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FIRST YEAR MEISNER ACTING PROGRAM
Begins January 7th, 2025
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The 18-month acting program in NYC at the Maggie Flanigan Studio is a Meisner based acting program for serious actors who are commuted to professional actor training. In this interview with Sydney Nordan, Sydney talks about the decision to leave college and semi pro soccer to train at the studio.
18 Month Acting Program in NYC – Sydney Nordan – Maggie Flanigan Studio – (917) 794-3878
Sydney Nordan Interview About the 18-Month Acting Program in NYC
Q: Sydney, tell me about your background in acting?
I actually did not study anywhere else, and I don’t really have any kind of background in acting.
Q: What did you think Meisner training was before you started the 18-month program at Maggie Flanigan Studio?
I actually knew really nothing about acting, and I actually read about it on this studio, our website online. Then I looked into a few other places and other definitions of it, but I really didn’t understand it fully until I came here.
Q: What were the specific steps that led you to Maggie Flanigan Studio?
I knew that I really wanted to be serious about acting, and I wanted to find a very serious studio. I was ready to commit myself and my time 100%. I actually researched about a lot of studios in New York, and I called and actually talked to you on the phone. I asked you a ton of questions. Then I came in and I had an interview with Karen.
I was going to interview at other studios actually, and I wasn’t completely set until I met with Karen and Charlie. I just got this incredible vibe about this studio and what they were doing and how passionate they were when they talked and how they treated me. After my interview– I actually cried with my interview with Karen. After my interview, I was like, “Let me come. Let me be here, please.” Then I joined the studio after that.
Q: Where were you living before you moved to New York? Did you move here specifically to pursue your acting career?
Absolutely. I moved here– I originally had no plans. I’m from Alabama. I’ve transferred up here to play soccer in college actually from the University of Alabama. I played in Connecticut for two years. Then when I decided and I started into this program, I was actually commuting about two and a half hours and I was playing soccer. I was going to college, I was taking eight classes because I was ready to graduate. I was working two jobs and it just– this program was absolutely worth it to me.
We were doing our scenes. Charlie came in to visit and to see our scenes, which he does in first year. He told us after our class, he was just like, “If you want to do this work, you have to fully commit. You need to be here, be on time, and everything like that.” I sat in my seat and I sobbed because I realized I was doing so many other things that I couldn’t fully commit.
I actually have played soccer my entire life. I played semi-professional and professionally overseas. I did not end up finishing out my last year of eligibility in college. I had one more year, I did not do it. I decided right then in that class when he talked to us that I was moving to New York. I actually moved in with a girl who is going to the studio right now and we’re best friends and we live together. It’s been amazing, but I did commute for the whole first– the January session.
Q: Did your family support your decision to move here?
My family doesn’t know that I’m up here acting actually. They think it’s a hobby. I made the move by myself. I did everything by myself. My cousins, they support me and my acting friends here support me and they’re my family here. That’s all that really hasn’t mattered to me. My parents just wouldn’t understand the whole turn from– I was supposed to go down this road and then completely changed my life to a career that isn’t always stable and they don’t get that, but you know, like I said, my friends here are my family and I love it. Acting has completely fulfilled my life and I have never been happier than I am right now at the studio.
Q: What advice would you give to people or prospective students watching this video who are thinking about moving to NYC to train?
Get ready. It’s going to be a great ride. Honestly, you learn so much about yourself. I didn’t even know who I was until I came here. I’m actually gay and my family doesn’t even know. I was so conflicted on the inside about that. Last year through the acting training, I came completely out because I couldn’t hide it anymore. You just learn how to look at other people and look at the world in such a new perspective. I think that you should be aware when you come to training that that’s what’s going to happen to you. You are going to open up. You are going to be emotionalized. I don’t know, the world is just a really bright place. It’s really good.
Q: Do you have any advice for people who are feeling anxious or scared or nervous?
It was a hard journey but I ultimately, I needed to do this. I needed to do it for myself. I knew my family wasn’t going to be completely behind me. I honestly believe that this is your life. You have to do what is going to make you happy, ultimately. That’s just, that’s really it. Be ready. You’re going to have your days. I had a day that I just broke down and just and cried. I was like, “What am I doing? My whole life is different.” There is such beauty in that, your life is going to change. Everyone evolves. I think, honestly, just step into it with courage and go for it. Just be happy.
18-month Acting Program in New York – Maggie Flanigan Studio – (917) 794-3878
Apply for Admission to the 18 Month Acting Program in NYC
Learn more about the acting programs at the Maggie Flanigan Studio by visiting the Maggie Flanigan Studio website: https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/. Students who are interested and ready to train at the studio should apply online or call with questions about the programs at the studio at (917) 794-3878.
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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.”
