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OUR CLASSES
THEATER HISTORY
Great artists know where they come from.
Theater did not begin with the modern stage, nor does it end with contemporary performance. Every generation of actors, playwrights, and directors inherits centuries of artistic exploration, continually building upon, challenging, and reinventing what came before.
At Maggie Flanigan Studio, we believe serious actors must develop more than technical skill. They must understand the history of dramatic storytelling, the evolution of theatrical forms, and the artists whose ideas continue to shape the work we create today.
Theater History is designed to cultivate that artistic foundation.
Understanding the Evolution of Theatre
This ten-week course examines the history of theatre through the social, cultural, political, and artistic forces that gave rise to each dramatic tradition.
Rather than memorizing dates or historical facts, students explore why theatrical forms emerged, what problems artists were attempting to solve, and how each generation both honored and challenged the traditions that preceded it.
The course begins by examining the earliest origins of theatre through religious ritual, survival, storytelling, and psychology before expanding into both Eastern and Western theatrical traditions.
Learning from the Great Traditions
Throughout the semester, students explore the major movements that continue to influence actors, playwrights, directors, and audiences today, including:
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Noh
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Kabuki
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Bunraku
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Sanskrit Theatre
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Greek Theatre
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Commedia dell'Arte
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Spanish Golden Age
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Neoclassicism
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Romanticism
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Melodrama
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Realism
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Naturalism
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Expressionism
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Epic Theatre
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Dadaism
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Theatre of the Absurd
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Postcolonial Theatre
Students also engage with theatrical manifestos, essays, and the philosophies of influential theatre artists whose ideas continue to shape contemporary performance.
Reading Plays Like an Artist
Theater History extends beyond historical study. Students develop the ability to closely examine dramatic literature through questions of style, structure, language, dramatic form, and character development.
As the semester progresses, actors begin recognizing how different theatrical traditions demand different approaches to storytelling, performance, and rehearsal. Historical understanding becomes a practical tool that directly informs artistic choices.
Connecting the Past to the Present
Theatre is a living art form.
Throughout the course, students connect historical movements to contemporary productions, exploring how today's playwrights continue to embrace, challenge, and reinvent the traditions that came before them.
Special attention is given to influential American playwrights who have historically been overlooked despite their profound artistic contributions, broadening students' understanding of the theatrical canon and expanding the voices that inform their creative work.
Through discussion, analysis, and collaborative exploration, students develop the ability to engage thoughtfully with both historical and contemporary theatre.
Educating the Complete Artist
At Maggie Flanigan Studio, we believe actor training extends beyond performance.
The strongest actors are intellectually curious. They understand the artistic traditions they inherit, the cultural forces that shaped dramatic literature, and the historical context that informs every rehearsal room.
Theatre History prepares actors to enter conversations with directors, playwrights, designers, and fellow artists with confidence, insight, and a shared artistic vocabulary.
More importantly, it reminds us that every generation of theatre artists contributes to an ongoing conversation that began long before us and will continue long after us. Understanding that tradition deepens both the work we create and the artists we become.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“Elliot presents a way to read and explore plays that has opened up how I think of performance at its most elemental level. The environment is challenging, while also creative, and leaves you with the ability to speak confidently (or at least with daring) about plays you read and performances you see.”
Tanja Konwinski
” I started out as a guy who loves acting, but really didn’t know anything about The Theater. Theater History at the Maggie Flanigan Studio has turned me into a more critically thinking actor and theater-viewer. Other actors should definitely take Theater History at Maggie Flanigan Studio because it is one hell of an eye-opening class.”
Sean Kaufman
“I needed to expand my knowledge of theater if I wanted to begin to consider myself a well-rounded actor and artist. And I can say without hesitation that Elliot’s class did that and so much more. This class has grown my thirst for knowledge and my love for theater. I simply can’t recommend it enough.”
John Zoitos
CONTACT
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147 W 25th St 5th Floor
New York, NY 10001
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The Artist's Responsibility
An actor who understands theatre history does more than perform a role. They recognize the lineage of ideas, traditions, and artists that made that role possible.
At Maggie Flanigan Studio, we believe studying the history of theatre is not an academic exercise. It is an essential part of becoming a thoughtful, imaginative, and well-rounded artist capable of contributing meaningfully to the future of the art form.
THEATER HISTORY
Great artists know where they come from.
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.
Call to Schedule an Interview
JEANA SCOTTI
Jeana has an MFA in Playwriting from Rutgers Mason Gross and a BA in Theater and Performance. She has taught theater at Purchase College and Rutgers University. Her plays have been showcased in multiple venues. As an educator, she centers students’ interpretations and emphasizes diverse voices in shaping the future of theater.
