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FIRST YEAR MEISNER ACTING PROGRAM
BEGINS
SEPTEMBER 10TH
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(917) 794-3878
Piper Perabo and the Two Year Acting Program
Recently, the Maggie Flanigan Studio had the opportunity to bring back alum Piper Perabo for an incredibly inspiring talkback with our students and friends about her career and the two year acting program. Piper has been extremely busy since finishing our two year professional actor-training program, rooted in the Meisner Technique. She recently wrapped up 5 seasons on the critically acclaimed USA series Covert Affairs (which included a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress), and is currently preparing for her new show Notorious, which will air on ABC this fall.
Piper was one of the lucky few that arrived in NYC out of college, and quickly found some commercial success in highly popular indie films. After a decade of work, Piper kept finding herself on sets with actors whose work blew her away. She craved the freedom, the spontaneity, and the consistent vividness of the actors she respected. What Piper discovered was that these actors had one thing in common; a commitment to serious training. So she asked around, “I knew Sam Rockwell, and I came back to the city and I thought he was one of the most flexible actors that I had seen in the city and so I said, ‘Where did you train?’ and he told me about this studio and then I spoke to a couple of other actors that I think are fascinating and dangerous and flexible, and Maggie’s studio kept coming up. So I said, ‘That’s where I’m going to go.’ So I took the Six –Week Summer Intensive and learned so much in 6- weeks that I stopped working for 2 years and did the whole program.”
Now, Piper’s career has gone in the direction she had always dreamed, that of a highly respected artist who takes on rich, complicated, well-written roles in film, television, and the NY stage. Most actors in this country simply do not understand how much dedication and hard work one must commit to in order to be a first-rate actor. Piper did. The courage it took for someone already experiencing financial and commercial accomplishments to step away for the sake of art, is truly something to admire.
Misguided and Naive Actors
So many young actors who come to NYC and LA with a dream are under the misguided and naïve notion that there isn’t enough time to train. The fear of their possible career passing them by leads many down the road of being another wanna-be, hack actor. I give all my students this piece of advice; don’t hang out or associate with untalented, lazy, or untrained people. If you build yourself a community of true artists, you will discover that serious actors dedicate themselves to the best professional training available. As Piper’s career illuminates, regardless of where you are in this most difficult profession, if you ever hope to achieve a long, well-respected career, then you better understand exactly what it means to be a real artist.
Admission to the Two Year Acting Program
For more information about the two year program for actors at the Maggie Flanigan Studio contact the studio directly by calling (917) 794-3878.
To see other interviews about the two year training program:
Phil Portolano: Two Year Acting Program Interview
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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.”