Maggie Flanigan Studio Blog: meisnerintensive

Showing posts with label meisnerintensive. Show all posts

Thursday, October 4, 2018

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

Fall Meisner Intensive Troy Press 01 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

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

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

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

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

Fall Meisner Intensive Jamie Ragusa 03 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

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

Fall Meisner Intensive Jamie Ragusa 01 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

Fall Meisner Intensive Hannah Fernandez 03 - Maggie Flanigan Studio

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

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

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

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

Saturday, November 18, 2017

two year acting program interview - Aviona Carrigan

The two year acting program at the Maggie Flanigan Studio is based on the Meisner technique, which was created by Sanford Meisner. In this video Aviona Carrigan talks about the two year acting program and how she is changing personally and professionally. Katie: Aviona what have been some unexpected hurdles for you while you've been training at this studio? Aviona: I think the thing I've struggled with the most is self-doubt or a fear of failure, which I never would have thought of before. I feel I've really grown over this past year, especially with not being so scared to fail, I've learned that through failing is where I have my biggest breakthroughs and that at the end of the day no is not the worst thing that you can hear. It doesn't kill you, you grow the most from it and I've grown with so much confidence. I feel like just doing the work too. Katie: How have you felt yourself change unexpectedly as an actor through this whole process? Aviona: I feel like I've not changed only as an actor but as a human being, I listen more. I actually didn't realize how much I wasn't listening or actually taking in what someone was saying. I feel I was a little bit more self-absorbed with like, "What do I want to say back to you?" I communicate better, I feel I have a deeper understanding of people too. I want to understand other people's perspectives and know how that feels too. Katie: You've trained as a dancer for 15 years, you've taken classes other places. How does Charlie compare to the other acting teachers or just teachers in general that you've had? Aviona: Charlie, like I said earlier he's that voice of truth, the thing that you don't want to hear, but you need to hear. I also really appreciate that he individualizes how he teaches all of us, I'm not going to get the same critique that someone else is going to get and he puts it through a filter that works specifically for each of us. I know personally for me I'm one of those people I learn best from someone that's a little bit more harsh with me, not to say that he's harsh with me, but he's definitely on my case more and I know I need that. Katie: He just doesn't tell you what you want to hear, he tells you what you need to hear. Aviona: Exactly, right. I know with some people he approaches them in a more kinder way and because that's what they take to better. It's really nice to watch it happen in the class too and you learn also by him teaching other students and sometimes you start learning in that way as well. It rounds you out a little bit more. Katie: What would you say if someone felt after, if someone you'd study with had another class, an intensive if they said they didn't need to commit to a two-year training program, what would you say to that person? Aviona: I would say that if this is something you really take serious, if this is something you want to continue to do two years isn't that big a deal in the scheme of things. Look at all these professions, such as a doctor, look how many years they study and then they get to work. Why wouldn't we as artists, as actors, why wouldn't we approach our work with the same respect and want to grow and further our knowledge, further what our bodies can do and just be so solid and prepared to go out and work? Katie: What would you say, for you, is the single number one reason to study at Maggie Flanigan Studio instead of any other studio? Aviona: I would say, the single reason -- I honestly I like the community we have here. I feel like everyone's so supportive of each other. There's so many days that you're going to have a bad day or that you are going to be filled with so much self-doubt that you don't want to continue on. You have so many people around you and so many teachers that are just there to pick you up and there to motivate you again and get you back where you need to be and so much stronger. I think that's what I've prized most at being here. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 (917) 789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1SoU0EHDskHoP_lhaX_AKCn7... https://flic.kr/p/Dxuqtj

meisner technique maggie flanigan studio 10

The Meisner Technique is one of the most respected acting techniques that has been studied by many of the most recognized professional actors. In this video Aviona Carrigan talks about her reasons for deciding to study the Meisner technique and why she chose the Maggie Flanigan studio. Q: What were the steps that led you specifically to the studio? You said you looked for a year and a half which is a long time. Some people look longer than that. Some people, this is the first studio they look at. What were the specific steps that made you decide to come to Maggie Flanigan? A: I read so many books on technique which, honestly, it doesn't really do anything justice. I really think you have to dive in there and learn what works best for you. Also, interviewing all the teachers and instructors. I honestly feel Charlie was the best fit for me after speaking with him. He’s one of those people that will tell you how it is and will honestly tell you what you don't want to hear but what you need to hear and that's what you need to grow. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 (917) 789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1SoU0EHDskHoP_lhaX_AKCn7... https://flic.kr/p/GJKtxX

meisner technique maggie flanigan studio 10

Q: You studied a Meisner program. You studied a couple different techniques, you mentioned. Why did you decide Meisner was the best one for you? A: It was something that I noticed -- focused on bringing myself to the world or to the character. It was like looking within you. I noticed that it helped me with my listening, it helped me with my communication. It really grounded me. The other places I found didn't create a sense of foundation, it was more of like, "Here's some cute like not cute," but some tools and things that you can add but it didn't have a foundation to add it to and that's what I wanted. Q: You mentioned you danced professionally or danced for 15 years, you model. A lot of people might just think, "Oh, I can just jump into acting." Why did you decide to commit to a two-year training program instead of just jumping in? A: I wanted to approach acting the same way that I had approached dance. I think it's really important to -- within dance, you start on the floor. You stretch and you build strength and then you move to the bar and you work on your technique and then you go to the floor and you work on combinations. Eventually, you get to learn choreography and you get to perform. I wanted to have the same approach to acting as I did dance because I felt like that's the best way to strengthen yourself. Q: What were the steps that led you specifically to the studio? You said you looked for a year and a half which is a long time. Some people look longer than that. Some people, this is the first studio they look at. What were the specific steps that made you decide to come to Maggie Flanigan? A: I read so many books on technique which, honestly, it doesn't really do anything justice. I really think you have to dive in there and learn what works best for you. Also, interviewing all the teachers and instructors. I honestly feel Charlie was the best fit for me after speaking with him. He’s one of those people that will tell you how it is and will honestly tell you what you don't want to hear but what you need to hear and that's what you need to grow. Q: Why the professional actor training program? You're taking all the classes. You’re balancing a job, you're modeling, you’re still working. Why did you decide to take on not just the acting class but movement, voice, theater history, script analysis, all of the things we offer here? A: I think knowledge is power. Especially in this industry that's so competitive, why wouldn't you want to know as much as you can know about the career you're trying to have for a lifetime? I think voice training is so important and I was unaware of how untrained I was with my voice. Movement has grounded me so much. I didn't even know how to approach a script before and now taking script analysis or being in that class, I was like, “Oh, man. I was really clueless." I just think it's really important that you try to be as well-rounded as possible in something that you want to do forever. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 (917) 789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1SoU0EHDskHoP_lhaX_AKCn7... https://flic.kr/p/Dxu8Us

meisner technique maggie flanigan studio 10

Q: Before you came into Maggie Flanigan Studio, did you study anywhere else? Did you study the Meisner technique? What was that like for you? A: Actually, I looked at several places before coming here. I spent a year and a half trying everything out. The first place I went to was a Meisner technique acting program. Some of the issues I found with that is that because I was a green actor, as they like to call me specifically, I was treated differently than most of the other students. It's somewhat like a factory, really. I was just a number. I was like a paycheck for them. I didn't really feel welcomed. Especially, with some of the other students, it felt very competitive when that's not what I really wanted in a program. I wanted a home and a family and people to grow with. The second place I study wasn't a Meisner-based program at all but I found that the students were lacking -- what's the right word for it? Motivation and wanting to actually put in the work and effort and everything in it, like they were just here to show up and here to play, it was like a hobby. I wanted somewhere that -- one that felt like a family and everyone wanted to push each other and work together and grow. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 (917) 789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1SoU0EHDskHoP_lhaX_AKCn7... https://flic.kr/p/GJKtyP

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

meisner summer intensive hunter bryant

The Meisner Summer Intensive at the Maggie Flanigan Studio, is considered by many to be the most respected Meisner training program in the United States. In this interview Hunter Bryant talks about his experience in the Meisner Summer Intensive as an undergraduate. What did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six week Summer Summer Intensive? Before I came here -- I'm actually currently enrolled in a BFA program. So training for me has been a lot of voice, a lot of speech, a lot of movement, a lot of different techniques given, layered on top of each other. But in all of that what was really missing for me was just simplicity of sitting and talking to another person just without fear, without bias, without judgment, without text and being able to own who I am in that work. What happened to you during the six week summer intensive that changed your perspective on training? What happened to me, I really got a sense of who I am in a variety of moments. Just how I would respond uncensored, how I could take risks and not have to worry about the repercussion, because in work as an actor I am not just my normal censored everyday pedestrian self. I have to be able to rise to the occasion in multiple senses and here I feel like it's been-- here I feel like I have been given the liberty to do that. What did you learn about yourself that was a surprise or that changed you? I feel like I learned what I care about, what I don’t care about, what motivates me to work and how I can bring that through my work. What are the essential things that fire me up that I can layer into a part that would instantaneously bring me to life. How would you describe Charlie as a teacher? Hunter: Rough. [laughs] I can't think of anything else. Rough. He's intense, he's passionate, he knows about so many other art forms outside of acting and he knows how all of those influence the actor. He's very driven in a way that's magnetizing, he makes you want to work harder and to uncover what's truthful. To learn more about the Meisner Summer Intensive and the professional actor training programs, call the studio at 917-789-1599. Maggie Flanigan Studio 153 W 27th St #803 New York, New York 10001 (917) 789-1599 www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ meisner summer intensive, meisner intensive, summer intensive, summer acting programs, meisner technique, meisner acting, meisner training, acting classes, acting class, acting program, acting programs, acting coach, master acting class http://flic.kr/p/TJvvd7