The 2019 summer acting program at the Maggie Flanigan Studio provides actors with the training they need to have long careers. Bryce Delacroix talks with Katie in this interview about the six week summer acting program.
Q: Bryce, what did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started this six-week summer intensive?
Really? I don’t know. I mean, it’s not that I don’t know, it’s more like I didn’t have a fit. I didn’t have a fit place to go to and really find a home and really study and be taken seriously and have an art form and craft to really hone in. Everything else it’s very, let’s get you in and out, in and out ,and I’m just not like that. It’s about the craft and understanding it and really using it. It’s going to be my living some day.
Q: Had you studied Meisner previously before you took the six-week summer intensive?
I have, so I have an idea of it. You know everybody, they say that everybody has their own tune on Meisner and this and that and I can understand that, I was given route of it and I’m given this route and I like this route a lot.
Q: What happened during the six weeks that changed your perspective on training?
Having a set of standards of perfection. That was really narrowed down and made clear to me and having a point of view, having a strong point of view and taking it personally. As Charlie would say, cut glass and go to California and hot goals and all that. Yes, be really specific about your work and take it personally, because if you want to do this you have to have a standard of perfection within yourself and in the craft.
Q: What did you learn about yourself that was a surprise or that changed you?
The dedication. If you want it, you got to get it. This is New York, this is a hustle and bustle town. You can’t just wake up and be like, “I feel good. I’m going to work in today.” You’ve got to put in that work every day and get it and grind and move. Really do it for yourself and for the career, because if you want this for you, then you’ll go and get it and you find whatever you can to get it.
Q: You lived in LA previously.
Correct.
Q: What is the biggest difference between training in LA to training in New York?
Actors in LA work out in the gym, New York actors work out in the theater. That’s all I have to say about that.
Q: Since you did study at some other studios and with other teachers, how has Maggie Flanigan Studio been different?
It is very honed in. They’re not just going to take anybody and put them through the mill. If you are serious about this craft and you show dedication and you show commitment, the studio will give that back to you and give that opportunity of whatever they can and it’s upon yourself to get it. That’s what different about this studio is that they care, they’re willing to work with you. Just come in and get it for yourself.
Q: What has the sense of community been like here for you over the course of the six weeks?
I think it starts with our teacher, Charlie. He has really made an impact on our class and has really brought our class together and really has inspired all of us. It’s pretty crazy to see everybody at the beginning of the class be nervous and scared and then six weeks later they’re doing scenes and breaking down. It’s phenomenal and I have to pay respect to Charlie, our teacher. He’s able to do that, he’s so confident about that and I really appreciate that.
Q: What’s it like to be in class and have a bad day?
Be in class and have a bad day. You know what, for me, sometimes I bring it in and I’m sitting there, but when you see your teacher Charlie or when you see other classmates and you have a passion for your craft and you want to get in and get up on that stage and you just want to let it out. You can, because it’s allowed, it’s a safe space. We all have problems. You know what, use that use that for your craft in a way.
Q: Was there a moment in class or a part of the activity or a moment in rehearsal where it really started to click for you?
Yes, you have to trust the process. Trust that your teacher knows what he or she knows what he’s talking about. Trust and really just go put your ego to the side and do the repetition or do what you’re been asked and go 100% at it. There is a point where you get to where if you just relax, do it over and over again and you understand, you’ll get to that point. It’s all about trust within the process and trust in yourself.
Q: How would you describe Charlie as a teacher?
Charlie as a teacher. [laughs] He’s interesting, but other people have opinions about how interesting he is. For me, I just take what he says, I don’t take it personally, and I do the work because there’s a saying, “Check your ego at the door.”
A lot of people can’t do that. He’s there, he wants you to succeed, but more importantly, you have to want to succeed. He can give you so much, but if you’re not willing to put in the work then you’re not going to get very far. Charlie, he’s one of the best in my opinion.
Q: What would you say to someone who is hesitant to commit to another acting intensive?
Doing research, asking questions, coming to the studio if you can, inquiring. Just load that question gun up as much as you can with how you want to take your career and where you want to steer it.
There’s definitely other techniques, Strasburg, Adler, Meisner. It’s all about what you want to do and how you want to put that work in and where you want to find yourself. I’m not trying to sell this, I’m literally telling you, if you put in the hard work and you want to do something to the best of your ability and you have the standards for yourself, and the studio has standards, you’re going to meet them.
Do your research about the craft and understand that when you come here, this is what the studio offers. Have your questions ready, and then if it marries, it’s a good fit. If it doesn’t, keep it moving.
Q: What about the Meisner technique resonates with you so much?
It’s imaginary. It’s imaginary, obviously, as you well know, but you can build anything from your imagination, you can be walking down the street and your mind can just daydream. I was always told not to daydream during my class.
More About Summer Acting Programs New York NY
The Maggie Flanigan Studio trains professional actors based on the life work of Sanford Meisner. Actors who are interested in experiencing Meisner training exactly as it was conceived by Sanford Meisner can enroll in the six-week program at the studio this summer. Apply online or call the studio with questions. Call (917) 794-3878.
Commentaires