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Becoming Alive with Meisner Training
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The two-year acting program at the Maggie Flanigan Studio introduces professional actors to the Meisner technique. First-year acting program student Julia Gu, talks about coming to the studio without having any experience with the Meisner technique.
Becoming Alive with Meisner Technique Training: Julia Gu Interview
Best Meisner Training – Maggie Flanigan Studio – Call (917) 794-3878
Q: Julia, why did you decide to study at Maggie Flanigan studio?
A: I started acting training without an acting technique. I went to voice class with the Linklater technique and then, also when to take client classes. Then, the teachers feel like as a talent, I’m too raw, regarding I don’t have acting technique. Then, they recommended- both teachers recommended Maggie Flanigan at the same time. They think, Charlie’s tough and sets a high bar in terms acting technique. The studio overall has a high level of integrity when it comes to training actors. They both tell me I will be in good hands coming here. That’s why I am here.
Q: What did you think the Meisner technique was before you came to the studio since you didn’t have any experience with it before?
A: I’m Chinese, I don’t see a lot about American acting masters. I know several guys trained based on the method–
Q: Stanislavski?
A: Stanislavski. They are like Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, and then Sandy Meisner. I thought Sandy Meisner was the guy who does repetition, that’s all I know. Repetition. I thought the truth would come up during the repetition exercise.
Apply for Admission – Meisner Training Program – (917) 794-3878
Q: Now, you’ve finished a whole year of the Meisner work, what do you think the Meisner technique is now?
A: To be honest, I just finished one year. I don’t know the whole thing- how the entire thing is, but I would say repetition was indeed a minimal amount of the beginning. It’s not what the whole thing is about. Right now, my understanding is more like being specific in each aspect of acting regarding our emotional lives, concerning our relationship with other people in the play, our daydream, what happened. We have to create that daydream as specific as possible to form the reality when we’re acting. That’s where I am right now. That’s here may change.
Q: What did you learn about yourself during this year- this first year of the Meisner technique that was a surprise or that changed you?
A: I think, the first is about learning about ourselves and something surprised me is how much my family plays a considerable weight in my life. That surprised me; I did not expect to feel so much emotion. My emotional life is very much connected to my family.
Q: How did this change you as a person?
A: As a person, not as an actress?
Q: Or, as an actor as well. Given that you didn’t have a lot of technique before, it can apply either way.
A: I came here from a business background. In my old world, the business world, usually there is something, and you get it. I don’t care about other things. I’m very like go there. After the whole program, I saw- I felt like I have more empathy for the entire world and the people around me. It made me also realize that even if sometimes I think the most direct ways to get it, it actually might not work. There are so many things around it. I care about other people more. In return, somehow sometimes I get things unexpected. I think life surprises me more now; I feel more lively inside me.
Q: In regards to class, what does it like to have a terrible day in class?
A: A horrible day is– I felt like we have to do things to prepare for class and I felt like, “Oh my God. This thing is so good I’ll prepare this.” Wholeheartedly, I want to present this, and I want to do this because I have the emotional connection to it. I did that in class and Charlie was not happy with it. It’s just like you try to get fully naked, in front of everybody, with your heart, and they were like, “No, we don’t like that. It is not good.” It’s frustrating, sometimes sad.
Apply for Admission – Meisner Technique Training Program – (917) 794-3878
Q: On the opposite side, what’s it like to have a breakthrough or a great day in class?
A: It’s like a lightbulb going on.
Suddenly, something I felt I did not do. Charlie’s feedback sometimes is very harsh, but then, at that moment, you know, “Oh my God, it’s true.” Now, it’s okay with where I am now. When he says good things, I know it’s true, and it’s not just to make me happy.
The struggle finally clicks in or finally registers something you’ve been struggling through maybe.
To be honest with you, well, now I finished the first year, I think back. I feel like some of my failure could be bigger, because sometimes I was afraid of, “I hope this doesn’t fail.” Then, it will be funnier if I think now back. It will be funnier if I fail more, and I will be like, “Oh my God. What was I thinking?”
Q: I think a lot of it is about failing, and that’s how you learn.
A: I think, I was supposed to try and to put us in a world to tell us this is an empty world and find yourself in this world. Sometimes you will bump into walls. That’s how I feel like, “Here’s a wall here, but there was an entrance here.” We’re just going to keep on searching.
Meisner Training and Acting Programs – Maggie Flanigan Studio – (917) 794-3878
Meisner Training at the Maggie Flanigan Studio
Serious actors who are interested in applying for admission to the acting programs at the Maggie Flanigan Studio in New York, can learn more about the studio by going to the acting programs and acting classes page or by calling the studio at (917) 794-3878 with specific questions about the acting classes and acting programs https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/.
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“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.”
