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SUMMER ACTING PROGRAM
JUNE 10TH
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Summer Acting Programs – Sam Willett Interview
The NYC summer acting program at the Maggie Flanigan Studio focuses on the Meisner Summer Intensive and the Meisner Technique. During this interview Katie discusses with Sam Willett how the acting program changed her thoughts about professional actor training.
Summer Acting Programs NYC – Sam Willett Interview – Maggie Flanigan Studio
Meisner Summer Intensive – Summer Acting Programs NYC
Q: What did you think it meant to train as an actor before you started the six-week Meisner summer intensive?
A: Well, I had already graduated college with a degree in theater and I’ve been in the city for a couple years working and taking classes and I guess I thought that that was enough, not that was enough but I gave myself a time when I wanted to be working more and I thought that I would be farther than I really am. I learned that I need to take my time and actually work on my technique.
Q: What happened to you during the six-week summer intensive that changed your perspective on acting in training?
A: One of the main things is being able to see moments more clearly especially when you watch films or television or plays or even watching people in class, there are so many things from the beginning of the six weeks that I didn’t see that I was missing and now at the end it’s so much more clear and even in everyday lives you see so many things that happen when people are interacting with each other and you see how people try to not let it affect them.
Also, I didn’t realize how important voice and speech and movement was, even in college I didn’t really care about those classes because I didn’t really understand what they were for, but when you’re in these classes it’s so apparent. The physical and the vocal problems that arise when you are working with this technique you can really see how voice and speech and movement can really help you to be free.
Q: What did you learn about yourself during this six-week intensive that was a surprise about yourself that change you?
A: I really just learned to trust myself and believe in myself more and that if I let myself just be that I’m still able to work off of someone and to allow things to happen to me, I used to think that I had to work harder to build up an emotion or to make something happen. I guess, I just learned to trust myself more and that things will happen if I just have confidence.
Q: How do you describe Charlie Sandlan as an acting teacher?
A: Charlie is really intense but in a good way where he helps to break you down so that you can finally just be human and be open and honest, but I do feel like he is there to support you when you are just open and scared and not know and you’re out there and vulnerable and you don’t know what’s going on and he has a nice balance I guess.
Q: How are the acting classes here; movement, voice, and on-camera different from other studios where you have studied?
A: It’s so different here. Movement, I think a lot of other movement classes I’ve taken has been more about alignment or putting movement to text and with this class what’s nice about it is the fact that it’s just exploring yourself through movement and exploring just your emotions and your emotional life and it really translates into acting class, it really helps over there.
For voice and speech, one of the main things that I love about voice and speech here is whenever our teacher talks about having an intention and what holds us back, why we might be scared to say something if we are scared of what people might think of our opinions or just holding back what we think and not only is the technical side of this is how I free up my voice, but it’s also like, “This is why I want to speak and this is why I have something to say.” It just adds a whole other layer to it. I think it’s a beautiful way to learn how to free up your voice.
Q: What would you say to somebody who was unsure about professional training at the studio because they have taken classes at other studios and really do not have the time or money for more acting classes?
A: I would say just do it. Don’t give yourself a time limit, if you’re actually serious about becoming a good actor and creating a good technique and a good foundation for yourself to stand on to be proud of your work, then do the classes. Then learn the Meisner technique because it’ll give you what you want. It’ll give you a technique. It’s never too late. Even I thought that “Oh I should be doing more shows or why am I not getting cast? or I should just be working harder” whatever. But if you actually care about learning how to act and learning how to be a human. Then you really need to learn how to create a technique to work on that.
Summer Acting Program – Maggie Flanigan Studio
Learn More About the Summer Acting Programs at Maggie Flanigan Studio
Learn more about the summer acting program in NYC, as well as the other individual acting classes included in the summer acting programs at the Maggie Flanigan Studio by visiting the acting programs page on the website (http://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/) or by calling the studio directly at (917) 794-3878.
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“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.”