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Vulnerability In Acting
For any serious actor, indeed for any true artist, craft and technique are imperative. An actor needs to master her instrument and make fundamentals second nature. Beyond this, however, is the importance of vulnerability in the actor’s process. I don’t believe enough emphasis is put on its necessity. Brenee Brown, the social scientist, has spoken so eloquently recently on the understanding that to be a creative person requires vulnerability. The two are not independent of each other. How does this apply to the actor and his craft?
The majority of actors in this country do not train. At best, many cobble together a string of on-camera, scene study, and improv classes and consider that something of value. Additionally, those that are trained quite often do not work in an open and vulnerable way. Yes, good training will provide craft, develop a pliable body, improve voice & speech and your use of language. But true dimension and versatility for an actor must include a vulnerable, sensitive instrument.
This is why I believe that the Meisner Technique is absolutely the best way for this to be accomplished. The very early months of Meisner’s first-year work uses a simple repetition exercise to accomplish a few very important things. First is to get the actor out of their head and onto their spontaneous impulses. Second, is to train the actor to truly listen, take in, and respond to not only what is said to them, but how. Acting is about subtext, and this work develops the actor’s ability to respond to it. But this technique also begins the process of sensitizing the actor’s instrument.
By the time we reach adulthood, hopefully, we have been adequately parented, socialized, and educated. We have acquired ways to armor and protect ourselves in order to survive. But to be an actor, one must become unsocialized in order to return to the inner child. Picasso said, “All children are artists, the problem is how to remain an artist once you grow up.” Children (I’ll say healthy ones) are open, curious, playful, and fascinated. They are consumed by the present moment. They are not paralyzed by the fear of ridicule, the fear of not being good enough, shame, or judgments. I believe that any versatile, dynamic actor must develop the capacity to return to these childlike qualities when they are on stage or in front of the camera. Meisner’s brilliant technique uses the repetition as the tool, which allows the student-actor to take in and allow himself or herself to be permeated by the moments. This does not happen over-night. It takes months for this to happen. To be completely open and malleable to the nuances of the moments is a hard-earned skill for any actor to possess.
This requires an actor to risk. If you aspire to take on major, complicated parts, then you must have vulnerability when you work. You must have a developed body capable of processing rich experience, free of tension and daily pedestrian habits. There must be a commitment to working deeply and personally at all times. The best actors can illuminate all aspects of the human condition. A worthy pursuit for any serious actor.
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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.”