Alumni Testimonials
“Maggie Flanigan is uncompromising, her instincts as a teacher are razor sharp. She doesn’t miss a beat…”
-Sam Rockwell
“Maggie Flanigan has been one of the most important people in my artistic life. She is that extremely rare teacher who has both the true gift and earnest passion for the work. As a writer, I want to work with Maggie trained actors, and 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. She is one hundred and ten percent the real deal.”
-Stephen Adly Guirgis, Playwright/Actor,
Co-Artistic Director of LAByrinth Theatre Co.
“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.”
-Andrea Anders
“I have realized that “the acting business” is out of my control. However, what Maggie so brilliantly taught me was that I could control my work, my acting. It’s all about the work! I can hear her voice saying, ‘what brings you to life?’ in my head every time I sit down with a piece of material. She taught me 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, the most solid foundation from which to jump off into my imagination and then onto a stage or set. No one can hold a candle to her and her script analysis. No one. She is this pint size woman, who is so filled with passion, zeal and creativity. It’s intoxicating to be around and exhilarating to be taught by her. She is, quite simply put, THE BEST.”
-Leslie Bibb
Maggie helped me find my sense of truth; an actors greatest asset. Maggie is an expert at instilling that vital ingredient, allowing an actors potential to become limitless. My work will forever be rooted in the clarity and honesty she helped me develop.
-Mike Colter
After working in film for 10 years, I realized there were so many things I still didn’t know how to do. I did the 2 year training program at the Maggie Flanigan Studio, and now feel that I have the tools I need to become the actor I’ve always dreamed of being. Before I’d even finished Maggie’s 2 year training, I was cast as a lead in my first Broadway play. Maggie Flanigan instilled in me a clear sense of truth, and a standard of perfection, and gave me the tools to bring that to every piece of acting I do. I know I have become a better actor because of her.
-Piper Perabo
“As an actor, the core of what you have to rely on is your sense of truth and humanity. Not only did Maggie allow me to discover and embrace mine, she also taught me that I was “enough”. Trusting my sense of humanity and truth has given me the ability to take risks in my work and my career decisions. It has been and continues to be an honor to have Maggie Flanigan as my mentor.”
-KaDee Strickland
“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.”
-Yul Vazquez
“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.”
-Jeremy Davidson
“Maggie is, above all, passionate and disciplined. And by example, she teaches you that passion and discipline are essential parts of the actor’s journey. Ultimately acting happens between people. Meisner says it, and Maggie insists upon it in her classroom. To this day, it is what I find most captivating to watch and most gratifying to practice.”
-Susan Pourfar
“Maggie’s teaching is unmatched. She finds a great balance in having you commit to the work specifically while allowing your own essence to color the role. To this day, both in theatre and in film, her voice and teaching have continued to profoundly influence my work. ”
-Tim Dekay
“Maggie inspired me to love the craft of acting. She challenged me to find the truth in the moment and to bring to it the most simple, authentic part of myself. She never let up on me. She put guts into my acting. Maggie’s ability to catch anything false or contrived in an actor is a real gift.”
-Trevor Long