Meisner for the First Time

The summer acting programs at the Maggie Flanigan Studio include the Meisner Summer Intensive. In this interview, Katie Meirose talks about studying Meisner for the first time.

Q: Katie, what did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six-week summer intensive?

Before I began the intensive, I thought that acting was something anyone could do with enough work. After doing the intense, I realized that it's artistry and a craft that you have to create for yourself and work at. Not everyone has the drive and the ability to be what it means to be a good actor.

Q: What happened over the six weeks that changed your perspective on that?

I realized that you couldn't half-*** anything. You have to go all in and work hard. That's the only way it pays off. And that it's essential to work to the best of your ability and take yourself very seriously.

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

I realized how important this was to me. It cemented that this is what I love to do, and it's something that I seriously want to continue and want to be good at and want to keep training.

Q: Have you ever studied the Meisner Technique before?

I never studied Meisner before this, so it was very different.

Q: What is your biggest takeaway from the Meisner technique itself?

I think what I most importantly learned is how important the other person is, and how it is to let other people affect you and not focus so much on yourself as an actor but on those who are with you.

Q: What have you felt the most significant difference between the BFA program you are in and the training you just went through these past six weeks?

My training here has been a lot more intense. It's not that my BFA isn't taken seriously, but the intensity is a lot different. There's a higher expectation and therefore gives me a more desire to grow and to work even harder.

Q: There are a lot of Meisner Summer Intensive programs, especially in Manhattan. Why did you choose the Maggie Flanigan Studio?

I chose Maggie Flanigan because when I was doing the research, the mission statement aligned with my personal views of what acting is and should be. I had been told that this was the most honest approach to Meisner that is available, as far as really doing precisely what Meisner intended and being fair to his work.

Q: What have you found to be unique about your experience here and the studio?

Working with Charlie has been a unique experience. I've never worked with a teacher who's quite like him, which has been very refreshing. He expects a lot out of his students, which I think is terrific and he should. It makes me rise to the occasion. It's been an exciting and unique experience, just working with someone who cares so passionately about the art and his students.

Q: It's only a six-week program. How has this sense of community helped you through these six weeks?

Well, what's great about being with like-minded people is we're all frustrated about the same things, but we all have an earnest desire to push through those frustrations. I've met some wonderful actors who want to do the same something like me or are just as passionate about me- about it as I am. That's been a lovely experience, to be able to share that and spend so much time with people who care about what they're doing.

Q: Was there a particular moment where you finally felt like it clicked, or your understanding was starting to deepen?

Definitely when we did the activity, and I had to be at the door and walk in. That was challenging. You don't realize how difficult it is to be standing up there and having to work off someone. It's not something that you do as much as we like to think in everyday life. As soon as I did that, and I had a true, truthful experience. I lived to do something. That was the moment that it clicked. It made sense to me why we were doing the things we were doing.

Q: How would you describe Charlie Sandlan as a teacher?

Charlie is passionate, very knowledgeable. He expects a lot out of the students which I appreciate. I don't want to be taught by someone who lets me do the minimum. He certainly does not allow that. He expects the best out of everyone, which helps me to rise to my full potential.

Q: What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing one of the summer acting programs but maybe thought, "Oh, I have BFA. I don't need more training"?

If you're serious about acting as an artist and as a carrier, then training is the most crucial part. What's going to set you apart is proper training. You will receive that here. It's worth the time commitment, and it's worth the money because, in such a short time, three or six weeks, I have really- I feel like I've really evolved as an artist and have a greater understanding of what it is and why I'm here, doing what I'm doing.

Meisner Summer Acting Programs

The acting programs at the Maggie Flanigan Studio are founded in the Meisner training technique. Serious students who want to experience Meisner training as originally intended by Sanford Meisner, should apply online and contact the studio at (917) 789-1599 with any questions that they might have about enrollment.

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