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Fear and the Creative Struggle
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Over the holiday vacation, I had the real pleasure of sitting down to talk with one of my former students Eden Marryshow about life after training at the Maggie Flanigan Studio. The subject of fear came up in our conversation, and how it cripples us from taking the chances that put us on the path towards achieving our dreams. I’ve been thinking a lot about this as I begin the new year interviewing those interested in pursuing a professional acting career.
There is a common thread that appears in many of my talks with prospective students, namely the fear that has been holding them back from taking themselves and their life dreams seriously. Our dreams are very personal, and often lie dormant inside of us for many, many years. To make the decision to take the first step towards realizing this dream can be terrifying. How relatable are these thoughts: “My parents don’t support this, they’d kill me if I told them I am going to pursue an acting career.”, “How can I commit to two years of training, I’m scared that opportunities will pass me by?”, “It’s too much money, I ‘m afraid of getting into debt.”, “What if I’m not talented, I’m scared of failing?”, “I don’t know how I could fit in 20 hours of training a week and still work to support myself? I’m afraid I’ll have to leave NYC and go back home.”
Nothing of value can be gained if you are not willing to operate outside of your comfort zone. This is where real growth and possibility exists. If you are one of the lucky few that are deeply passionate about a life in the arts and have a smoldering dream to become a first-rate actor and artist, then you must be willing to risk yourself. Art demands this commitment. What do you think you could accomplish if you were guaranteed that you would not fail or be criticized? These two monsters will keep you always wondering, what if. What if I just jumped off the cliff and took my dreams seriously? What if I put myself in the position of being a beginner again in order to learn something substantial? What if I committed to working harder than anyone I know? What if I cut out all of the relationships in my life that made me question and doubt myself? What if I surrounded myself with talented, hard-working, passionate people? What if I said yes?
Charlie Sandlan and Eden Marryshow – Maggie Flanigan Studio (917) 794-3878
If you have a dream, pursue it relentlessly. Demand the best version of you. Embrace hard work and self-discipline. And open your heart to the beauty of creative struggle.
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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.”
