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Maggie Flanigan Studio Interviews Mata Barr
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New York, NY. November 25, 2019
Maggie Flanigan Studio, a renowned New York performing arts school, recently interviewed Mata Barr, an up and coming actor, singer, and dancer, about her experiences attending their Meisner Technique class.
Two Year Acting Program – Maggie Flanigan (917) 794-3878
Not to be confused with method acting, the Meisner technique is an approach developed by the American theater practitioner Sanford Meisner. The focus of the Meisner approach is for the actor to “get out of their head,” so that the actor is behaving instinctively to the surrounding environment. In the Meisner technique, instead of focusing on one’s internal thoughts or feelings associated with the character, there is a greater focus on the other actor.
Ms. Barr, who has been singing, dancing, and acting, since early childhood, studied performance at the University of California, Irvine, where she recently earned her BFA in Music Theater with honors.
Now resident in New York, she did a lot of research online trying to decide on which path to take for the next step in her training. She chose this intensive summer course because it resonated with her. She thought she was indeed too focused in her own head and it sounded perfect for someone like her who wanted to “get out of their head.”
Ms. Barr said, “Before training at the studio, I thought that there wasn’t an organized way of training. I was getting information from a bunch of different sources trying to make my puzzle work. After the summer intensive, all the pieces fit together.”
Fitting all the pieces together is exactly what the Maggie Flanigan Studio helps aspiring actors to do. The studio is highly respected and is known as one of the best acting colleges around for actors wanting to improve their technique or for those taking their first steps in acting who simply need to learn the basics.
Fitting it all together is not easy, and Ms. Barr knew that it took time and dedication. She went on to say, “Charlie (Charlie Sandlan – Maggie Flanigan’s Executive Director, Head of Acting, and Master Teacher) said something great about ‘mining your heart for meaning.’ I think that that is a really, really, really important thing that I’ve learned in these short six weeks.”
The course that Ms. Barr attended was part of the Summer acting program, but the Maggie Flanigan Studio offers a wide and varied selection of acting courses all year round. These include a Professional Actor Training Program, a Core Program, Meisner Acting Only Class, and of course the Summer Acting Program. Potential students can enroll in these classes at any time during the year.
When asked how it had changed her as an actor, Ms. Barr said, “I think I’m serious now. I’m careful and specific. I look at training now with more respect. Respect for myself, respect for anyone that I’m collaborating with.” She went on to say, “It’s like the yellow brick road. Just follow the yellow brick road, and it’ll work out. It’s scary. It’s a scary yellow brick road, but it’s a great one.”
The Studio was founded in 2001 by Maggie Flanagan. After 18 years as a professional drama instructor, she founded the Maggie Flanigan Studio in New York so that she could promote her vision of a high-quality, rigorous and comprehensive MFA caliber training program.
Since then, the studio has attracted many talented and experienced teachers across a wide range of disciplines. Apart from resident teachers, guest teachers also feature within the curriculum. For those who feel they would benefit from more personal attention, private acting coaches are available.
Apart from the obvious and expected topics such as Shakespearean script analysis and theater history, the studio also covers subjects like commercial acting and even Reiki for actors. And, of course, all points in between.
New York Performing Arts School at Maggie Flanigan Studio
The studio is currently accepting new students for the January 18 month acting program. Interested theater actors of any experience level wishing to improve their skills should get in touch to find out more about this forthcoming program.
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“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.”
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“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.”
