Many students consider the acting programs at Maggie Flanigan Studio to be the best-acting program in New York. Yalda Moslehian talks about what it was like moving to New York City to start the acting programs at the studio.

Meisner Summer Intensive Program – Maggie Flanigan (917) 794-3878

Q: What did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six-week Summer Intensive?

A: I thought it was being able to be believable, reading the lines, having some personality to the character, but now after taking the Summer Intensive, I realize it’s a lot more. It’s about taking in and being truthful to your emotions, not faking them, whereas before that’s what I would do, to fake the feelings by changing the tone of my voice. That’s not real artistry. Real artistry is being truthful under imaginary circumstances, and being able to craft something personal to you so that you can discover those emotions that you’ve kept hidden.

Q: Was this your first time studying Meisner?

A: I studied it briefly at my university. I minored in theater.

Q: How was your experience in our six weeks Summer Intensive different from your experience?

A: In the experience, it’s not as professional. Let’s say it that way. It wasn’t as professional as the Summer Intensive program that I took here. They want to make you the best of the best. They want to bring you to top-notch quality artistry here. Now, I’m learning to feel more and not being afraid to display my emotions. Not just feelings, but it’s also about standing up for yourself. He said, “You’re not standing up for yourself.” I thought I was. I believe that taking in, connecting with the other person, and being truthful to yourself.

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

A: Over the past six weeks, well, it’s, one, it’s been nice to be in a beautiful group class where we support each other. When I had my first breakthrough, I was getting anxiety, anxious, and I’ve never had a panic attack. I’ve never had a panic attack until the class because the crafting that I created for myself was so personal and so real to me that I could feel my body shaking, and then anger and then I turned into tears. Having that breakthrough, it’s a fantastic moment. It’s not easy, but just having the kids in the class being able to support me. Another discovery I had was a trigger of abandonment that I didn’t realize I had. You start to find yourself. You begin to see yourself through the class.

Q: How would you describe Charlie as an acting teacher?

A: I think Charlie is impressive. I wouldn’t call him a teacher. I call him a master at his craft. He’s an expert. He’s straightforward. He’s honest. He says it like it is. That’s exactly what I expected, and that’s exactly what I wanted in this training. Because the other classes or the other teachers I’ve had, they’re just more, “Okay. You’re doing good.” It’s only been hand-holding. If I want to improve, I need to be challenged, and he will challenge you. He’s been doing this for over 20 years. I enjoy the technique.

Q: Can you talk a little bit about what led you to look for a summer acting program?

A: I’m from Northern Virginia. I love New York City, but I’ve been booking some government industrials in the DC area. However, I wanted to expand my knowledge and network. I did some digging and some research, Maggie Flanagan studio came up as a top school, great reviews, challenging yourself, and then working with Charlie. Six months in advance, I had done my interview with Charlie. After talking to him, I thought, “Okay. This is a good fit for me.” Then I had to find a sublet, find some other things, and the six-week class has been eye-opening.

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who is maybe thinking about studying here?

A: This is something that you’re passionate about, and you’re not going to look back and think, what if or I wish I had done that or I wish I had done this kind of no regrets, that was my situation because I’m 29 now. [chuckles] I was willing to take that chance. I wanted to, and I would suggest taking the intensive class six weeks, three times a week, test it out, see if it’s something for you. Then you can make it a step further whether one or two year program and don’t be afraid to move to a different state because your acting class, you will bond with each other. You will make friendships. I know all of us, we go out every Friday night, it’s like after class. We’re all pretty close to each other. You have the support from the staff here, you have the help from Charlie and Karen and Sherry, and then, of course, your class. I would suggest taking the intensive.

Q: How did the other students here affect your experience in the acting classes?

A: Well, you learn a lot from your classmates too, and I think I wouldn’t have enjoyed my New York City experience without Maggie Flanagan Studio, without the creativity that you get from being here, without the kids in your class where you bond over something that you have a shared passion for. It definitely would not have been as happy and dream fulfilling experience as it has been. The community here is robust; the staff is fantastic. The experts that you get to work with, they know what they’re talking about. They’ve been doing this for over 20 years now. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing acting, but also to better their skills.

Q: What is the single number one reason to study at Maggie Flanagan Studio over any other acting studio in NYC?

A: I think the single reason, the first thing that comes to my mind is honesty. Not just the way that they teach, it’s very truthful, or you have to be honest, but just everything from the beginning, the communication, the correspondence, the paperwork. There isn’t any shadiness or hidden fees, or sometimes you get that with other programs, but here, everything is just like black and white, very straightforward to you, you know what to expect, and then what comes out of it depends on how hard you work.

Meisner Summer Intensive Program New York NY – Maggie Flanigan Studio – Call (917) 794-3878

Meisner Summer Intensive Admission

Admission to the acting programs at the Maggie Flanigan Studio is based on a 1:1 interview with Charlie Sandlan. Students who are interested in applying for acceptance should apply online. Students with questions about the acting class schedule or other details are welcome to call the studio during business hours at (917) 794-3878.