18-Month Acting Program
Created for the NYC resident, the 18-month program is perfect for international students interested in pursuing our full acting conservatory program on an M1 Visa. Additionally, the Wednesday evening, Saturday morning schedule is ideal for students who must navigate the responsibilities of a full-time job while training. Also, many of our students are making their move to NYC in late summer and early fall, making a January start date convenient for them to move, find work, and get acclimated to the city.
The work in our 18-month program requires dedication and a willingness to put in the time and energy necessary to train professionally. For those serious about pursuing a long and substantive career, the Meisner Technique will turn you into a vivid, truthful, organic actor, capable of illuminating the human condition. Meisner trained actors are known for their imagination, their ability be truly present, to listen, and to function from a vulnerable, sensitized place.
The 18 Month Professional Acting Program (917) 794-3878
Year 2: Building Professional Skills for a Long Career
The fundamentals of acting are instilled in the Actor 1 training. Actors heading into the second year of training have developed a truthful acting instrument, capable of crafting in a simple, specific and personal way with a body that is pliable, vulnerable, sensitive and empathic. These are all hallmarks of a well- trained Meisner actor. Acting 2 will focus on character work and is taught by our Head Of Acting Charlie Sandlan. Students will work on major parts from playwrights such as Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neil, August Wilson to name a few. You will get the tools necessary to approach a major part as a professional. You will learn how to break down a script and step into the shoes of another human being.
The 18-month Acting Program also makes available the full collection of conservatory classes (our PATP program) that have made the Maggie Flanigan Studio the gold standard of professional actor training in NYC. We believe in training the complete artist. An actor who possesses artistry and craft that expects to be working professionally for the rest of their working life. This work will open you to the deep beauty of this important art form. If you wish to be a vivid, organic and experiential actor, if you are trying to navigate this dream while surviving in NYC, then the 18-Month Acting Program may be the perfect fit for you.
The opportunity to work with both Karen Chamberlain and Charlie Sandlan is one of the best aspects of this program. Charlie Sandlan has become the leading teacher of Sanford Meisner’s technique, taking the art of teaching this work to the next generation of aspiring actors. The teaching tree from Sandy Meisner to Bill Esper, to Maggie Flanigan and now to Charlie is the result of the passion and belief in this technique. Both Charlie and Karen’s 20-year teaching mentorship under Maggie is why the Maggie Flanigan Studio has the reputation that it does.
If you have a dream and know that you have a voice to contribute to this art form, we will help you take your creativity, your passion, and your imagination and channel that into a craft that will support you for the rest of your life.
The Maggie Flanigan Studio has built its reputation on sending out students who are fully prepared for a long professional career. The PATP is the option that provides our students with the most comprehensive and rigorous training available.
Apply for Admission to the Maggie Flanigan Studio
Maggie Flanigan Studio https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com is the premiere acting program for professional actors looking to train in the Meisner Technique in New York City. Prospective actors can apply by going through the admissions process. This 18-month program is designed for actors who would benefit from the two-year program, but need to train on an accelerated, condensed schedule. This program is also suitable for international actors looking to train using an M1 Student visa.
Serious actors willing to work hard and dedicate themselves to developing their acting instrument are encouraged to schedule an interview with the Head of Acting at Maggie Flanigan Studio, Charlie Sandlan by calling (917) 794-3878.
You might be thinking that making the move to New York and getting a few headshots was a big step, but it’s the part that comes next that can make or break your career. While typing a resume may seem important, choosing the right acting class is integral. Without focus, you can take as many classes as you want and still not have the results you seek. Instead, the Maggie Flanigan Studio was designed to give students the ability to combine hard work with their natural talents in order to encourage positive growth and a successful career as an artist. If you’re passionate about becoming the best actor you can be, this studio is certainly the place for you.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“I was placed in the intense reigns of Charlie Sandlan. I became a better artist, actor, friend, sibling and daughter because of the studio. Even now, I crave the studio every day. What I learned is present in my work every day. I truly believe in everything they stand for.”
“Maggie taught me that I could control my work, my acting, and to throw all of the bullshit out that I had in my head about ‘what I should be doing’ and to just listen and respond honestly, in the moment. She gave me a craft. She is, quite simply put, THE BEST.”
“Maggie Flanigan taught me the true meaning of artistry, passion, and professionalism. I am certain that I continue to work as an actress because of my training with Maggie. At every audition and every performance, her guiding voice is with me. It is a gift beyond measure.”
“Maggie Flanigan is uncompromising, her instincts as a teacher are razor sharp. She doesn’t miss a beat”
“Maggie Flanigan has been one of the most important people in my artistic life. I want to work with Maggie trained actors. As an actor myself, she is my first source. I do not say this lightly, if you are serious about acting, and willing to work very hard, then go to Maggie.”
“Maggie helped me find my sense of truth, an actors greatest asset. Maggie is an expert at instilling that vital ingredient, which allows an actor’s potential to become limitless. My work will forever be rooted in the clarity and honesty she helped me develop.”
“After working for ten years, I did the 2 year program, and now feel that I have the tools I need to become the actor I’ve always dreamed of being. Maggie Flanigan instilled in me a clear sense of truth and a standard of perfection. I am a better actor because of this studio.”
“As an actor, the core of what you have to rely on is your sense of truth and humanity. Maggie allowed me to discover and embrace mine. Trusting my sense of humanity and truth has given me the ability to take risks in my work and my career decisions.”
“Maggie Flanigan has the unique ability to get an actor to the essence of what is true in a moment. She creates a safe and caring environment in which to work.”
“Maggie Flanigan introduced me to my own spirit and my own sense of Truth. Her passion for teaching and ability to communicate are rare gifts to any actor looking for a technique to set his or her talent free. Maggie’s voice has been the one constant guide in my career.”
“Maggie is passionate and disciplined. She teaches that these are essential parts of the actor’s journey. Acting happens between people. Meisner says it, and Maggie insists upon it. To this day, it is what I find most captivating to watch and most gratifying to practice.”
“Maggie’s teaching is unmatched. She finds a great balance in having you commit to the work specifically while allowing your own essence to color the role. To this day, both in theater and in film, her voice and teaching have continued to profoundly influence my work.”
“Maggie inspired me to love the craft of acting. She challenged me to find the truth in the moment and to bring to it the most simple, authentic part of myself. She put guts into my acting. Maggie’s ability to catch anything false or contrived in an actor is a real gift.”
“Maggie Flanigan and Charlie Sandlan helped me tremendously to become the working actor I am today. I booked my first off-broadway play with Signature Theater Co. I could not be more proud to call myself a student of the studio.”
“This school has completely changed me, as an actor and as a person. Charlie will make you dig down deep inside yourself and find things you didn’t know were there. I wouldn’t give this experience back for anything.”
“Charlie and Maggie are in my opinion, two of the top Meisner teachers in the country. I’m proud to be an alum of MFS and I consider the studio home.”
“Rarely does a day go by that I do not take note of how far my classmates and I have come in our short time at the studio. This program has transformed me as an actor and overall person.”
“Completing the two year program was the best thing I could have possibly done for my career. I have every tool I need to go out and be the best actor I can be. If I could do it all over 100 lives in a row, I’d pick Maggie Flanigan studio every time.”
“The Maggie Flanigan Studio has set a precedence in what a serious actor needs. This is not only an actor training, this was a life changing experience. I can’t express how grateful I am for this training. I walked in a boy, left an artist.”
“I was an untrained actor when I arrived at the studio. This program, and I mean the entire program (Acting, Movement, Voice, Script Analysis, Monologue, etc.) has given me the confidence I have been searching for, for years.”
“As an actor, the core of what you have to rely on is your sense of truth and humanity. Not only did Maggie allow me to discover & embrace mine, she also taught me that As an actor, the core of what you have to rely on is your sense of truth and humanity …”
“Cold reading is a class that most directly correlates with booking work. Charlie teaches you how to step up to a few pages of sides, and in twenty minutes, apply the tools you are learning in acting class, into a character and script you’ve never seen before.”
“The Film History course is a great (and necessary) resource for all actors. Jeff, the teacher, is not only passionate about the subject he teaches but provides a safe space to discuss, ask questions or even make suggestions about topics to cover in class.”
“Movement 1 is insanely good. An incredible class that takes you on such an amazing emotional and spiritual journey. We travel through every shakra in the body. At the end of the class you will feel like a completely different person.”
“Movement 1 literally changed my life, it taught me what it means to work on my “actors body.¨ Julia Crockett and Briana Packen instilled an awareness in me and a way of working that keeps me open and available. This class is irreplaceable.”
“Before taking this class, I was using my body as a shield to protect me. the tension in my body wasn’t allowing me to take uncomfortable situations “in”. I learned how to to express whatever impulses I was feeling through body, language and sound.”
“Movement 2 completely changed my way of thinking. I pushed myself beyond what I thought I was capable of doing with the help of these intuitive instructors who create a safe and exciting learning environment. Simply put, it’s life-changing.”
“After movement training at the studio, I developed a greater awareness of the physical tensions and habits which were hurting my acting. Julia and Briana create an environment that is safe and permissive. These classes are a must!”
“The class preaches the importance of having a released body. Julia has a knack for understanding the physical blocks of each individual and works to help release those tensions. I highly recommend this class for every actor!”
“Movement III not only created a safe space for me to fail, it helped me discover and learn that within failure itself lies the compelling, interesting behavior and choices just waiting to be discovered. Tina’s energy, passion, and mastery of her craft made me an instant Suzuki fan. Run(and stomp!), don’t walk to her class!”
“Movement did wonders for easing my terrible, terrible nerves before auditions and performances. Many issues that came up while doing the work in the core acting class were solved in this class. The skills honed in this class apply to all areas of the acting craft.”
“Movement 3 was the most important class for my instrument as an actor. This class gave me the tools with which to diagnose the tension in my body and in a way that cracked open my work as an actor.”
“Prior to starting any of the movement work I was unaware of how my body was holding me back. Now I’m aware of where I’m holding tension and what tools I can use to provide ease. I attribute my contiuned growth in the acting class to the movements class!”
“With the business program coming to an end, I find myself reflecting on how rewarding it has been. The years it would have taken to learn everything in the program, is just one reason why it’s worthwhile. I grew exponentially as an artist and as a professional.”
“I’m so eternally grateful that this third year / business program exists! It has given me the perfect structure and tools to take my career to the next level. Charlie Sandlan should be proud of what this studio has put together.”
“Kate knows practically everything there is to know about what’s going on in the Business on any given day. Her feedback is always tremendously helpful.”
“Louisa has an unmatched ability to help you nurture your “hunting” skills when you are working with a script. Script Analysis Class gives you the tools you need to form your personal process from the first read of a new script all the way through the rehearsal process.”
“I now use what I learned in the script analysis class whenever I get a new script, monologue, or sides, and these skills always lead me to discoveries and bring a greater depth to the story and the character I am attempting to portray.”
“Elliot presents a way to read and explore plays that has opened up how I think of performance at its most elemental level. The environment is challenging, while also creative, and leaves you with the ability to speak confidently (or at least with daring) about plays you read and performances you see.”
” I started out as a guy who loves acting, but really didn’t know anything about The Theater. Theater History at the Maggie Flanigan Studio has turned me into a more critically thinking actor and theater-viewer. Other actors should definitely take Theater History at Maggie Flanigan Studio because it is one hell of an eye-opening class.”
“I needed to expand my knowledge of theater if I wanted to begin to consider myself a well-rounded actor and artist. And I can say without hesitation that Elliot’s class did that and so much more. This class has grown my thirst for knowledge and my love for theater. I simply can’t recommend it enough.”
“It was amazing how my work in Voice 1 aided me in acting class. The two went hand in hand. I was able to become aware all unnecessary habits and tension that would stifle my emotional life from being expressed through my voice.”
“I found voice to be the most important obstacle in my time at Maggie Flanigan Studio. Once I enrolled in Voice and Speech, my work changed exponentially. It helped ground me. In my opinion, it’s essential you take this class!”
“The Voice I class, taught by Liz Eckert, brought a lot of attention to the parts of my body that I have been straining for most of my life. Liz is extremely helpful and pushes you to work your hardest.”
“As an actor, the core of what you have to rely on is your sense of truth and humanity. Not only did Maggie allow me to discover & embrace mine, she also taught me that As an actor, the core of what you have to rely on is your sense of truth and humanity …”
“When I started training at the studio my voice was not in good shape. By Level 2 of Voice class I was able to incorporate useful skills that allowed my voice to be free, clear and released. Any actor that wants a powerful and expansive voice should take this class.”
“It was not until Voice 2 that I learned how my voice connected to my body and how to speak with all of myself. This class took my work to a deeper and more personal place. Voice 2 will give you the tools to continue your journey in exploring your voice.”
“This class pushed me and pushed me to try new applications, specifically image work, that took my understanding of Shakespeare to a whole new level. I would take this class again. And again after that. Be warned: You’ll get out of it what you put into it.”
“I’ve never taken a voice class like this one before. By the end of the semester we were all able to live through highly emotional pieces, stay grounded and free in our bodies and still speak with the clarity and connection required for such heightened text.”
“I left every class brimming with new discoveries. The opportunity to work with Greek text in Level IV was the perfect culmination of our training – incorporating heightened material, huge emotional range and complete physical embodiment of a character.”
“I think everyone needs voice training. Voice 4 solidifies your breathe and vocal work. This program wouldn’t be complete without this class.”
“The acting program here is quite literally life changing. I loved their stage combat class. Jayme is amazing, he really takes his time to show you how to do every move. As a complete beginner, I found that I was able to learn so quickly. Now I feel confident to tackle any combat on stage or film, and have a reel to show for it too. I highly recommend!”
“The Film History I course entitled American Cinema is a course every actor should consider completing. It offers an introduction to the history, language, and the theory of film making in order for the actor to have a clear understanding of film making from inception to present day.”
“The Studio offers so many amazing classes and all teachers bring immense passion and care for their students. I took Voice III with Amanda Quaid, we worked on dialects. Especially for me as a non-native speaker, this topic freaks me out.”
“Maggie Flanigan Studio offers a wide range of diverse classes, and Combat For Stage and Film is certainly a class that you do not want to miss out on. Jayme Woj is an incredibly talented and well studied instructor. Safety is a priority from the first class all the way through the end of the course.”
“Studying at Maggie Flanigan re-injects the ambition that real acting truly involves, because the quality of work demanded cannot be falsified. What’s demanded of you is presence, and an honest aspiration to free yourself.”
“I attended the MFS summer intensive because I wanted to be a better actor. In every class, my limits were pushed. The level of commitment that is expected from you is nothing short of 100%. Charlie has a complete domain of the craft.”
“Maggie Flanigan Studio is a transformational experience! You walk into this training intensive as one person and walk out an improved one. If you are willing to take yourself seriously as an artist this is a good place to do that.”
“I watched myself go from being uncertain in my choices and unsure of how to craft in such a short period of time, to being confident in the decisions I make because of my refined process. Cherry gave me the tools I needed to utilize such a short amount of time in a worthwhile way.”
