Finding the right acting classes Brooklyn and New York City have to offer can be overwhelming with so many choices available. 

At the Maggie Flanigan Studio in the Manhattan neighborhood of Chelsea, we provide rigorous and well-respected acting courses in NYC. Our NYC acting studio centered around the Meisner Technique, provides actors the craft and technique to consistently create organic, vivid, fully realized human behavior. 

What sets us apart is not only our Artistic Director & Master Teacher Charlie Sandlan, but also our personalized approach and supportive community. With small class sizes and experienced instructors, our students get the attention they need to thrive. 

In this blog, we’ll explore what makes our acting classes unique, the benefits of Meisner training, and how our programs can help you reach your acting career goals.

Key Takeaways

• Maggie Flanigan Studio offers top-notch acting training for actors in Brooklyn and New York, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive community.
• Our comprehensive programs, including the two-year conservatory PATP, provide essential skills and networking opportunities for aspiring actors.
• Flexible scheduling options and diverse classes cater to students of all experience levels, helping them pursue their passion for acting.

Why Choose Acting Classes in Brooklyn and New York

Brooklyn and New York offer a vibrant artistic community, making them ideal for acting classes. 

The dynamic environment provides a rich backdrop for your acting journey, with opportunities to engage in various performing arts, from musical theater to film acting. The cultural mix and creative energy in these areas is why NYC has drawn thousands of aspiring artists over the last century.

Being close to NYC’s bustling theater scene and film industry offers unparalleled opportunities. Aspiring actors can immerse themselves in live performances, attend workshops, and gain insights from casting directors, and other working professionals in the industry.

From beginner classes to advanced training, the networking possibilities are immense, providing crucial connections that can help build the important social fabric needed for such a collaborative art form as acting.

With access to top-notch training at the Maggie Flanigan Studio, students of all skill levels come together to form an incredibly passionate community of like minded creatives who love the craft and art of acting.

Maggie Flanigan Studio’s Approach to Acting Training

At Maggie Flanigan Studio, our acting classes are deeply rooted in the Meisner Technique, a cornerstone of acting training renowned for its focus on emotional authenticity and moment to moment spontaneity.

Developed by Sanford Meisner, this technique emphasizes doing truthfully under imaginary circumstances, which helps actors develop an ability to create organic, vivid, human behavior. It trains actors to respond personally in every moment, fostering a deep emotional connection and enhancing their stage presence. 

Our curriculum includes the full first year progression of Meisner’s repetition exercises and the in-depth second year script analysis and scene study. The Meisner Technique is designed to get you out of your head, develop a vivid imagination and provide the tools necessary to take on lead roles and major parts.These exercises encourage actors to stay present in the moment, making their performances more compelling and believable.

Meisner training focuses on two things, acting fundamentals in the first year, and in-depth character work and script analysis in the second. The fundamentals are the core of first year training. A Mesiner trained actor knows how to craft, understands how to work off another human being, and possesses a developed and emotionally fluid instrument.

Comprehensive Training Programs

Our acting studio offers various programs and classes designed to meet the specific needs and career aspirations of our students. These comprehensive training programs are known throughout the industry for producing well-trained, professional actors who excel in the performing arts.

Professional Actor Training Program (PATP)

Our Professional Actor Business Program is the full enrollment of all our NYC acting classes. Designed by Artistic Director & Master Teacher Charlie Sandlan, MFS has curated a full conservatory program designed to train a complete artist. 

The PATP is graduate level training for aspiring actors looking to pursue a serious professional career. You can expect to be in-studio 22-26 hours a week.

First year classes include the Meisner Technique, Voice 1 & 2, Movement 1 & 2, Film History, Theater History, Breathwork, Stage & Film Combat, Dialects, and Chekhov. This curriculum is the gold standard of acting training in NYC. 

Actors who complete the full two-year PATP enter the professional world fully trained, and capable of competing against actors coming out of the top MFA programs in the United states, such as Yale, NYU, and Julliard. 

Bare Essentials Program

The Meisner Acting Only Program is designed for individuals who may have some financial and/or scheduling constraints, but are still seriously dedicated to honing their craft through focused, conservatory style training.

This program includes the full two-year progression of the Meisner Technique, as well as classes in Breathwork and Chekhov. Breathwork for Actors provides our students with tangible skills and specific techniques to regulate the nervous system, and allow for a way to stabilize the body after intense classwork. 

Michael Chekhov created an incredible acting process in the 1950’s, which has become used around the world. It is an incredible complement to the Meisner training, fostering an imaginative and creative way to work with the body to create rich and interesting characters. 

The Bare Essential program makes it possible to live and work in NYC, while also having the ability to get the professional NYC acting classes needed to compete at the top of the industry. If you are looking for Brooklyn acting classes, and are willing to make the short commute into Manhattan, MFS can become your artistic home.

Summer Acting Programs

The six-week Meisner Summer Intensive offers students an introduction to the Meisner Technique, and to a rigorous conservatory approach to professional acting training. Students experience the first 18 classes of the first year Meisner training. 

Many students use this intensive program as a stepping stone to our comprehensive two-year Professional Actor Training Program. It is ideal for current university students looking for a challenging experience, as well as international students looking to come to NYC for a short period and immerse themselves in some of the best acting training in the United States.

In addition to the Meisner intensive, we offer a range of summer classes tailored to different interests and skill levels. Options include playwriting, voice and movement training, film & stage combat, mask & character, Alexander Technique, and On-Camera Auditions. 

These programs provide a beginning foundation in the performing arts, helping students enhance their skills and prepare for a successful acting career.

Professional Actor Business Program

Our Professional Actor Business Program is designed to bridge the gap between acting training and a successful career. 

This optional third year focuses on teaching our students everything they need to know about the business side of acting. In the PABP, students get professional headshots, a designed website, and a demo-reel shot and edited by REELARC. The program includes classes taught by the top teachers and working professionals in the business. 

You will learn how to audition, how to self tape, and how to create your own content with workshops in producing, directing, cinematography, editing, and screenwriting. Students work with life coaches, financial advisors, a branding consultant, and social media expert.  

The program leads to a final month of auditions for some of the top casting directors, agents, and managers in the industry. The PABP is the most comprehensive business training for actors in the United States. 

If you are an actor who has received a BFA, and MFA, or completed a two-year acting program like the Maggie Flanigan Studio, then this experience will catapult you far beyond the majority of actors who spend years treading water, trying to figure out how the business works. 

Key Benefits of Joining Maggie Flanigan Studio

Choosing Maggie Flanigan Studio for your acting classes in NYC comes with a host of additional benefits designed to enhance your acting experience and support your growth as an artist. Our commitment to providing a holistic and supportive environment ensures that every student can thrive.

Tailored Instruction

Our acting school or acting studio offers small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and individualized feedback from experienced instructors. 

This ensures that each acting class is tailored to meet the unique needs of our students, helping them develop their craft with precision and confidence.

Supportive Community

We believe in the importance of a nurturing environment for creativity. Our theater classes foster collaboration and camaraderie among students, creating a supportive community where you can explore and grow as an actor. 

Playing theater games and engaging in improvisation exercises further strengthen these bonds, encouraging creativity and spontaneity.

Flexible Scheduling Options

Understanding the varied lifestyles of our students, we offer flexible scheduling options to fit your needs. Our acting classes are designed to accommodate working professionals and international and college students, with the choice of part-time or full-time schedules. 

We also provide evening and weekend sessions, making it easier to balance your acting training with other commitments. This flexibility ensures that everyone can access top-notch training and pursue their passion for acting, no matter how busy their life may be.

Networking Opportunities

Building connections within the acting industry is vital for career success. At the Maggie Flanigan Studio, we offer numerous networking opportunities. 

Our events, talkback sessions, and workshops are designed to integrate students into the acting community, connecting them with casting directors, agents, and industry professionals. This helps our students build relationships that can lead to auditions and professional engagements.

Nurture Your Craft at Maggie Flanigan Studio

Finding the perfect acting school can be a challenge, especially with the various acting classes available in Brooklyn and New York. These locations are renowned for their rich artistic scenes, making them ideal for aspiring actors to develop their talents. 

The Maggie Flanigan Studio understands the difficulties in choosing the right program and is committed to providing exceptional acting training. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of students of all experience levels, offering a mix of advanced classes, private coaching, and flexible scheduling to suit busy lives. 

Our community supports creativity through engaging theater games and improvisation exercises while our seasoned instructors give you the personalized feedback necessary for growth. 

Interested in advancing your acting career? Contact Maggie Flanigan Studio today and become part of a thriving community of dedicated actors.

Summary

The Maggie Flanigan Studio stands out for its commitment to excellence in acting training and personal growth. With a focus on the Meisner Technique, our acting classes offer unique benefits, including tailored instruction, a supportive community, flexible scheduling options, and valuable networking opportunities. 

Our diverse programs cater to students of all ages and experience levels, ensuring that every actor can find the right path to develop their craft. If you’re looking for exceptional acting classes in Brooklyn and New York, Maggie Flanigan Studio provides the perfect environment to nurture your talent and achieve your career goals. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is acting class in NYC?

The cost of acting classes in NYC can vary greatly. One-day workshops may be a few hundred dollars, while extensive programs like BFA or MFA degrees can cost hundreds of thousands. 

At the Maggie Flanigan Studio, our two-year conservatory PATP program is priced at around $38,000. The two-year Bare Essentials Program costs $16,400.

Is it worth taking acting classes?

Yes, taking acting classes is definitely worth it for aspiring performers. Classes provide essential training in areas such as acting craft and process, physical and vocal training, as well as education in film history, theater history, and script analysis. 

Acting classes also offer opportunities to play theater games, participate in auditions, and receive feedback from experienced teachers, which is invaluable for personal and professional growth.

How much should I spend on acting classes?

The amount you should spend on acting classes depends on your goals and budget. Investing in high-quality programs, such as those offered at the Maggie Flanigan Studio, ensures you receive top-notch training from experienced teachers. 

When casting directors and agents see that you have trained seriously at a top NYC acting studio, they understand that you are a serious actor, and will call you in for an audition over someone who has little to no acting training on their resume.

While it’s important to consider your financial situation, prioritizing your education in the performing arts and setting aside a reasonable budget for classes, whether short-term lessons or longer courses, is a wise decision for serious actors.