VALERIA A. AVIÑA

Voice & Speech

Valeria A. Aviña (they/them) is an Emmy-nominated director, award-winning actor, voice and speech educator, and Certified Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework®. Originally from Durango, Mexico and now based in New York City, Valeria brings together a rich professional career in theater, film, television, and directing with a deep commitment to actor training.

As both an artist and educator, Valeria believes the voice is far more than an instrument of speech—it is the bridge between the actor's inner life and truthful human behavior. Their work helps actors cultivate greater freedom, presence, and expressive range by integrating breath, body, imagination, and language into a unified artistic process.

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.”

Jes Macallan

“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.”

Piper Perabo

“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

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CONTACT

Address:

147 W 25th St 5th Floor
New York, NY 10001

Phone:

(917) 794-3878
(332) 262-7852
(917) 768-3852
(917) 606-0982

Email:

studio@maggieflaniganstudio.com

LATEST POSTS

Philosophy

At Maggie Flanigan Studio, Kate teaches Business of Acting, helping Second Year students and alumni develop a practical understanding of the profession they are entering. Drawing upon her extensive experience in casting, producing, coaching, and acting, she offers students an honest, informed perspective on the realities of building a sustainable career while remaining grounded in the craft. Her class bridges the gap between conservatory training and the professional world, equipping actors with the knowledge, confidence, and professionalism needed to navigate today's entertainment industry.

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

(917) 794-3878

Education & Training

A graduate of Emerson College with a BFA in Acting, Kate began her career working alongside legendary casting director Marion Dougherty at Warner Bros. Studios before joining The Walt Disney Company. She later became an executive in Disney's feature film casting department, where she cast or oversaw the casting of films including Enchanted, Casanova, Stick It, Step Up, The Lookout, and Kinky Boots. .

Experience

After leaving Disney, Kate expanded her career as a casting director, actor coach, producer, and actress. Her coaching clients have included Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali, Joel Kinnaman, Janel Parrish, and numerous accomplished film and television actors. As an actress, she has appeared in Private Practice, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS, Rizzoli & Isles, Desperate Housewives, and the feature film The Proposal.

Kate also served as lead producer of HBO's acclaimed documentary Casting By, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival before being acquired by HBO and later screened at the New York Film Festival. The film received widespread critical acclaim and helped elevate the visibility and recognition of the casting profession within the entertainment industry.