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FIRST YEAR MEISNER ACTING PROGRAM
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Two Year Acting Program: Ashley Versher Interview
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The two year acting program at the Maggie Flanigan studio provides Meisner training for actors who are serious about having long careers. In this video Ashley discusses why she chose the studio and how the training program has prepared her to work professionally.
What did you think acting training was like before you started studying at the Maggie Flanigan Studio?
I thought acting training was mostly to do with scene study. That is pretty much the kind of class that I think I have taken before. I had a little awareness of Meisner but I think I just thought you get in there, you get a scene, and you just work it. Whatever that was and somehow something might happen.
Two Year Acting Program – Ashley Versher – (917) 794-3878
What happened during the two-year program at Maggie Flanigan Studio that changed your perspective on training?
Well, when you get here, first of all, there are all of these different classes. I think that I had no idea or clue how they would affect me as an actor or of their importance, and then you know you go into your first day of voice and movement, and it is just more of an outer body experience than I had imagined. I think that after a little bit of time you start to see that work translate into acting. I remember I had a day in Voice Class where I was very sad because I had realized that I had been approaching the class in a very heady, technique, textbook way and I just realized that it was just like acting. You know, I had to approach it the same way. All of myself physically, vocally, and mentally present. So it is just that my perspective is different, and I am extremely happy with it.
What did you learn about yourself during the two years that was a surprise or that changed you?
I think especially during the first year it is really about coming up with who you are and who you think you are. Some of those ideas and judgments I have been a very defensive person growing up and it is something that I always try to sweep under the rug, and it is something that is right there in my face that I have to confront and accept. It is not just a negative or positive thing. I learned so much about myself and the things I care about. The change comes into play I think because I feel like a trooper for the world now. I feel a little like current events and old past events in history matter so much to me really trying to be active socially and politically is somewhat that is a big thing for me. I have a load of feminist books now.
Now that you have finished the two-year program how do you feel about starting your professional career?
I am nervous. I am excited because I feel prepared. I feel like that as long as I take all of those skills that I was given here, and I sit and work hard because that is a huge part of this work it is a challenge. It is going to be a challenge professionally even when I am not in a classroom. I think that as long as I take those tools, I will get to wherever it is that I am going. But I am excited.
There are a lot of studios in New York. A lot of acting studios a lot of different techniques, why was this the only place for you to study?
I come from a musical background. I played the violin for a very, very long time. With an instrument, you pick it up, and some people have this beautiful natural talent but the way that I was trained was with fundamentals and with a foundation, and I was seeking that in acting. Because it is an art, just like music, just like painting, these are all arts, and there are foundations that you need. I got that here and more. That comes from just the set up of this program, the structure and that it is mapped out for you. Charlie implants that in your brain. So there is a foundation that you are going to get here. You leave here feeling and knowing that you are an artist and really exploring now what that means to you and what you want now. “What do I want to do with that? That is the exciting part.
Learn More About the Two Year Acting Program
To learn more about the two year acting program and Meisner training at the Maggie Flanigan studio, call (917) 794-3878 today. To another video and interview about the two year acting program at the studio see this blog post: Gigi Rippolone: Two Year Acting Program Interview
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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.”
