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FIRST YEAR MEISNER ACTING PROGRAM
Begins January 7th, 2025
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The First Year – Gabrielle Hespe
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The Two Year Acting Program at the Maggie Flanigan Studio trains actors based on the teaching and exercises of Sanford Meisner and the Meisner Technique. In this interview with Katie, Gabrielle Hespe discusses her first year in the acting program.
Acting Program – Gabrielle Hespe – Maggie Flanigan Studio -Call (917) 794-3878
Acting Program Interview – Gabrielle Hespe
Q: Gabrielle, why did you decide to study at Maggie Flanigan Studio?
A: Well, I was really resistant when I came to the city because I was fortunate enough to have representation. It’s hard to find an acting studio that is really worth the money. It’s something where you actually are rehearsing in between classes, and you’re not watching a bunch of people just BS their way through it. It’s something where when you come to the studio, there’s a standard that has to be met, and you know what you have to do, the directions are very clear.
You have to really give it your all and that’s what everyone else around you is doing. It’s exciting because you’re in it together with your class, and you’re actually doing what you came here to do. I chose Maggie Flanigan out of a suggestion from my manager, and I really trust her. I came and I tried that.
Q: What did you think Meisner technique was before you came to the studio?
A: I knew it was going to be repetition-based. I didn’t know much about the actual process of Meisner, but I knew that Meisner is all about listening for everything and putting your attention on someone else. I knew that’s what it should be.
Q: Now that you’ve completed your first year of training, what do you think it is now?
A: Well, it’s not too far from what I thought. It’s really about doing truthfully under imaginary circumstances, which is what acting is. It’s about really listening and putting your attention on the other person, and giving yourself a set of tools that you’re able to do that with. Really understanding what it feels like when you’re lost in the chaos of the moment. Understanding the difference and knowing when you’re there after the fact because when you’re there you know it.
It’s just invaluable. Being able to do three hours twice a week really working. Then, in between each of those classes, getting a good rehearsal in with your acting partner. It’s just incredible. You’re really doing the work, you’re really getting your money’s worth, and you’re putting the time in. It’s putting yourself and giving yourself a set of standards that you thought you had before, but really being put to it and really being challenged as an artist.
Acting Program Registration – Maggie Flanigan Studio – Call (917) 794-3878
There’s no laziness here and there’s no room for it. There is no room for it professionally. You come out of here, especially out of the first year for me, really understanding what it is that you need to work on and how to challenge yourself. You just have such a better idea of how to do it.
Q: What happened during this first year of actor training for you that was a surprise or that changed you about yourself?
A: There are so many things. It’s playing with all of these different temperaments, and being able to access them artistically and understanding the emotional work, because it’s not about emotion, it’s about creating behavior. Recognizing what was more of a challenge for me, because some of the things that I thought would be challenging weren’t challenging and vice versa. Getting to know myself better and know what I take personally, and understanding who I am more as a person and also as an artist is incredible.
Acting Program – Gabrielle Hespe – Maggie Flanigan Studio – Call (917) 794-3878
Q: What’s it like to have a bad day in class?
A: It’s like a bad day at work. It’s bad but it’s something where no matter what happens leaving class, I’d call my significant other and I’d say, “Well, I grew”. That’s the point, is that you’re going to take acting classes. If you’re going to give your money to someone to study what you want to do professionally, you better be growing every second of the way. It’s going to be hard. It’s going to be like you’re stuck in the mud but that’s the point.
Q: What’s it like to have a breakthrough in class?
A: Oh my God, it’s amazing. The highs and lows are pretty incredible here. It’s like a roller coaster. Your adrenaline is pumping, and you’re so excited to just do something where you know it’s running, and you’re able to really hit that. It’s something where you’re learning that you can’t recreate things. One class goes really well and the next class may go well, may not go well, you can’t recreate it. That’s how living moment to moment is when you’re doing the work. You can’t recreate that.
Students in the Two Year Acting Program at the Maggie Flanigan Studio
The Acting Programs at the Maggie Flanigan Studio
Learn more about the acting programs and acting classes at the Maggie Flanigan Studio by visiting the acting programs and acting classes page on the acting studio website https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com or by calling the front desk during studio hours at (917) 794-3878.
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“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.”
