (917) 789-1599 with questions you have about the program during open office hours. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bCbB6o

via Fall Meisner Intensive Jamie Ragusa 04 - Maggie Flanigan Studio
by Maggie Flanigan

Fall Meisner Intensive Jamie Ragusa 03 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

The Fall Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio is a nine-week acting program that teaches actors the first part of the first year of Meisner training. After taking the six-week Meisner intensive this summer, Jamie Ragusa sat down to talk with Katie about what it was like being in the program both as a working actor and a mother. Q: Jamie, what did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six-week Meisner intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio? A: What did I think it meant to be trained as an actor? I've always known that when you're training, it's difficult. You have to be willing to explore yourself. I think that's a huge part of acting. If you don't know yourself, then how can you play these fantastic parts and identify which section to apply to those parts? I knew that coming into it, but what I didn't realize that what I wanted to work on is the spontaneity more and surprising myself. I certainly had maybe a point of view of certain things, but I wasn't able to surprise myself every time. That's initially why I wanted to train here. Charlie and I had talked about that and that's a big part of this work is finding that spontaneity. Q: Have you studied Meisner previously? A: I was introduced to it, but not in this way. This is intense in a great way. I think the difference from what I was taught before is to work from a personal place really and that can be difficult for people, to open yourself up in that way in front of a room full of people. Also, the importance of listening and putting the emphasis on the other person. I sometimes think in my past work, and I would work so hard to make sure I knew what it was about. Sometimes, I wasn't listening at all, which didn't make it truthful. Learn more about the acting classes, acting programs and the Meisner Intensive this fall, by visiting the programs page on the Maggie Flanigan Studio website. Actors who are interested in applying for admission to the program need to fill out the online application and schedule an interview. Call (917) 789-1599 with questions you have about the program during open office hours. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bGuunH

via Fall Meisner Intensive Jamie Ragusa 03 - Maggie Flanigan Studio
by Maggie Flanigan

Fall Meisner Intensive Jamie Ragusa 02 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

The Fall Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio is a nine-week acting program that teaches actors the first part of the first year of Meisner training. After taking the six-week Meisner intensive this summer, Jamie Ragusa sat down to talk with Katie about what it was like being in the program both as a working actor and a mother. Q: What happened during this six-week Meisner intensive that changed your perspective on acting and training? A: Well, I was lucky to be working this summer as well as taking a class. I was able to see progress or just a shift in my thinking with my work and hearing Charlie's voice in the back of my head sometimes. Just saying "This is happening for the first time, be present, focus on the other person." In a callback I had, I had some nice spontaneous moments that I wasn't even expecting, and they just came from that simple thought as, "Be present, be open, be willing to be played on, and work off the partner and let it go. Get out of your head and see where it goes." I can see in my work; it's helped tremendously. I can now detect the b******* from watching others act and knowing it in myself when something isn't truthful. "Now do it, but don't do it again." It's brought a lot to my work in something that I want to continue to explore. Q: Was there a specific class or a particular moment working through the activity or on the scene that really, you felt the shift in yourself? A: Well, my work before, I sometimes worked hard to get the results of the emotion. Here, I'm learning how to not put any effort into that, and last week, in our class, we're up on our feet now, doing scenes. It was the first day to do our view on our feet. I had a beautiful moment where I felt the emotion bubbling in me, and I went into my head, and I said, "No, don't do that" because it could be too emotional. I was judging myself. Afterward, I got the notes; if you just let that emotion go and be free with that, it could change that next line entirely in this beautiful, unique way. Learn more about the acting classes, acting programs and the Meisner Intensive this fall, by visiting the programs page on the Maggie Flanigan Studio website. Actors who are interested in applying for admission to the program need to fill out the online application and schedule an interview. Call (917) 789-1599 with questions you have about the program during open office hours. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bCbBam

via Fall Meisner Intensive Jamie Ragusa 02 - Maggie Flanigan Studio
by Maggie Flanigan

Fall Meisner Intensive Jamie Ragusa 01 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

The Fall Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio is a nine-week acting program that teaches actors the first part of the first year of Meisner training. After taking the six-week Meisner intensive this summer, Jamie Ragusa sat down to talk with Katie about what it was like being in the program both as a working actor and a mother. It was good to have that happen last week, and then today, we did the scene again. A similar thing came up, but I let it go. It was at a different part, but it's truthful, and I found what that sensation is. That's what I want to continue to get more of, is that moment where it's so free and open and truthful. Q: What did you learn about yourself over these past six weeks that was a surprise or that changed you? A: That's a good question. I'm comfortable hiding behind the characters I play. Sometimes, it's difficult for me to expose my true self to others and as warm and open and emotionally available- I can be. I thought that was surprising, that I was a bit more vulnerable than I thought I was before. Q: You mentioned you've studio at other studios or taken other classes. How has your experience been different here at Maggie Flanigan Studio? A: Well, more so than the other places. It's just that it's pushing me more. My eyes are just open to, "That's it. That's what I want." Because I started to have those moments and you want to live in that and do it more often. It's a blessing and a curse, if you will because now I want more and I want to keep going and exploring and see where it could lead to next. Learn more about the acting classes, acting programs and the Meisner Intensive this fall, by visiting the programs page on the Maggie Flanigan Studio website. Actors who are interested in applying for admission to the program need to fill out the online application and schedule an interview. Call (917) 789-1599 with questions you have about the program during open office hours. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bCbB75

via Fall Meisner Intensive Jamie Ragusa 01 - Maggie Flanigan Studio
by Maggie Flanigan

Fall Meisner Intensive Hannah Fernandez 03 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

The Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio teaches actors to work from the training of Sanford Meisner. In this interview, Hannah Fernandez discusses what she thought it meant to train and work as an actor before she came to the studio. Q: Hannah, what did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six-week Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio? A: What I thought it meant to train as an actor, was that I thought it was analyzing the script and bringing a character to life based on what the text requires, so doing your objectives and all those nitty-gritty things that are logical and script-heavy. I just thought it was a lot of just pretending about what was happening on the stage. Like, if the script required you to be sad, you're going to pretend to be sad. You might not be sad, but you're going to pretend to go there definitely. I thought it was very one-sided of; I'm an actor, so I act for a living, and I do that for the day. Then, I can put it to rest and leave it and do something else when I'm not an actor. It's changed since then. I feel like what it means to train as an actor in this program; I feel like Charlie has made a point to make sure that we know that training as an actor isn't just when you're acting on a stage, or on camera, it's your whole life. You have to continually be working on your body, your voice, your mental health, your physical health, just all these things. You can't just put it to rest. You have to wake up and feel like you're an actor all the time. That's hard because you have to be open in your real life always, and thinking about how you feel through the day and things. It's not so much bringing you to the tasks as much as it's bringing the functions to you, how you are during that day, and all that, which is way different than what I thought acting was before I came here. To learn more about the Meisner Intensive and professional training programs at the studio for actors, visit the registration and acting programs page on our website URL. Students who are interested in enrolling in our programs should contact the studio to arrange an interview. Call (917) 789-1599. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bGuuqZ

via Fall Meisner Intensive Hannah Fernandez 03 - Maggie Flanigan Studio
by Maggie Flanigan

Fall Meisner Intensive Hannah Fernandez 02 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

The Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio teaches actors to work from the training of Sanford Meisner. In this interview, Hannah Fernandez discusses what she thought it meant to train and work as an actor before she came to the studio. Q: What happened explicitly during the six-week Meisner Intensive that changed your perspective on training? A: I think the change for me happened with the combination of the movement class and the Meisner acting class. I'm a dancer. I've been dancing my whole life. I felt like the movement was going to be okay. It was just going to be like; I don't know, getting comfortable in your body. That's what I thought it was going to be, and just making sure everything is motivated movement-wise. I was utterly blown away by what it was. I feel like the movement program helped me open up as a human being. I didn't realize all this tension that I was holding, and these places that I wasn't allowing myself to release from, which was keeping me back in the acting world, and in the real world also. The combination of movement and the acting class was beneficial because, in the campaign, you release your body, you get yourself open, open, open. You have to be comfortable with just feeling your feelings without any judgment. Then you go into the other room. You do your acting training, and you're hopefully staying open to what Charlie throws at you. I think that was most helpful, just getting out of my head. Charlie emphasizes getting out of your head, and that's the place where I like to be in my real life is in my head and making sure I'm doing things right, and all that. I felt like all the work at the door was helpful with just being open and taking it in and taking things personally. I think that's another thing that I didn't realize about acting was that, before I thought it was that we're pretending, but you have to actually take things personally. That's not acting when you take things personally from what someone else is saying to you, or how they're saying it to you. That's crazy different than what I thought it was. Q: What did you learn about yourself that was a surprise or that changed you over the course of these six weeks? A: I've always known that I was polite. I've always known that I was sweet and charming and all those things, which are great for some things. When I did my BFA, I knew that, and I knew my teachers knew it, but they couldn't figure out a way, and I couldn't find a way to get myself out of that for some things, and just finding a more versatile me. In this studio, you have to come to terms with every aspect of who you are. I realized that I was not comfortable with being upset. I was not comfortable being angry, or confessing that I was mad at the person I was acting with, or even in real life I'm not comfortable with that. That was a shock for me. It was tough having to combat that and having to face those fears of mine, but it ended up being great and freeing. It's released me in all my work. Even in real life, it's helped me as well. To learn more about the Meisner Intensive and professional training programs at the studio for actors, visit the registration and acting programs page on our website URL. Students who are interested in enrolling in our programs should contact the studio to arrange an interview. Call (917) 789-1599. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bGuuoz

via Fall Meisner Intensive Hannah Fernandez 02 - Maggie Flanigan Studio
by Maggie Flanigan

Fall Meisner Intensive Hannah Fernandez 01 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

The Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio teaches actors to work from the training of Sanford Meisner. In this interview, Hannah Fernandez discusses what she thought it meant to train and work as an actor before she came to the studio. Q: There are a lot of Meisner Intensives all over the country, not just in New York. What made you decide that Maggie Flanigan Studio was the best place for you to study? A: The studio was recommended to me by a former teacher. I did an on-camera class with her, and she was like, "Take this Maggie Flanigan Studio classes. It's great. You'll love it." I was like, "Okay, sure. That's it. There we go, I'm going to do it." That's that, and I had my interview, and that sealed the deal for me. I felt like, in my interview, Charlie was so intelligent and so aware of everything that it took to be an actor, and perspective-wise, how much it takes to get to a place where you're satisfied or producing fantastic work. I felt like all the conversations we had were buried, and I gravitate towards that. When it comes to the people I surround myself with, I like that kind of atmosphere. I also did some research online, and there was a lot of great alumni that came from the school. What Charlie said about being an artist resonated with me, just that it takes more than looks and a personality. It also requires hard work, and you have to be willing to devote yourself to that hard work, or you're not going to get to the level you want to be. Q: How has being part of the community of students here? How has that contributed to your overall experience this summer? A: I have never been in a place where the students are so welcoming and just receptive and non-judgmental. I feel like in acting programs, it's so unhealthy for people to be judgmental and to make you feel when you get up and do your scene, you're not comfortable because you know a million people are judging you. I've never felt so free and comfortable with the people I'm in class with, ever. Movement class, day two, we were crying in front of each other and just having these real human connections that I haven't had with anybody in my life. Even my close friends, I'm like, I've never looked at this person this way, and I've known you for two days. It's from the get-go I felt like we're just there to support each other. I have never felt that at any place I've ever been. That's been one of the best parts about this whole program, I think, is that you can have great teachers and all that, but if the people around you aren't supportive, you're not going to trust that you can fall and you can fail, or you can succeed, or you can rise, and people are going to support you no matter what, but that's really the case here. Everyone's supportive, and that's comforting to know. Q: How would you describe Charlie as a teacher? A: He's so intelligent. He knows so much about what it means to be an artist and what it takes to be an actor and all that, but also how to sustain it as a human being and how to take care of yourself as a human being. What I love the most is he's so honest. He doesn't say anything to blow his own horn or to make himself seem whatever. He truly wants us to know the best information that we can get. He's intense. He doesn't let anything get past him. I think that's great. You don't want just to be doing a scene and having the teacher phone it in. He never phones it in. He's always there right with you. Whether you're in the morning class, the night class, he's still on, which I think is remarkable for a teacher and also just as a human being. He's so knowledgeable. I feel so comfortable in his hands as a teacher. I feel like he can pinpoint exactly who you are as a human being after day three of class, which is great to know. He is invested in every single person. He doesn't blanket anything. He doesn't blanket the level. He's very specific on what each person is about and what they need to work on. He's on you to get it done and to make sure that you accomplish your goals in the six weeks, which is an intimidating task because it's only six weeks. Most people have the two-year program to get through it, but he's very on you to do your homework. You have to rehearse. You have to be prepared, and then let things go. He doesn't want you to be crazy and messy. That's great. I think he does a right balance of being intense and a great teacher. Very honest but also, he has a just lighter comedic quality to him as well, which is nice. To learn more about the Meisner Intensive and professional training programs at the studio for actors, visit the registration and acting programs page on our website URL. Students who are interested in enrolling in our programs should contact the studio to arrange an interview. Call (917) 789-1599. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bGuurR

via Fall Meisner Intensive Hannah Fernandez 01 - Maggie Flanigan Studio
by Maggie Flanigan

Fall Meisner Intensive Ben Stone - Maggie Flanigan Studio

"The Meisner intensive helped me find a way to direct my intensity, passion and work ethic to the craft of acting. I feel much more connected to what I'm doing, and it feels much more natural." - Ben Stone The Fall Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio introduces actors to the Meisner technique exactly as Sanford Meisner intended. Ben Stone talks about the six week program and the similarities between training to play football and professional actor training. Q: Ben, what did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six-week intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio? A: Frankly, I didn't know so much. It seemed like to be an actor you needed to read a lot of plays and take as many classes as you can, but this has given a high level of specificity to the training, it seems more like training. I played football, so I tried to bring the work ethic of a football player to this, and now it has directions, so it's a lot easier to work hard. It's not just this weird abstract idea of good and evil. Q: Now that you're finishing the Meisner intensive what do you think it means to train as an actor? A: Now it means you have to have such a great, a deep understanding of yourself. It's not just ideas about society and beliefs about people; it's you-- It's bringing what you wanted about yourself into scenes and into everything you do and be more aware of how you feel about things. Not just physically feel but emotionally feel and being in touch with those emotions, and it is okay to be in contact with those emotions. Q: What happened to you over the six-week intensive specifically that changed your perspective? A: It was one day when we moved on to the independent activity, and I just flipped out, just totally freaked out. I'm a big guy for most of my life trying not to freak out because I am a big scary guy and it's not societally acceptable. That was like a light bulb moment it's like, "That's what Charlie, he's got to be alive in that," yes, that was the aha moment. Before with just the repetition, it's like I couldn't figure it out really, but then the light bulb went off, and my work felt a lot better. Learn more about the Maggie Flanigan Studio, the Fall Meisner Intensive and the acting programs at the studio by visiting the acting programs page on the Maggie Flanigan website. Actors who are interested in applying to the programs should contact the studio to arrange an interview. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bCbBdh

via Fall Meisner Intensive Ben Stone - Maggie Flanigan Studio
by Maggie Flanigan

Fall Meisner Intensive Ben Stone - Maggie Flanigan Studio

The Fall Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio introduces actors to the Meisner technique exactly as Sanford Meisner intended. Ben Stone talks about the six week program and the similarities between training to play football and professional actor training. Q: What did you learn about yourself over the past six weeks that was a surprise? A: I have a lot more pent of aggression than I thought. I am a lot more intolerant of little things people do than I thought, things that annoy me, things that I don't think are acceptable for other people to do. I've become a lot more aware of that instead of just suppressing it because you can't just pick apart everybody, nobody wants to be around you. Just being more aware of it has helped me be more observant; which has been tremendous. Q: You mentioned previously you studied at some other studios or another studio, how has your experience at Maggie Flanigan Studio been different from the other studios you've studied at? A: Well, in some ways it's a lot more about, let's get to work. We can have fun, but it's about we're working hard. We're learning, we're trying to grow, we're trying to get better, and that's the core, the root of everything. On top of that, as I said before, it's a lot more specific. People know what they're talking about. There are noticeable changes and improvements that I've gone through just personally. Frankly, I don't know what the perception of my work has been, but for me observing or trying to find myself, I feel much more connected to what I'm doing, and it feels much more natural, and it's easier to get going. Q: Coming from an athletic background, how have you seen the similarities? Charlie talks a lot about the way dancers train and musician train and athletes train so intensely, and people don't always understand that acting requires the same intensity and dedication, so how has that helped you? A: I've trained so hard and so intensely for so long at sports, that when there is something I care about, and I really want to be good at if I can't find it-- Especially if it's something I don't know that much about, if I can't see a teacher that can create that level of intensity, it drives me crazy. It drives me nuts. I spent so much time training for sports, and it's been a trip trying to figure out how to apply that same intensity and work ethic and passion to something where I'm not head butting people. Learn more about the Maggie Flanigan Studio, the Fall Meisner Intensive and the acting programs at the studio by visiting the acting programs page on the Maggie Flanigan website. Actors who are interested in applying to the programs should contact the studio to arrange an interview. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 +1 917-789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ goo.gl/maps/oxqqExybwL32 plus.google.com/112291205845820496849 https://flic.kr/p/2bGuupM

via Fall Meisner Intensive Ben Stone - Maggie Flanigan Studio
by Maggie Flanigan

5 Star Review

I found the Maggie Flanigan Studio on the recommendation of a friend who completed the two... https://flic.kr/p/2aiSHMe

via 5 Star Review
by Maggie Flanigan

Liked on YouTube: Meisner Fall Intensive - Hannah Fernandez: Meisner Intensive - (917) 789-1599

Meisner Fall Intensive - Hannah Fernandez: Meisner Intensive - (917) 789-1599
The Meisner Fall Intensive Hannah Fernandez https://ift.tt/1f8nOu4 The Best Meisner Intensive - Maggie Flanigan Studio Call 917-789-1599 The Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio teaches actors to work from the training of Sanford Meisner. In this interview, Hannah Fernandez discusses what she thought it meant to train and work as an actor before she came to the studio. Q: Hannah, what did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six-week Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio? A: What I thought it meant to train as an actor, was that I thought it was analyzing the script and bringing a character to life based on what the text requires, so doing your objectives and all those nitty-gritty things that are logical and script-heavy. I just thought it was a lot of just pretending about what was happening on the stage. Like, if the script required you to be sad, you're going to pretend to be sad. You might not be sad, but you're going to pretend to go there definitely. I thought it was very one-sided of; I'm an actor, so I act for a living, and I do that for the day. Then, I can put it to rest and leave it and do something else when I'm not an actor. It's changed since then. I feel like what it means to train as an actor in this program; I feel like Charlie has made a point to make sure that we know that training as an actor isn't just when you're acting on a stage, or on camera, it's your whole life. You have to continually be working on your body, your voice, your mental health, your physical health, just all these things. You can't just put it to rest. You have to wake up and feel like you're an actor all the time. That's hard because you have to be open in your real life always, and thinking about how you feel through the day and things. It's not so much bringing you to the tasks as much as it's bringing the functions to you, how you are during that day, and all that, which is way different than what I thought acting was before I came here. Meisner Fall Intensive - Hannah Fernandez: Meisner Intensive - (917) 789-1599 To learn more about the Meisner Intensive and professional training programs at the studio for actors, visit the registration and acting programs page on our website URL. Students who are interested in enrolling in our programs should contact the studio to arrange an interview. Call (917) 789-1599. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 (917) 789-1599 https://ift.tt/1f8nOu4 https://goo.gl/maps/JTA9n7oHbNT2 acting classes NYC, acting classes in NYC, maggie flanigan studio, actors, maggie flanigan, Meisner technique training, Meisner technique, Meisner training, Meisner, Meisner work, Meisner acting, Meisner acting classes, acting conservatory, best acting studio in NYC
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via Liked on YouTube: Meisner Fall Intensive - Hannah Fernandez: Meisner Intensive - (917) 789-1599
by Maggie Flanigan

The End of Pretending

The Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio teaches actors to work from the training of Sanford Meisner. In this interview, Hannah Fernandez discusses what she thought it meant to train and work as an actor before she came to the studio.

The End of Pretending - Hannah Fernandez Meisner Intensive Interview

Q: Hannah, what did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six-week Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio?

A: What I thought it meant to train as an actor, was that I thought it was analyzing the script and bringing a character to life based on what the text requires, so doing your objectives and all those nitty-gritty things that are logical and script-heavy.

I just thought it was a lot of just pretending about what was happening on the stage. Like, if the script required you to be sad, you're going to pretend to be sad. You might not be sad, but you're going to pretend to go there definitely. I thought it was very one-sided of; I'm an actor, so I act for a living, and I do that for the day. Then, I can put it to rest and leave it and do something else when I'm not an actor.

It's changed since then. I feel like what it means to train as an actor in this program; I feel like Charlie has made a point to make sure that we know that training as an actor isn't just when you're acting on a stage, or on camera, it's your whole life. You have to continually be working on your body, your voice, your mental health, your physical health, just all these things.

You can't just put it to rest. You have to wake up and feel like you're an actor all the time. That's hard because you have to be open in your real life always, and thinking about how you feel through the day and things. It's not so much bringing you to the tasks as much as it's bringing the functions to you, how you are during that day, and all that, which is way different than what I thought acting was before I came here.

Q: What happened explicitly during the six-week Meisner Intensive that changed your perspective on training?

A: I think the change for me happened with the combination of the movement class and the Meisner acting class. I'm a dancer. I've been dancing my whole life. I felt like the movement was going to be okay. It was just going to be like; I don't know, getting comfortable in your body. That's what I thought it was going to be, and just making sure everything is motivated movement-wise.

I was utterly blown away by what it was. I feel like the movement program helped me open up as a human being. I didn't realize all this tension that I was holding, and these places that I wasn't allowing myself to release from, which was keeping me back in the acting world, and in the real world also.

The combination of movement and the acting class was beneficial because, in the campaign, you release your body, you get yourself open, open, open. You have to be comfortable with just feeling your feelings without any judgment. Then you go into the other room. You do your acting training, and you're hopefully staying open to what Charlie throws at you. I think that was most helpful, just getting out of my head.

Charlie emphasizes getting out of your head, and that's the place where I like to be in my real life is in my head and making sure I'm doing things right, and all that. I felt like all the work at the door was helpful with just being open and taking it in and taking things personally.

I think that's another thing that I didn't realize about acting was that, before I thought it was that we're pretending, but you have actually to take things personally. That's not acting when you take things personally from what someone else is saying to you, or how they're saying it to you. That's crazy different than what I thought it was.

Q: What did you learn about yourself that was a surprise or that changed you over the course of these six weeks?

A: I've always known that I was polite. I've ever known that I was sweet and charming and all those things, which are great for some things. When I did my BFA, I knew that, and I knew my teachers knew it, but they couldn't figure out a way, and I couldn't find a way to get myself out of that for some things, and just finding a more versatile me.

In this studio, you have to come to terms with every aspect of who you are. I realized that I was not comfortable with being upset. I was not comfortable being angry, or confessing that I was mad at the person I was acting with, or even in real life I'm not comfortable with that. That was a shock for me.

It was tough having to combat that and having to face those fears of mine, but it ended up being great and freeing. It's released me in all my work. Even in real life, it's helped me as well.

Q: There are a lot of Meisner Intensives all over the country, not just in New York. What made you decide that Maggie Flanigan Studio was the best place for you to study?

A: The studio was recommended to me by a former teacher. I did an on-camera class with her, and she was like, "Take these Maggie Flanigan Studio classes. It's great. You'll love it." I was like, "Okay, sure. That's it. There we go, I'm going to do it." That's that, and I had my interview, and that sealed the deal for me.

I felt like, in my interview, Charlie was so intelligent and so aware of everything that it took to be an actor, and perspective-wise, how much it takes to get to a place where you're satisfied or producing fantastic work. I felt like all the conversations we had were buried, and I gravitate towards that. When it comes to the people I surround myself with, I like that kind of atmosphere.

I also did some research online, and there was a lot of great alumni that came from the school. What Charlie said about being an artist resonated with me, just that it takes more than looks and a personality. It also requires hard work, and you have to be willing to devote yourself to that hard work, or you're not going to get to the level you want to be.

Q: How has being part of the community of students here? How has that contributed to your overall experience this summer?

A: I have never been in a place where the students are so welcoming and just receptive and non-judgmental. I feel like in acting programs; it's so unhealthy for people to be judgmental and to make you feel when you get up and do your scene, you're not comfortable because you know a million people are judging you.

I've never felt so free and comfortable with the people I'm in class with, ever. Movement class, day two, we were crying in front of each other and just having these real human connections that I haven't had with anybody in my life. Even my close friends, I'm like, I've never looked at this person this way, and I've known you for two days. It's from the get-go I felt like we're just there to support each other. I have never felt that at any place I've ever been.

One of the best parts of this whole program, I think, is that you can have great teachers. But if the people around you aren't supportive, you're not going to trust that you can fall and you can fail, or you can succeed, or you can rise, and people are going to support you no matter what, but that's the case here. Everyone's supportive, and that's comforting to know.

Q: How would you describe Charlie as a teacher?

A: Charlie is intelligent. He knows so much about what it means to be an artist and what it takes to be an actor and all that, but also how to sustain it as a human being and how to take care of yourself as a human being. What I love the most is that Charlie is so honest. He doesn't say anything to blow his own horn or to make himself seem whatever. He truly wants us to know the best information that we can get.

He's intense. He doesn't let anything get past him. I think that's great. You don't want just to be doing a scene and having the teacher phone it in. He never phones it in. He's always there right with you. Whether you're in the morning class, the night class, he's still on, which I think is remarkable for a teacher and also just as a human being.

He's so knowledgeable, and I feel so comfortable in his hands as a teacher. I feel like he can pinpoint exactly who you are as a human being after day three of class, which is great to know. He is invested in every single person. He doesn't blanket anything. He doesn't blanket the level. He's very specific on what each person is about and what they need to work on. He's on you to get it done and to make sure that you accomplish your goals in the six weeks, which is an intimidating task because it's only six weeks.

Most people have the two-year program to get through it, but he's very on you to do your homework. You have to rehearse. You have to be prepared, and then let things go. He doesn't want you to be crazy and messy. That's great. I think he does a right balance of being intense and a great teacher. Very honest but also, he has a just lighter comedic quality to him as well, which is nice.

Is the Meisner Fall Intensive Right for You?

To learn more about the Meisner Intensive and professional training programs at the studio for actors, visit the registration and acting programs page on our website   http://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ Students who are interested in enrolling in our programs should contact the studio to arrange an interview. Call (917) 789-1599.

The preceding blog post The End of Pretending was originally published on NYC Acting Studio

via The End of Pretending
by Maggie Flanigan

The End of Pretending

The Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio teaches actors to work from the training of Sanford Meisner. In this interview, Hannah Fernandez discusses what she thought it meant to train and work as an actor before she came to the studio.

Fall Meisner Intensive Hannah Fernandez – Maggie Flanigan Studio

The End of Pretending – Hannah Fernandez Meisner Intensive Interview

Q: Hannah, what did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six-week Meisner Intensive at Maggie Flanigan Studio?

A: What I thought it meant to train as an actor, was that I thought it was analyzing the script and bringing a character to life based on what the text requires, so doing your objectives and all those nitty-gritty things that are logical and script-heavy.

Before I came to the studio I thought that acting was pretending. My understanding of what it means to be an actor now has changed entirely.

Hannah FernandezStudent, Meisner Intensive

I just thought it was a lot of just pretending about what was happening on the stage. Like, if the script required you to be sad, you’re going to pretend to be sad. You might not be sad, but you’re going to pretend to go there definitely. I thought it was very one-sided of; I’m an actor, so I act for a living, and I do that for the day. Then, I can put it to rest and leave it and do something else when I’m not an actor.

It’s changed since then. I feel like what it means to train as an actor in this program; I feel like Charlie has made a point to make sure that we know that training as an actor isn’t just when you’re acting on a stage, or on camera, it’s your whole life. You have to continually be working on your body, your voice, your mental health, your physical health, just all these things.

fall Meisner Intensive begins – fall Meisner Intensive program – (917) 789-1599

You can’t just put it to rest. You have to wake up and feel like you’re an actor all the time. That’s hard because you have to be open in your real life always, and thinking about how you feel through the day and things. It’s not so much bringing you to the tasks as much as it’s bringing the functions to you, how you are during that day, and all that, which is way different than what I thought acting was before I came here.

Q: What happened explicitly during the six-week Meisner Intensive that changed your perspective on training?

A: I think the change for me happened with the combination of the movement class and the Meisner acting class. I’m a dancer. I’ve been dancing my whole life. I felt like the movement was going to be okay. It was just going to be like; I don’t know, getting comfortable in your body. That’s what I thought it was going to be, and just making sure everything is motivated movement-wise.

I was utterly blown away by what it was. I feel like the movement program helped me open up as a human being. I didn’t realize all this tension that I was holding, and these places that I wasn’t allowing myself to release from, which was keeping me back in the acting world, and in the real world also.

The combination of movement and the acting class was beneficial because, in the campaign, you release your body, you get yourself open, open, open. You have to be comfortable with just feeling your feelings without any judgment. Then you go into the other room. You do your acting training, and you’re hopefully staying open to what Charlie throws at you. I think that was most helpful, just getting out of my head.

Charlie emphasizes getting out of your head, and that’s the place where I like to be in my real life is in my head and making sure I’m doing things right, and all that. I felt like all the work at the door was helpful with just being open and taking it in and taking things personally.

I think that’s another thing that I didn’t realize about acting was that, before I thought it was that we’re pretending, but you have actually to take things personally. That’s not acting when you take things personally from what someone else is saying to you, or how they’re saying it to you. That’s crazy different than what I thought it was.

Q: What did you learn about yourself that was a surprise or that changed you over the course of these six weeks?

A: I’ve always known that I was polite. I’ve ever known that I was sweet and charming and all those things, which are great for some things. When I did my BFA, I knew that, and I knew my teachers knew it, but they couldn’t figure out a way, and I couldn’t find a way to get myself out of that for some things, and just finding a more versatile me.

fall Meisner intensive begins – fall Meisner intensive program – (917) 789-1599

In this studio, you have to come to terms with every aspect of who you are. I realized that I was not comfortable with being upset. I was not comfortable being angry, or confessing that I was mad at the person I was acting with, or even in real life I’m not comfortable with that. That was a shock for me.

It was tough having to combat that and having to face those fears of mine, but it ended up being great and freeing. It’s released me in all my work. Even in real life, it’s helped me as well.

Q: There are a lot of Meisner Intensives all over the country, not just in New York. What made you decide that Maggie Flanigan Studio was the best place for you to study?

A: The studio was recommended to me by a former teacher. I did an on-camera class with her, and she was like, “Take these Maggie Flanigan Studio classes. It’s great. You’ll love it.” I was like, “Okay, sure. That’s it. There we go, I’m going to do it.” That’s that, and I had my interview, and that sealed the deal for me.

I felt like, in my interview, Charlie was so intelligent and so aware of everything that it took to be an actor, and perspective-wise, how much it takes to get to a place where you’re satisfied or producing fantastic work. I felt like all the conversations we had were buried, and I gravitate towards that. When it comes to the people I surround myself with, I like that kind of atmosphere.

I also did some research online, and there was a lot of great alumni that came from the school. What Charlie said about being an artist resonated with me, just that it takes more than looks and a personality. It also requires hard work, and you have to be willing to devote yourself to that hard work, or you’re not going to get to the level you want to be.

Fall Meisner Intensive Hannah Fernandez – Maggie Flanigan Studio

Q: How has being part of the community of students here? How has that contributed to your overall experience this summer?

A: I have never been in a place where the students are so welcoming and just receptive and non-judgmental. I feel like in acting programs; it’s so unhealthy for people to be judgmental and to make you feel when you get up and do your scene, you’re not comfortable because you know a million people are judging you.

I’ve never felt so free and comfortable with the people I’m in class with, ever. Movement class, day two, we were crying in front of each other and just having these real human connections that I haven’t had with anybody in my life. Even my close friends, I’m like, I’ve never looked at this person this way, and I’ve known you for two days. It’s from the get-go I felt like we’re just there to support each other. I have never felt that at any place I’ve ever been.

One of the best parts of this whole program, I think, is that you can have great teachers. But if the people around you aren’t supportive, you’re not going to trust that you can fall and you can fail, or you can succeed, or you can rise, and people are going to support you no matter what, but that’s the case here. Everyone’s supportive, and that’s comforting to know.

Q: How would you describe Charlie as a teacher?

A: Charlie is intelligent. He knows so much about what it means to be an artist and what it takes to be an actor and all that, but also how to sustain it as a human being and how to take care of yourself as a human being. What I love the most is that Charlie is so honest. He doesn’t say anything to blow his own horn or to make himself seem whatever. He truly wants us to know the best information that we can get.

He’s intense. He doesn’t let anything get past him. I think that’s great. You don’t want just to be doing a scene and having the teacher phone it in. He never phones it in. He’s always there right with you. Whether you’re in the morning class, the night class, he’s still on, which I think is remarkable for a teacher and also just as a human being.

He’s so knowledgeable, and I feel so comfortable in his hands as a teacher. I feel like he can pinpoint exactly who you are as a human being after day three of class, which is great to know. He is invested in every single person. He doesn’t blanket anything. He doesn’t blanket the level. He’s very specific on what each person is about and what they need to work on. He’s on you to get it done and to make sure that you accomplish your goals in the six weeks, which is an intimidating task because it’s only six weeks.

Most people have the two-year program to get through it, but he’s very on you to do your homework. You have to rehearse. You have to be prepared, and then let things go. He doesn’t want you to be crazy and messy. That’s great. I think he does a right balance of being intense and a great teacher. Very honest but also, he has a just lighter comedic quality to him as well, which is nice.

Meisner Intensive | Meisner Intensive Acting Program | 917-789-1599

Is the Meisner Fall Intensive Right for You?

To learn more about the Meisner Intensive and professional training programs at the studio for actors, visit the registration and acting programs page on our website   http://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ Students who are interested in enrolling in our programs should contact the studio to arrange an interview. Call (917) 789-1599.

The post The End of Pretending appeared first on Meisner Acting - The Maggie Flanigan Studio New York NY - 917-789-1599.

via The End of Pretending
by Maggie Flanigan