Maggie Flanigan Studio — Local services in New York

I got lucky. After months of researching various studios in New York, a friend and graduate recommended that I look into Maggie Flanigan Studio. Having read a few books on Sanford Meisner and his technique, I was skeptical. "Repetition exercises... what could that possibly have to do with acting?", I asked. "How could you ever know if you like it without actually trying. Acting is DOING! You won't find the answer after reading a couple books!", my friend emphatically replied. For one of the first times in my life, I was speechless. My friend spoke of his training with such admiration and understanding, I couldn't help but research the studio further and meet Charlie Sandlan in person. After sitting down and speaking with him, it was clear I had my work cut out for me. However, I also had no doubt that training at Maggie Flanigan would give me the foundation I needed to work professionally. Rarely does a day go by that I do not take note of how far my classmates and I have come in our short time at the studio. This program has transformed me as an actor and overall person. The studio provides a comprehensive approach to the art form, led by a staff of energetic and proficient teachers who inspire us daily. Every course I have enrolled in has provided distinct value and pushed me closer toward becoming the kind of serious and respected actor I aspire to be. Sanford Meisner's technique has exposed me to parts of the human condition that I otherwise may have been too afraid or judgmental to approach-- a vital requirement for actors wanting to take on serious storytelling. The training has cracked me open and permitted me to fully experience what it is to be an actor. Most importantly, Charlie and the rest of the teachers at the studio have set a standard of work that is lowered for no one. I can not speak highly enough about this art form and every individual at Maggie Flanigan who strives...

I’m just about to wrap up the 7-week summer conservatory and I’ve never been more excited about my career choice. In the last couple of months, I’ve had more intense emotional experiences than I’ve really let myself have in years. Before I did this, I didn’t even know it was possible to bring myself to truthfully experience such extreme feelings like rage, despair, terror - I guess I always imagined that as an actor I would have to “fake” things like that. Only a few weeks into the program we had exercises that brought those feelings to the surface for me. It’s addictive! After seeing the kind of progress I’ve made in just a matter of weeks here, I don’t think I could walk away without seeing what the 2 year program will do for me.

All that was just with Charlie in the acting class! In Voice class with Liz, I really got to see what a dramatic impact you can have on the sound of your voice through exploring what’s happening in the rest of your body. In Movement with Tina, I learned to improvise sophisticated and beautiful choreography, feeling the kind of joy and discovery the entire time that I haven’t felt since I was a little kid. Finally, I took On Camera Auditioning with Larry; that was so practical and useful to me as someone that hasn’t done much work in front of the camera and he really did a good job tailoring his teaching to each of us in the class and what we needed to learn.

If you’re uncertain at all about going to school here, my best advice to you is to at least give yourself the opportunity to take the summer intensive - or talk to anyone that’s done it! Head down to the studio and I guarantee any student you find will give you an earful about how it’s changed their life...

If I were to talk about my experience at MFS as a whole, I'd run out of space... so let's talking about Cold Reading with Erin Cherry!

First and foremost, like all MFS classes, you are being taught by a master of the art form who is actively working in the industry. So being able to spend months working on cold reading for auditions, with someone who is frequently cold reading for auditions is invaluable.

The class does a great job to mimic the scenario of a cold read - you come to class and are given your sides. You have a half hour to prepare them, and then you come in and audition with Cherry. I watched myself go from being uncertain in my choices and unsure of how to craft in such a short period of time, to being confident in the decisions I make because of my refined process. Cherry gave me the tools I needed to utilize such a short amount of time in a worthwhile way.

On top of that... it's just so much FUN! I really love being in the room with her because there's no humiliation, there's no degradation - she creates an environment where you feel safe, guided, and cared for. Mistakes don't feel scary. Not understanding your sides in 30 minutes doesn't make you feel dumb, because you have someone there to support, uplift, and guide you towards understanding how to conquer this aspect of your career as an actor.

I could go on, but to finish up: While I highly recommend taking any class at MFS and any class Cherry offers, the Cold Reading class is an invaluable resource to all professional actors who want to refine their process and build up a level of confidence that follows them into auditions throughout...