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FIRST YEAR MEISNER ACTING PROGRAM
BEGINS JANUARY 7TH, 2025
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(917) 794-3878
Sam Willett
Chekhov Technique
Sam is a highly trained artist. They started out as a classical musician through early years to adulthood and have trained in dance and singing as well.
Education
Sam is a highly trained artist. They started out as a classical musician through early years to adulthood and have trained in dance and singing as well. They received a BFA in Musical Theater from Point Park University where they first fell in love with the Chekhov Technique. They moved to NYC and started learning from Lenard Petit, Director and Master Teacher of the Michael Chekhov Studio. Sam then took a break for 2 years to complete the Maggie Flanigan Studio 2-year Meisner Program. Post pandemic, Sam went on to study with Bethany Caputo at the Chekhov Studio NYC and Ragnar Freidank, co-founder and creative director of the Michael Chekhov School.
Experience
Sam has devoted over a decade studying and learning how to teach Chekhov’s technique, and to the art of teaching aspiring artists. As an actor, Sam’s work has focused mainly on stage, collaborating in different forms of theatre such as devised, immersive, movement-based (both non-spoken and foreign language), and puppetry. As a teacher, they are very excited to share the Michael Chekhov Technique with our MFS students. Chekhov devised this technique with the actor’s brain and vocabulary in mind and it is best taught by someone who understands the acting process. Sam’s experience enables them to guide each student through their own individual curiosities and explorations of themselves and their work.
Philosophy
Chekhov classes often start out with a game. A sense of play is important to promote a non-judgemental, curious and open exploration of the technique. This creates a fun environment where the actor can get out of their head and into a safe space where taking chances doesn’t have to be scary. I empower students to create and manage their own acting journey. You are the only one who knows what it feels like to be in your body and you are the only one who has access to your imagination. My job is to guide you as you build and foster that relationship between your body and your imagination.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
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.”
Jes Macallan
“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.”
Leslie Bibb
“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.”
