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FIRST YEAR MEISNER ACTING PROGRAM
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Acting Relationship and Shared Circumstance
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In this blog post, Charlie Sandlan of the Maggie Flanigan Studio in New York City discusses the importance of understanding and developing the acting relationship between two people. Charlie explains how shared circumstances can help to create an emotional connection between two actors that allows them to craft a meaningful performance.
Meisner Technique Acting Relationship and Shared Circumstance – Maggie Flanigan Studio
The Acting Relationship and Shared Circumstance
After our second round scenes, we start to get to some excellent stuff. The acting relationship is the next big thing introduced over the first year. You must answer the third question in the progression of Meisner’s crafting as an actor. Fundamentally, what’s the acting relationship? Who are you to me in this scene? How do I feel about you? Often, that comes from what’s happened between us; something happened between you and me; we have a shared circumstance. In most scenes, most acting involves shared circumstances.
We go back to the exercise, and we begin to start to work with shared circumstances. Now, we’re substantiating the acting relationship. The acting relationship is significant. That’s not what I call the program relationship, “Oh, here’s my brother, it’s my sister, it’s my husband, it’s my wife.” You can’t act that. It’s way too general.
What you need to be able to do as an actor is to be able to craft that acting relationship in emotional terms, with an emotional point of view, how I feel about you, often because of what’s just happened between us, and being able to characterize another person. It changes how you work off of them. It changes how you use moments; how you feel about what’s being said to you comes out of the acting relationship.
We will work on that. This is the payoff of the first year, these shared circumstances. They’re enjoyable, they’re rich, and they’re life-altering. It becomes this beautiful spontaneous improvisational exercise. When it’s crafted well, and students are working well, they are starting to assemble all of the fundamental skills you need to be a competent, decent, clear actor.
The Two Year Program with the Meisner Technique
At Maggie Flanigan Studio (https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/new-york-ny), actors can take the two-year Meisner acting program, which includes training with master acting teacher Charlie Sandlan. Actors with or without prior experience are welcome to apply for admission at the studio. To apply or to learn more about the Meisner technique, visit the Maggie Flanigan Studio website or call (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.”
