Call to Schedule an Interview (917) 794-3878
Every rehearsal, audition, and performance asks actors to respond to circumstances they cannot fully predict. The ability to remain present, trust spontaneous impulses, and adapt moment to moment is one of the defining qualities of a compelling actor.
Improvisation develops that ability.
At Maggie Flanigan Studio, Improvisation is designed specifically for actors. Rather than focusing primarily on comedy, the class develops the listening, adaptability, spontaneity, creativity, and freedom that strengthen every aspect of an actor's craft.
Presence Under Pressure
Professional performance places extraordinary demands on the actor.
Auditions. Rehearsals. Film sets. Live performance. These situations often activate tension that limits freedom and creativity.
Throughout the two-semester progression, students develop practical somatic tools that help regulate the nervous system while remaining grounded, present, and connected under pressure. Rather than fighting stress, actors learn how to work with it, allowing greater ease, confidence, and responsiveness in demanding creative environments.
Building Creative Freedom
Improvisation strengthens many of the same artistic principles developed throughout the conservatory.
Students explore:
-
Active listening
-
"Yes, And" as a tool for collaboration
-
Moment-to-moment responsiveness
-
Spontaneous decision-making
-
Trusting instinct over self-consciousness
-
Creative play
-
Freedom under pressure
As confidence grows, actors begin discovering that some of their most truthful work emerges when they stop trying to control the outcome.
Preparing for the Profession
Today's professional actor is expected to be adaptable. Commercial auditions frequently involve improvisation. Callbacks often require immediate adjustments.
Film, television, theatre, and devised work all demand actors who can think creatively, collaborate generously, and respond confidently when circumstances change.
Improvisation prepares actors for these realities while strengthening their ability to remain grounded, responsive, and fully engaged regardless of the situation. Students also explore how improvisational principles support self-tape auditions, content creation, collaborative rehearsal, and the development of original material.
The Freedom to Play
Play is an essential part of artistic growth.
Improvisation creates space for actors to take risks, make mistakes, discover unexpected ideas, and reconnect with the curiosity that first drew them to acting. By removing the pressure to "get it right," students develop greater confidence in their own imagination while learning that uncertainty is not something to avoid—it is often where the most exciting creative discoveries are made.
Supporting the Actor's Craft
At Maggie Flanigan Studio, improvisation is not separate from acting. It is another pathway toward truthful behavior.
The ability to listen deeply, respond honestly, trust spontaneous impulses, and remain fully present lies at the heart of both improvisation and the Meisner Technique.
This class strengthens those abilities while encouraging actors to become more playful, more adaptable, and more fearless in their creative work. Because the strongest actors are not the ones who always know what comes next. They are the ones who are fully alive when they don't.
Learning to Trust the Moment
Many actors are intrigued by improvisation but intimidated by the idea of working without a script. This class provides a supportive environment where students learn to embrace uncertainty rather than fear it. Beginning with foundational improvisational exercises and games, students gradually develop the confidence to respond truthfully without relying on preparation, planning, or perfectionism.
The emphasis is never on being clever. It is on being present, in the moment, out of your head, and spontaneous
CONTACT
Address:
147 W 25th St 5th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Phone:
Email:
LATEST POSTS
© 2026 MAGGIE FLANIGAN STUDIO. All rights reserved. | Terms and Conditions | Privacy | Sitemap
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
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.”
Leslie Bibb
“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
OUR CLASSES
Improvisation
Truthful acting requires the courage to step into the unknown.
Improvisation
Truthful acting requires the courage to step into the unknown.
Sunita Deshpande
Sunita Deshpande is an Indian-American actor & writer seen on Marvel’s Daredevil, Broad City, 30 Rock, and HBO’s Moonshot. She performs regularly in UCB’s Gravid Water alongside comedy icons like Jeff Hiller, Scott Adsit, Brian Stack, and Rachel Dratch. Trained at the Maggie Flanigan Studio, Sunita blends Meisner technique with years of improv training to help actors loosen up, connect, and create from a place of fun + freedom.
