Two Year Acting Program – Claire Ganshert

Before I came to the Maggie Flanigan Studio, I genuinely attempted this career without seeking proper training. Having all of the administrative career items in place (headshot, resume, reel), when it came time to walk into an audition, I didn’t have an ounce of confidence. I couldn’t tell you why I wanted to be an actor. A bachelor’s degree in Theatre Performance taught me that acting is a form of art, but I had no real experience of being an artist, and certainly didn’t consider myself one. I felt I had no right in pursuing this career. After being scammed by film producers holding acting classes, older failed actors taking advantage of young artists, and directors teaching small exercises using a variety of techniques, I had a hodgepodge of training, with no concrete way of working.

The Reality of Hack Actors

Charlie Sandlan introduced me to the reality of hack actors, who give hardworking actors, and the art form of acting itself, a shameful reputation. He explained how Maggie Flanigan Studio trains artists, and gave me an opportunity to have something for myself that no one could ever take away from me: Craft. Charlie had directly addressed a longing in me, that, at the time, I didn’t have articulation for.

In class, Charlie often says, “I don’t care if you’re talented. You will only ever be as good as your crafting.” There was no laziness allowed, and Charlie cultivated a passion in me where I did not tolerate laziness for myself either. Work ethic is prized at Maggie Flanigan Studio, and the result for me was unearthing unrealized potential on a consistent basis.

Personal Attention

The faculty saw qualities and potential in me I didn’t realized existed. They got to know me as a person, as an artist, and learned how to teach me, the individual, which is something that possibly no other studio offers. Their specific attention is unique to any other studio in the country. Incoming faculty members coming from university acting programs even expressed a notice in change from their previous environments: “they talk about each individual student in the staff meeting every week. I’ve never seen this done anywhere else I’ve taught before.”

More Than Just An Acting Program

The experience at Maggie Flanigan Studio was so much more than an acting program for me. I received a sense of work ethic, empowerment, and awareness for myself that has been transformational, both personally, and artistically. Nothing was spoon fed; I had to work for what I wanted. Now I can confidently express why I want to be an actor, and how I can be of service to humanity, by sharing and responding from my artistry. Having just finished the Maggie Flanigan Studio Professional Actor Training Program, I’m a different person, and this is a whole new career.

For more information about the two year acting program, as well as other acting classes at the studio, call 917-789-1599.

You can also see the interview with Piper Perabo about the Two Year Acting program here:
Piper Perabo: Two Year Acting Program Interview