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Summer Acting Programs at Maggie Flanigan Studio

Writer's picture: CHARLIE SANDLANCHARLIE SANDLAN


Summer can be more than just a season of leisure. It can also be a time of opportunity, especially for those with a passion for the performing arts. The Maggie Flanigan Studio recognizes this and has designed our summer acting programs for those who seek to sharpen their creative process.


Renowned for its intensive Meisner Technique training, these serious summer acting programs are designed for aspiring actors who are ready to dive deep into the craft and transform their passion into a profession. 


When it comes to acting, the difference between a hobby and a career is determined by the quality of training. At Maggie Flanigan Studio, our summer programs are a testament to this belief. 


We offer an immersive conservatory experience, blending rigorous training with a nurturing environment that fosters both personal and artistic growth. 


Key Takeaways


  • Transform your passion into a profession—Maggie Flanigan Studio offers a nurturing environment for personal and artistic growth in the heart of NYC.

  • Maggie Flanigan Studio’s summer acting programs uniquely blend expert teaching, individualized attention, and a comprehensive, conservatory curriculum for serious actors.

  • Experience a taste of serious professional actor training, and discover what it takes to pursue an artistic career in theater, television, and film.


Premier Summer Acting Programs in the Heart of NYC


A class headed by Maggie Flanigan Studio's Master Teacher and Artistic Director Charlie Sandlan

In the heart of New York City, Maggie Flanigan Studio stands as a key destination for aspiring actors. 


This summer, our studio is set to provide an artistic journey for anyone looking to become a well-trained actor,  with its meticulously curated summer acting classes and programs—from our intensive six-week acting program to specialized courses, like Theater History, Playwriting, and Film and Stage Combat Training.


Indeed, the Maggie Flanigan Studio makes it possible for every student to curate how they pursue their training. The studio’s acting curriculum stands as a rich resource for newly graduate high school students, international students, and working actors or theatre professionals who need to retrain themselves with the core fundamentals of acting.


What Awaits You in Our Summer Program


Students undergoing Movement training

At Maggie Flanigan Studio, our summer programs offer more than just NYC acting classes—they provide a window into the demands and expectations of those who are seriously interested in pursuing a professional acting career.


The goal of the NYC summer acting program is to not only introduce students to the Meisner Technique but also to provide them with a glimpse of what serious conservatory training looks like. Our Meisner summer acting intensive is tailored to foster growth, creativity, and professionalism in each student.


An intensive program for acting this summer


If you’re looking for an acting program this summer that provides the same rigorous standards as our two-year professional acting course, check out our comprehensive summer acting classes.


Instead of a five-week or four-week program that you’ll often find in a university or acting school, we offer a six-week Professional Acting Summer Program that provides an opportunity to dive into the Meisner Technique and much more. 


Here, you’ll be challenged to work like a professional student, fully engaged in the demands of craft and artistry. Any serious artist must master their instrument, and this includes the craft of acting. 


The Maggie Flanigan Studio believes in the actor as an artist, and we provide the essential classes necessary to begin this process. This includes classes in voice and movement training, film and stage combat training, on-camera, playwriting, and film history.


Meisner acting focus programs


For those with an interest in training in the Meisner Technique, our summer Meisner Acting Only course is at the core of our summer acting intensive.


This six-week Meisner intensive summer program encapsulates the first 18 classes of the first year, condensed into a summer schedule. Meeting three days a week, the program culminates in scene work, which challenges students to apply the initial month of Meisner training to text, challenging them to work spontaneously, personally, and vividly.


A deep dive in scene study and script analysis


At Maggie Flanigan Studio in NYC, the full two-year conservatory program focuses a great deal on script analysis and character study. Actors break down scripts, which is a core part of the job. Learning the fundamental crafting questions is at the heart of the Meisner Techniques first-year training. 


In our summer Meisner intensive, students are introduced to the first important question to answer and then approach a scene. What is the previous circumstance that has happened off-stage/off-camera that caused this scene to happen? This must be the first question crafted when breaking down a scene. 


An actor must know why they have entered the scene, if not, the acting will not be good. Being able to answer this in a simple, specific, and personal way is what well-trained actors can do.


In the full first-year Meisner training, students also learn how to emotionally prepare to connect to the previous circumstance, as well as crafting the acting relationship, and the shared circumstances of the scene. It is also important to be able to pin down the objective of the scene, the beats, and the moments in order to illuminate the writer’s vision.


Our NYC summer acting intensive focuses on the essential fundamentals of acting. The ability to get the attention off yourself, onto your partner, fully present, in the moment, and responding spontaneously from moment to moment.


For well-trained actors who have these fundamental skills ingrained in their process, the detailed work of script analysis becomes a much clearer process.


Actors are like detectives when working on a script. The ability to state things simply and specifically will go a long way to creating a consistent creative process.


Summer Sessions Tailored to Your Schedule


A group of students analyzing a script

Understanding the demands of our students’ schedules, our studio provides NYC summer programs that are both flexible and versatile. 


This adaptive approach caters to a wide range of students, from those balancing other professional commitments to those who can fully immerse themselves in acting training over the summer.


Part-time and full-time options


Living and surviving in NYC requires the ability to manage the day-to-day scheduling of work and class. To accommodate this, our acting programs offer both part-time and full-time options, as well as day and night time classes.


This flexibility ensures that students from various walks of life, whether juggling jobs, family responsibilities, or other commitments, can still pursue their passion for acting.


For those who can’t attend daily classes, part-time courses offer a reduced weekly commitment. This allows students to balance acting training with other obligations. 


With this approach, even the busiest individuals can access valuable training in acting techniques, on-camera, theater, and more, without overextending themselves.


Conversely, the full-time program is designed for those who can dedicate their summer entirely to conservatory actor training. This immersive experience covers a comprehensive curriculum, which includes Voice, Movement, Combat, Playwriting, Film History, and On-Camera Auditioning. 


Full-time students experience the intensity and rigor of a professional acting conservatory, preparing them for the demands of a serious acting career (whether in film or musical theater).


What is conservatory acting training?


The Maggie Flanigan Studio is not a hodge podge of philosophies, with teachers who are just trying to earn a dime between gigs, and classes that lack any kind of cohesive structure. We believe that the best actors have a solid technique, a pliable body capable of processing rich emotion, and a voice that is resonant and clear. 


We also strongly believe that an important characteristic of any serious actor must be intellectual curiosity. It is important to understand the history of the art form that you wish to pursue. 


Artists are inspired and influenced by the work that has come before. They are the seeds of inspiration and creativity. Our conservatory acting training emphasizes this by offering classes in Film History and Theater History. 


If you pursue a professional career, you will ultimately be competing with well-trained actors who have graduated from the top MFA programs in the United States. They are obsessed and hungry. 


The Maggie Flanigan Studio has earned a reputation over the past two decades as one of the finest actor training programs in the United States. Our students compete at this level, and the summer acting intensive will shine a light on what is required if you want to do that.


Expanding skills with additional courses


In addition to the core curriculum, we also provide an array of additional classes. These electives include specialized training in areas such as Voice and Movement, Film History, Playwriting, Self-Tape Auditioning, and Combat for Stage and Film.


These additional courses allow actors to broaden their skill set and gain a deeper understanding of the various aspects of a professional acting career. 


Whether exploring new areas of interest or strengthening existing skills, these electives provide a comprehensive training experience and ensure students are well-prepared for the diverse and dynamic world of professional theater and film.


Gearing Up for a Transformative Summer Acting Experience


A student doing camera work

Preparation is key when applying for NYC acting programs. However, at Maggie Flanigan Studio, we approach the admission process with a unique philosophy that sets us apart from other NYC acting studios. 


Instead of a traditional audition, our focus is on understanding the individual behind the application.


Our admissions process revolves around a personal interview with our Artistic Director and Master Teacher, Charlie Sandlan. Recognized as one of the best-acting teachers in the United States, Charlie’s approach is to build a community of committed and hardworking individuals who possess a deep love for the craft of acting. 


Only those who are ready to step out of their comfort zones and are dedicated to reaching their fullest potential are considered. Every student who attends the studio begins in Charlie’s Meisner class.


You will study with the Master Teacher, not pawned off into a classroom with a teacher who is cobbling notes from classes they’ve taken. You aren’t just a number, but someone who is an important addition the the Maggie Flanigan Studio artistic community.


Our goal is to understand your passion for theater and acting, your reasons for pursuing this art form, and any questions you might have about our studio. 


Keep in mind that at Maggie Flanigan Studio, you are more than just another student in a large class. You are a vital part of a small, close-knit community where each individual’s growth is valued.


Our studio prides itself on maintaining the high standards and nurturing environment set by our founder, Maggie Flanigan. We believe in small class sizes to ensure personalized attention, fostering an intimate and safe space for creative exploration. 


Our commitment lies in the art of teaching, challenging every student to abandon excuses and strive for excellence in every endeavor.


We place a strong emphasis on hard work, often outweighing raw talent. Our belief is that a solid work ethic, coupled with a dedication to illuminating the human condition, forms the foundation of a successful and fulfilling creative life. 


As you prepare for your summer acting journey with us, know that it’s an opportunity to grow as an actor and as an artist dedicated to the craft of theater.


Why Choose Maggie Flanigan Studio Over Other Acting Schools


Maggie Flanigan Studio’s acting programs stand out as a premier choice for students due to their unique blend of experienced faculty, a comprehensive curriculum, and a personalized approach to NYC actor training.


In our studio, students receive expert guidance in a range of disciplines. From audition techniques and acting fundamentals to voice and speech training, students are taught under the tutelage of master teachers committed to upholding the highest standards of acting craft and integrity.


Also, students can expect individualized attention, ensuring that their specific strengths and areas for improvement are addressed. This personalized touch is a hallmark of our studio’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of theater and film artists.


Besides refining acting techniques, our classes also prepare students for the real-world challenges they will face in their careers. This includes opportunities for live performances, in-depth feedback sessions, and professional development. 


Ready to take your acting skills to the next level and immerse yourself in a program that nurtures talent with a personalized touch? Call Maggie Flanigan Studio today to discuss your aspirations and to get more information about the enrollment process. 


Summary


From the first day, students can expect to gain valuable experience in a range of areas, from movement and voice to camera work and stage & film combat. The summer acting program finishes with scene work in the Meisner Technique class which challenges students to bring the entire summer of work to text.


The program dates are designed to accommodate a variety of schedules. This flexibility, combined with the opportunity to study in a vibrant studio environment during the spring and summer months, makes Maggie Flanigan Studio the go-to destination for passionate actors from all backgrounds. 


Frequently Asked Questions


Who is eligible for Maggie Flanigan Studio’s summer acting programs?


Maggie Flanigan Studio’s summer acting programs cater to a diverse range of participants, from budding young actors to seasoned performers. Our programs are crafted for individuals aged 18 and above who are eager to dive deep into acting techniques under the guidance of Artistic Director and Master Teacher Charlie Sandlan. 


What advantages does the Meisner Technique offer?


What separates the Meisner-trained actor from all others, is their command of fundamentals, and the ability for fully present, concentrated listening. Most actors wait for their cues and practice their line readings in the mirror. 


This is the height of amateurish hackery. The bedrock of acting is listening. The Meisner Technique will get you out of your head, onto your spontaneous impulses, grounded and present in the moment, responding with authenticity and vulnerability.

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ACTING STUDIO NEW YORK NY

The Maggie Flanigan Studio is the leading acting studio in New York City where professional actors train for long careers. The acting programs at the drama school are based on the Meisner Technique and the work of Sanford Meisner. The two year acting program includes acting classes, movement classes, voice and speech for actors, commercial acting classes, on camera classes, cold reading, monologue, playwriting, script analysis and the Meisner Summer Intensive.

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