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Summer Acting Program: Faith Cochran Interview
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Why I Chose the Summer Acting Program at the Maggie Flanigan Studio
The Summer Acting Program at the Maggie Flanigan Studio introduces actors to the Meisner technique during the six-week intensive program. Faith Cochran talks about the summer program and why she decided to leave Boston University after the six-week acting program.
The Top U.S. Summer Acting Program – Maggie Flanigan Studio – Faith Cochran Interview
Q: Faith, what did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six-week summer program?
A: That’s a hard question. To train as an actor for me, was a lot about pretending. At least, that’s what I thought. I thought that a good actor was someone who is really good at pretending. Before the summer program, I didn’t really know too much about what being an actor meant.
Q: What happened during the six weeks that changed your perspective on acting and training?
A: The six weeks actually really surprised me. It was so much more about feeling and finding more about who you are as an individual and as a person which makes you become a great actor because you can trigger feelings and trigger different emotions. Being an actor it’s not as much about pretending versus pulling from different experiences within yourself if that makes sense. The six weeks I definitely learned that which was so cool.
Q: What did you learn about yourself that was a surprise?
A: Over the summer it was so hard for me to get angry because I realized in life I never allow myself to get angry because of society and blocking out emotions. That was a struggle for me. Once I overcame that, so much let loose and it was so cool to actually feel that. That was probably the biggest thing that the acting class in the summer allowed me to feel something different.
Q: Why did you decide to come to Maggie Flanigan Studio instead of any of the other Meisner summer programs in New York?
A: To be honest, I just started by looking online. I’m a big review person. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. I read the reviews and all the reviews were really good. Then, my aunt, she writes movies. She’s worked with a lot of good directors and stuff and one of them actually recommended Maggie Flanigan to me. According to the reviews and the recommendation, it worked out.
Q: During the summer intensive you studied with Charlie. How would you describe Charlie as a teacher?
A: Charlie is very intense and a little bit intimidating, but it’s in a good way. The whole program is actually a little intimidating, but I think that that’s so important to be able to get out of your comfort zone. To have someone who you know really wants the best for you. That’s what’s good about Charlie is you know that he fully wants you to be the best you can be. He’s willing to give you that extra push to get there. He has a good sense of humor and stuff too. That like lightens it up a little when you feel like you’re either, I don’t know, in your head too much or about to get yelled at. You know that he does want the best for you and that he does have a good sense of humor. That helps too.
Q: Why did you decide to leave Boston University to come here an train in the two-year acting program?
A: I was studying business at Boston University, very different than studying acting here. I guess for me, I wanted to be doing something creative, and so studying business wasn’t really allowing too much of that first of all. Then after coming to the six weeks, being in an environment where everyone wants to be in class was so different for me. It was so refreshing to be with– there were like 12, maybe more, students in my acting class and everyone would come to class every day so ready and so willing to be vulnerable and to challenge themselves.
Whereas sitting in a lecture with 300 people and people falling asleep or texting, it’s like such a different feeling. I felt thankful for the first time for me– to be able to go to class every day and I felt like I was learning way more than I was at grad college. I think there was something about, in college I don’t think anyone really truly knows who they are. Here, I think everyone is trying to more allow themselves to figure that out if that makes sense.
Everyone is searching versus trying to force it. I know that sounds weird, but yes, that was really great. Then I just couldn’t picture myself going back, after six weeks of being so happy and learning and finding myself, going back and sitting in those 200 people lectures and just trying to get through it for a degree.
Q: How has being part of a community of students in the six-week summer intensive, now that you’re back for the two-year program, how has that contributed to your experience?
A: Yes. Because it’s something that everyone is so vulnerable, everyone is looking out for each other which is really nice. I remember when I came for the summer program I was sitting in the lounge and kids who were just finishing their first year were like, “Oh, I remember doing the activity,” and, “Oh, you’ll be fine. You’ll get through it. You’ll feel so good once you figure it out.” Now I’ll see them and they’re in their second year. Everyone is just so friendly.
Getting to work with different partners, I think that brings out different parts of you, like different emotions and different releases. So that’s also really nice. You become like a family. Even just after the six weeks, I still miss so many– the people who don’t live in New York. So yes, that’s really great.
Best U.S. Summer Acting Program – Maggie Flanigan Studio
Best Summer Acting Programs in the U.S.
Learn more about the Meisner Summer Intensive Program at the Maggie Flanigan Studio and why many students consider this program to be the best summer acting program in the United States, by visiting the studio website [ https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com ]. Interested students with questions can call the studio directly at (917) 794-3878 during business hours.
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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.”
