Up front, I want to clearly state that I don't consider myself a "natural" actor. I'm one who needed to learn the skill set and had to work very hard to soak those skills into my soul. And I could never have accomplished any of this without Maggie Flanigan Studio.

First year, Charlie and Maggie really opened me up and toughened me up, literally and mentally. Felt like a can opener removing my preconceived notions, my arrogance as well as showing me how to be comfortable with myself. It also cranked my work ethic up to a 10.

Second year, what a dream come true! Non-stop work on scripts. Sometimes 6 days a week working on all the other courses offered (which I can't recommend highly enough). It prepared me to BE an artist, to never stop polishing my skills once I graduated... and to not be intimidated.

Now, 3 years later, there isn't a single moment when I don't use what I was taught. I still re-read my class notes. Acting skills are becoming embedded, spontaneous and all the time easier to draw upon.

Lastly, Charlie and Maggie and all the rest of the teachers at MFS are supremely kind to actors, which is essential to allow yourself to experiment, fail and try again. They want you to succeed. Egos are left at the classroom entrance. You will love it. It will become one of the greatest experiences in your life.

What brought you to the maggie Flanigan studio?

I came from an undergraduate theater arts program at Howard University. My time at Howard was truly a blessing! I was able to grow in ways as a man and as an artist that I could never imagine before attending the school. The fine arts program truly did prepare me for life. However, I was told freshman year by my professor and department of theater arts chairperson, Kim James Bey, that the education/training we were receiving was merely a foundation that we needed to build upon with continuous training after graduation. Professor Bey, who studied the Meisner technique for three years under the tutelage of Maggie Flanigan, introduced me to Meisner technique. Getting a taste of the technique during my sophomore year was very eye opening and challenging to my artistry as well as everything I thought I knew about acting at that time. When I graduated From undergrad, I was so nervous and unsure in the months leading up to that date about what I was going to do in regards to my future. Was I going to stay in DC and audition? Or move back home to New York and "pound the pavement" auditioning and submitting myself? I was just so nervous and anxious. That's when Professor Bey blessed me with advice to enroll in a program back in New York that would challenge me and give me an opportunity to grow as well as continue to get a deeper grasp of the Meisner training I became so fond of. That's where my Maggie Flanigan experience would start.

Why do you enroll at the maggie Flanigan studio?

In the summer of 2012, I called the Maggie Flanigan Studio in regards to setting up an interview to learn more about the two year program. At my interview, I really was drawn to Maggie's powerful words and honesty she exemplified. Other programs are all about the money, however Maggie was sure to implore me to not just sign up for any program, even hers, without being 100% on what I was going to undertake. Maggie insisted on not just signing up for the two year conservatory, but instead offered me an opportunity to sign up for the summer intensive, and if I liked it, to continue; If not, I could always remove myself from the course. What I received on the very first day was a call for our entire class to humble themselves regarding what we knew about acting and allow ourselves to be open and receptive to the training we were going to receive. In the next 7 weeks, what I received from the program were lessons that changed my life. Not just lessons from the great Maggie Flanigan, but also classes with her lead pupil Charlie Sandlan. My interactions with Charlie would become just as important as my interactions with Maggie for the next 7 weeks. Through the "Repetition Exercise," I was called out several times by Charlie and Maggie to "STAND UP for myself." As simple as that may seem, that was an issue that I had in my life; being dismissive and apologetic about everything. The crazy thing regarding the Meisner Technique is that you must really have a strong and honest point of view on what is being said to you, and respond TRUTHFULLY during the repetition exercise! Exercises that require a person to knock on the door and enter, while another person has a pressing activity that is important to them, that must get done in a set time, while simultaneously responding/repeating the person who has entered the door. Not only did the work force me to be honest with my feelings regarding how my scene partner was speaking to me, but to have that response birthed from an honest point of view. Through it all, I was was able to truly see growth in my artistry through scene work, but equally as important, growth in my life as a man! Getting a taste of what the studio had to offer over the course of the summer was life changing.

How has the program changed you professionally

I really got the freedom to express myself honestly, truthfully, and unapologetically in all aspects of my life, which was something that was missing before my experience at the studio. Aside from the aforementioned positives the studio provides, if there was one thing I got most from the training, it was a a sense of confidence in the technique that I was using. I no longer feel hesitant or anxious about submitting myself for any role or opportunities presented in front of me. I'm truly confident in my ability as an artist to do every and anything, thanks to dedicated amazing teachers like Charlie Sandlan, Maggie Flanigan, and the rest of the amazing movement, voice, and Shakespeare teachers that work at the studio.

Why should actors enroll at the studio?

I feel any actor who is serious about their craft, receiving training in an honest and truthful environment, and not being babied, but instead told the honest truth regarding their growth, needs to enroll at the studio. I'd honestly suggest enrolling in the summer session in order to see if the environment and tutelage is for
you. I know the saying "results you can see," but at the studio, you get results you can feel.

I took my very first class at the Maggie Flanigan Studio the summer I completed my undergraduate matriculation. I returned home to New York the day after graduation; an eager young artist yearning to put my new skills to use. Not yet cast in any productions, it was very important to me that I continue my acting training and find an environment that would foster further artistic growth and discovery. The Maggie Flanigan studio came at the recommendation of two former peers of mine, by way of a former acting professor, (who I later discovered studied under Maggie’s tutelage). I enrolled in the summer intensive, simply with the desire to keep my existing creative muscles working until cast in a show. There is no way I could have foreseen the tremendous impact those four weeks of Meisner training would have on my artistry. I was learning how to listen and truly take things personally and this would directly affect my work. Excited to see the changes that had taken place in such a short period of time, it with this newfound perspective that I decided to enroll in the two year program.

How has this program changed you professionally?

Having completed the 2 year program at The Maggie Flanigan Studio, I feel far more prepared in the audition room, the rehearsal room, and on stage. I have a clear way to approach the work, a more pliable instrument, can more easily access my imagination and emotional life, and feel so in tune with myself entering a space. My training gives me the confidence to make bold choices unique to my experiences, and create specific behavior which I feel often sets me apart from other actors in the room.

Why should other actors enroll in the two year program at Maggie Flanigan Studio?

I would recommend the two year program at Maggie Flanigan Studio to any actor who is serious about sharpening their instrument and developing their artistry. It is a life altering experience, and you will leave the program not only a better actor, but a better human being. The program prepares actors for all sides of the industry, be it theatre, film tv, or navigating the business of “show business.” It puts the actor up against themselves in such a way that they have no choice but to develop a greater sense of self and curiosity about their place in the world. It is this heightened self awareness and sensitivity, paired with the brilliance of Sanford Meisner’s technique, which I believe allows graduates of the two year program to truly excel outside of the classroom.

Review

I consider my four years in undergrad to be some of the most formative years of my life. Having had no prior acting training, I graduated from Howard University with an expanded skill set, and a myriad of invaluable tools and experiences that would continue to serve me throughout my career. As an actress of color, my university would prepare me for the world and business of acting in such a unique way, teaching me key lessons, and affording me opportunities that I know I would not find anywhere else. Having acquired my BFA in Musical Theatre, at Howard I was fortunate enough to not only train in dance and voice, but be exposed to a number of acting styles and techniques. Upon graduating I felt secure in my acting studies, but like any other facet of my training knew there was still so much more to learn. My time at The Maggie Flanigan Studio would allow me to focus solely on the acting, and on one technique which would serve as my foundation moving forward.

MFS is far more than just a school. It is a creative playground, a refuge, a “home for the serious actor.” Building upon the principles instilled in me in undergrad, the brilliant teachers at MFS impress upon students the constant excavation of self needed to grow and be of service as an actor. These teachers not only nurture talent and teach technique, but do so with the understanding of the responsibility of the actor and the correlation that exists between art and humanity. During my two years in the studio, I grew more in tune with my gut, I prized being truthful over performing, I found more freedom in my instrument, and became not only a far better listener, but the most open and vulnerable I have ever been. Through Sanford Meisner’s technique I was afforded the framework needed to create specific behavior, while still remaining playful and present. With teachers who were truly invested in my process, I was given guidance and instruction, but also the room to struggle with the work. In turn I would make some of my most momentous discoveries on my own and in my own time. It is those moments that would push me to continue to dig deeper . By the end of the 2 year program, I emerged with a greater self awareness, greater sensitivity to the world around me, and even more in love with the craft of acting. Needless to say I am so incredibly grateful for my training at The Maggie Flanigan Studio, for it is here that I laid the groundwork needed for success.

No one could've prepared me for the life-altering work that ensued after making the commitment to train at the Maggie Flanigan Studio. I entered the program expecting to gain an understanding of technique, not realizing the amount of artistry and craft that were required of me. I walked out a more truthful actor, a more courageous artist, and a more empathetic human being. This program reintroduced me to my true self that, like for many of us, had been suppressed by society for most of my life. The work required me to craft from the most authentic, vulnerable and instinctual place that could only be discovered through a relentless effort to tell the truth. There was no room to hide behind mediocrity. I have never experienced a training program that made me feel safe and gave me the permission to learn through my mistakes like I did at this studio. Is it easy? Forget about it. Is it worth it? Absolutely. This program will challenge you in ways unimaginable, but at the end of it you will know what it means to be an artist. Both Maggie and Charlie understand the difficulties and complexities of teaching Meisner Acting, yet do so brilliantly and compassionately. If you are seriously considering a program that will give you the tools and the confidence to become a professional actor and artist, then this is the home for you. What you learn will be yours for life.

First off I want address the completely false and ridiculous claims of racism by another reviewer. Charlie Sandlan is the exact opposite of racist. If you looked up the "opposite of racist" you would see Charlie Sandlan's face. He cares deeply for his students. Actually on more than several occasions I saw his mans heart and how much he cared. I am a black man I have NEVER seen an ounce of racist behavior towards me or any other of the black students. I really hate when other black people throw the word racist around for whomever they don't like. After what black people went through and are still currently going through in recent years. Someone calling a person that would be first in line to protest injustice against black people is intolerable. It is bullshit seeing eloquently such a good man and teacher being unjustly called a racist. You obviously don't know what the word means. Charlie is a tough teacher and he wont accept anything but YOUR best. This is because he respects you as a student and Acting the craft.

To learn this technique you have to learn how to take criticism. Many people go to acting school to get rubbed on the head and be praised without learning anything. You are learning a specific technique, if you are going down the wrong path why wouldn't you want someone to tell you stop and fix what you are doing. I If he didn't do that it would be a waist of time and money. When I hear things like" he doesn't let me talk", I laugh because people go into training and don't realize that they know nothing about the craft of acting. Charlie has been doing this for many years because he chose to. This is not a failed actor be any means. This man can act, it is very clear when you gives examples of how things should look. He loves teaching plain and simple. Charlie is passionate about the craft of acting and his students. He respects his students enough to not let them present something that is not good. The thought behind each class and each step is very intentional. It might not be clear in the beginning but it will be in the end. Some people in this industry have huge egos and when someone challenges that they get really upset and throw around false statements.

My training:
This school changed my life! I graduated from the two year acting conservatory program Maggie Flanigan Studio in 2014. Before coming to this school I knew I wanted to be an actor but I didn't appreciate the craft of Acting. From the first day, Charlie Sandlan inspired me. I have never seen someone speak about acting so eloquently and with such passion. People don't appreciate acting these days, its looked upon as not a real craft or job. Only celebrities are given the respect for wanting to follow this noble path. The year was tough. You have to figure yourself out and this is harder than people realize. How can you portray other people on stage and on Film if you don't know yourself? Many people think they can just pick up a script and say the lines on the page and that is acting. NO!! Acting takes thought and hard work and knowing ones instrument. While learning the fundamentals of the craft and of Meisner technique. Charlie systematically opened me up to the world and myself. First year is like a trombone player learning every inch of his instrument. Greasing it, shining it, because if your instrument is rusted and crappy how can you play it?
Second year is when the work continues to build onto first year. I was thought by Maggie herself that year and she took what Charlie had thought me and showed me a new world of the craft of acting. She was kind and tough and had high standards for all her students. Because of her and Charlie I know exactly what to do when I pick up a script. I am a better person and artist because of this studio. I wouldn't dare call myself an artist before coming here. Maggie is a master at what she does and so is Charlie. I would recommend this school to any who is serious about acting and want to learn the Miesner technique. All the teachers are wonderful and you feel like home when you are there.

I recently finished the Summer Intensive course at Maggie Flanigan and had one of the most amazing experiences with Charlie Sandlan as my teacher. I'll be starting 1st year in September and I couldn't be more excited!

I came to leave a review but I cannot help but respond to Breana's review:
We all learn differently and it's okay to not prefer a teachers method of teaching. What is NOT okay is to attack someone with such ugly words especially when it is not the truth. Charlie is nowhere near a racist person and does not favor students "he likes" over others he does not. He has never put anyone down and he has allowed and encouraged us all to express ourselves in class.
Charlie does not tolerate laziness, tardiness and excuses. He will not give you the answers to everything. He will set the bar higher for you every time you enter that room. He will call you out on your B.S. He will tell you the things that are difficult to hear. He is a tough teacher and expects the best from his students. Charlie is also understanding, open minded, fair, respectful, nurturing and passionate about what he does. He is always available to talk to his students and gives 100% of himself to each and every one of us.
So...if you are looking to get your ego stroked, if you think you know it all, refuse to reflect on yourself and take in constructive criticism, then you are in the wrong place.

Charlie, thank you for being such a wonderful teacher. And thank you to everyone at the studio for making me feel at home : )

See y'all in September !

I graduated from the 2 year program in 2014. I had the honor of having Charlie Sandlin as my teacher my first year at the school and Maggie Flanigan second year. Prior to coming to MFS I graduated law school and spent over a decade practicing in the Criminal courts of NYC. I can honestly say that the level of work and commitment needed to succeed at MFS far exceeds anything I've experienced in law school or in my legal practice. The teachers at this school, particularly Charlie and Maggie, will not accept anything less than 100% of your dedicated effort at mastering this craft. That means being emotionally open and available and bringing your true authentic self into every class and every rehearsal. Not everyone is capable of that type of honesty or sufficiently disciplined to do such rigorous work. Those people should not come to this studio. Neither Charlie or Maggie will stroke your ego, listen to your excuses or cut you any slack. If you want flartery or empty praise go elsewhere. If you want to be a true artist, check your ego and your defensiveness at the door and come to MFS prepared to work. This studio has been my artistic home for the past 4 years. I have never experienced any sort of racism from the faculty, staff or student body. I've worked closely with Charlie throughout my second year and beyond and have received my fair share of tough criticism from him. That criticism is always followed with wise direction on how to improve. Anytime I received such criticism I would pick myself up, dust myself off and get to work on improving my craft. I found that when I worked out the problem and mastered the solution one of my biggest cheerleaders was Charlie Sandlan. He won't lower the bar for you and you'll be a better artist as a result if you can hack it.

I just finished the first year at MF. I don't know how I can add to the positive things that have already been said but I'll try. Thorough this first year I grew as a person and gained a real understanding of what the craft of acting is about. I had spent over five years grinding away as a NYC "actor" and I can say I truly and honestly acted for the first time in my life just a few months ago while in class. It was a defining point in my life and I thank one person for allowing me to achieve that. That person is Charlie Sanlan.

There is a caveat to all of this. As it has been said already, this is a LOT of work. It's not easy by any means and you are warned about this from the beginning. So I take great issue with the idiotic and pathetic review left by Breana Pitt.

Contrary to what she says, there are no favorites in Charlie's class. Charlie cares about one thing and that's the work that you do. As Charlie explains, as an actor if you do crappy work the audience that paid to see you that night will not care that you did amazing the night before. As an actor you are expected to give your best performance every single time you are up. And as an artist dedicated to their craft you should want to get to that level. So Charlie, pushes you to do good work on a consistent basis and will call you out when you don't. And guess what? when you get called out for not doing your best something shocking happens, you actually learn something. But in order to learn, you have to be open to whatever feedback you get. Maybe Charlie's style wasn't for her. I took many acting classes in which the instructor didn't say much more than "good job." If that's what she prefers that's okay, I just know I didn't learn much from those people. But to accuse Charlie of being racist speaks volumes not about Charlie but about the person who does. And I say this as a "person of color" who spent a year in his class.

If this is how Breana Pitt reacts to someone trying to teach her, she is in for a rude awakening not just in show business but in life.

The bottom line is if you want the best acting training go to this school, just know that much will be expected of you. But also know that the hard work you put in will be worth it as I experienced myself. If you want to go somewhere where you'll be coddled and get a trophy and a "good job" just for showing up, and learn nothing while at it, then don't go here. You'll end up like Breana Pitt.

I don't usually post reviews on things, I'm not a YELP'er or anything, and I likely wouldn't be posting a review on here either if the review below from Breana Pitt didn't get me so fired up. I could not disagree more with what she wrote below. I graduated from MFS in 2013, and I studied with Charlie Sandlan for my entire first year. I have also studied with many other acting teachers, and went to many other NY Acting Schools in my career, and this is BY FAR the best training you will get as an actor. Charlie is NONE OF THE THINGS that Breana has posted below, and I am personally offended that she is attempting to attack his character like this. A racist?! Are you kidding me?! My jaw literally dropped when I read that because it couldn't be further from the truth. My thematic chord is injustice, and Charlie never once did ANYTHING AT ALL that could be construed as unjustified. He never treated anyone differently because of their skin color, or ethnicity. NEVER EVER! He is extremely compassionate, and treated everyone in my class with the same respect. He holds his students to a very high standard, which is exactly what you SHOULD want a teacher to do! I wasn't paying him to tell me what a great actor I was, I was paying him to teach me how to be the best actor, artist, and human being I could be - and that's exactly what he did. To be the best you can be, your bar of excellence damn well better be high. Sounds to me like Breana just couldn't hack it in class, and wanted him to tell her she did a great job, when likely, she did not. That's fine. A lot of people are not cut out for this school. Those people are not as serious as they like to think they are about being an actor. But to slander this man's reputation publicly like this is not right at all, and I will not stay quiet and let that happen. Here is a personal story, that I will share to give you insight into the type of man he is... I lived in Long Beach, NY, during Hurricane Sandy. I was two houses off the water, it devastated my town. I lost everything I owned. I ended up with only my car, my dog, and my laptop. That's it. I was homeless for 6 months after Sandy, living in hotels with my black lab, all while attending school. Charlie went out of his way to help me. He took up a collection at the studio and gave me boxes and boxes of new clothes, many from his own closet. He gave me opportunities to make money at the studio by bartending for the Christmas party, and cleaning the space as part of the work study program. He even went as far as to give me money out of his own pocket. That is the level of generosity he possesses, and he is that way with all his students. He cares deeply for the actors that attend his school, and wants to see people succeed. Charlie Sandlan and Maggie Flanigan, quite literally, changed my life. They taught me what it meant to be an artist. They taught me a specific process on how to approach a script and craft a role. They taught me how to act. They taught me how to be a better person. If you want serious acting training, and are willing to commit to working hard, and holding yourself to a high standard, go to this school and do not look back. Do not listen to this ridiculous comment below. It is absurd, and bears no truth to the Charlie Sandlan I knew when I was a student, or the Charlie Sandlan I know now as a man. Breana Pitt clearly has some issues of her own to work out. She should be ashamed of the accusations she has made against him.

Re: Breana Pitt

Wow! I can't believe I'm seeing this post. Charlie is the most consistent, knowledgable and loving teacher I've every meant in New York City. He gives his heart and soul in every single lecture.. in every single class. Breana this is A SCHOOL. He is TUFF and DIRECT for a reason. THE INDUSTRY YOU ARE SO DIEING TO BE IN COULD CARLESS ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS OR OPINIONS. If you think Charlie is TOO MUCH than you got another thing coming child. Charlie is not your FRIEND, YOUR BUDDY, MOMMY OR DADDY. Charlie cares about the WORK that's all. He's been through the business and understands what it takes to carve out a successful acting career. See, your the kind of person, who quits as soon as a class or venture doesn't go your way. You blame other people for what they lack but you don't blame yourself for what you lack COURAGE, TENACITY, PERSEVERANCE, & THICK SKIN. You no good, live with your parent a**, soft minded, weak actors don't know what it takes to be a TRUE ARTIST. You hide behind your words and reviews because you can't take a little ADVERSITY. I'm black so! What is your point, stop blaming it on RACE. it's completely irrelevant. If it wasn't for this school I don't know where I would be in my life or in my career. All you potential actors don't let this weak minded, disrespectful, ungrateful person discourage you. Yes, it may seem Charlie might be a bit intense but TAKE IT. WHY? It's not personal. Get it. He's critiquing your PERFORMANCE... that's all. A GREAT TEACHER is suppose to dO that. Sometimes our emotions, insecurities and fears get in the way. But trust me he only cares about the WORK. I wanted to quit his class at some points too but I hung in there and I realize I would have been foolish to drop out because my emotions got in the way. Charlie sets his bar high and doesn't lower it for no one. Thank God Charlie is no longer pursing an acting career. We are so bless to have him. Believe it or not.. silly girl.. he's acting everyday in class as a TEACHER if you would have hung around a bit longer you would have realized that. All teachers and coaches use either reverse psychology or specific techniques to get you out of your own way, so you can serve the world of your greatness. The great motivational speaker Tony Robbins does it all the time. He tells you like it is and if you can't accept it YOUR YOGURT. There are a handful of great acting schools in New York City. This is a great and safe place to learn the craft. TRUST ME. Since I've been to this school I've booked my First Tv Show. The lead actor on that show also was taught by Maggie Flanigan. What a coincidence!

www.isaacesaugay.com

the only reason I'm giving this school 1 star is because I needed to add stars in order to post this review. If not, I wouldve given 0 stars. I don't tend to write reviews but in this case It's necessary. Taking class at Maggie has been one of the worse experiences of my life. And it's all thanks to Charlie. Don't get fooled by this bold headed motherfucker. He will smile in your face and tell you nice things during the interview just to reel you in, and then once you're in he'll treat you like garbage. He tells everyone the same thing during the interview so to make them feel special and so they pick Maggie over other schools. He is rude and disrespectful. You don't need someone like that to "train" you. He claims he knows so much about being an "artist" but he doesn't know what he is talking about. He is just someone who is sour and bitter because he is a failed actor and takes that out on his students. Charlie is racist! Beware if you're of color and decide to take classes at this studio. He will treat you differently from the rest, and put you down. Do not come to this school! Don't waste your money. There are so many better schools out there. After my horrible experience with Charlie I wouldn't want others to go through the same thing. Get your money's worth! Charlie humiliated me in front of everyone, treated me disrespectfully, everything I did he would criticize unfairly, he would talk over me and wouldn't allow me to express myself. And he is so unfair with his judgement. Charlie treats students he likes more differently from the rest. He is the opposite of equality. He is a racist bastard! Who sits behind a desk to ridicule and humiliate others. Poor guy. He has low self-esteem because he never made it as an actor and wants to make himself feel better and more larger by trying to make others feel bad about their work. He's miserable. Lousy teacher!!!!

I had successfully booked minor work in New York with only high school drama experience and my instincts. Then I landed a role in an Off-Broadway play. My cast mates had all been through some sort of acting training. Working alongside them, I realized I had no process. At home with the script, I had no idea if I was preparing enough or what that entailed. In rehearsal, I stopped and asked way too many questions. In dress rehearsal, I was still discussing character details with the playwright. I was using my fellow actors' actual current artistic pursuit and paycheck as a crash course in how to professionally rehearse and act. It's embarrassing to recall. But it made me want to never again walk into a project so unaware and underprepared. I compared four New York acting studios by in-person interviews. The values and vision that Charlie spoke to me about resonated with me at a far richer frequency than those of the others.

After one year of serious commitment to the studio, I am a better listener, a more honest talker, a more spontaneous fool, a more empathetic friend, a more loving son, a braver lover, a more confident experimenter, and a healthier owner of a human body.

If you are a human that would like to experience the earth-shattering realization that you are capable of feeling and caring about life way more than you currently do, come to MFS for one year. If you want to become an actor, stay for two.

I took Anatomy for Actors because I felt that as an actor I needed to have a better understanding of my body and the way it functions. I’m excited to say that here you get that and a whole lot more. The way in which Marta Reiman taught this class inspired me. Marta is so passionate and knowledgeable and that springs forth in every class in a way that got me excited about what I was learning. I not only learnt about anatomy, but I gained insightful information on an array of topics. I learnt how to take care of my body, what stress and tension does, how to deal with it, holistic ways of healing, how to prevent injury, Fitness, alignment, Western and Eastern Medicine and these are just a few. I feel that Anatomy for Actors is such an essential class. It has completely changed the way I relate to my body. I have a greater appreciation of the miracle our instrument truly is.

I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for my training in Movement 3 at the Maggie Flanigan Studio. Not only have I gained a solid technique on how to release physical tension and connect my inner life with my physical life, but I have learned how to communicate specifically and truthfully in a physical way. Movement 3 gave me the tools I needed to find freedom in my acting process. Julia and Nate are two of the most wonderful instructors anyone could hope for because they give you the tools you need and then let you find your way through the work. This work requires a certain level of physical awareness, permission, and freedom, but as my amazing instructor Charlie once told me, "When you do the work, great things happen." If you are willing to put in the work then the lessons you take with you from this program will be yours for the rest of your life.

I walked in a boy, left an artist. Thank you. This is not only an actor training, this was a life changing experience. I use this technique outside of acting. I can't express how grateful I am to have this curriculum under my belt. It brings me tears of joy to think back of my journey and where I stand today writing this. -PM, Jr.p

After studying at another acting school for years I still felt that I had not developed a strong acting technique. I was left with a sense that technique was this elusive and mysterious thing that I couldn't quite grasp.

Then I met Charlie and Maggie.

They completely demystified the process by showing me the nuts and bolts of creating a character and bringing a script to life. It was no quick fix. There are no shortcuts to being a good actor. Hard work was expected of me and both Maggie and Charlie were upfront about that. I don't recommend this studio to anyone who is unwilling to put their everything into the work. The teachers here will not tolerate anything less. In the end, if you put in the work, the rewards are well worth every ounce of effort.

If you want an acting program that will give you the foundation to become a simple and truthful actor than this is where you want to be. Before I began I took a few classes here and there but I had no idea what I was really doing, I had no idea what it meant to be an actor. Then I stepped through the doors at the Maggie Flanigan Studio and began the 2 year program that would become a defining point in my life. Not only have I learned how to be a professional actor I've also learned, more importantly, how to be truthful about myself as a person. If acting isn't really where your heart lies then you will find out, this program will shine a light on that. If acting is your true passion then this is absolutely the place to be to grow as an artist and to develop that passion.

After a hard talk with my then agent, I realized I was not training in the right way and she directed me to MFS.

I could not have been brought to a better place. The people working at MFS are some of the most amazing, articulate and authentic artists I have ever had the pleasure to work and create with. They have created an environment that is truly freeing and allows you to truly step into yourself as an artist. I have never been more in touch with who I am or how to confidently work before. I could not recommend MFS any more.

If you are serious about becoming an artist and having pride in the work that you do, then this is the best place in New York to go. You will get personal attention in every class and will be given incredible tools that will open you up artistically and yet still give you form. It is an incredible program that has given me so much more than I ever expected it would.

I knew I was an actor but when I moved to NYC, I knew I needed training but was absolutely hesitant. I had been toying with the idea of a few programs but Maggie Flanigan's Studio showed its worth and power when I met Evan Hall on set. I was shooting a film and my costar was so natural, so grounded, so present; I was blown away. I asked Evan Hall where he had trained and he said Maggie Flanigan. The answer. I haven't looked back.

This program has given me so much confidence and radically changed my perspective on the whole craft. Now when I am given sides I know exactly how to tackle them in a amazing authentic way.

Any actor who wants to take this profession seriously, should not look any further. The studio really rebuilds an actor from head to toe. Its a full body and soul program. It takes raw talent and really teaches the actor how to craft in ways that are so unique and personal. It clears away most of the b******* and really challenges an actor, not just as a performer but as an artist.

I can't say enough positive things about my experience training at Maggie Flanigan Studio. I am a graduate of their two year program and I trained under Charlie Sandlan for both years. I've also had classes with Maggie herself but the majority of my time there was spent with Charlie. I'll say this, Charlie Sandlan changed my life. I learned more about myself as a human being and my abilities as an actor as a result of training with this man. The Meisner technique may seem daunting, and even intimidating at first, but sticking through it and having that first break through makes it all worth it in the end. It took me quite a few classes before I was able to really let myself go and come to terms with the reality of my emotions and my connection to the work. I'll never forget the first time I had a breakthrough in Charlie's class, it felt amazing, it was like a high. Watching my fellow classmates encounter the same breakthroughs for themselves was also very inspiring. My classmates and I truly developed a family like bond, and through the direction, advice, knowledge, and humanity of Charlie Sandlan we all grew tremendously as artists.This business is not for everyone, and looking back on things I can truly appreciate, the realness, and the visceral rawness of my experiences in that studio. It prepared me better than anything I could imagine for the reality of the business and the process of not only becoming an serious actor, but a strong ARTIST. Because what we do as actors is create art, and I thank Charlie and the rest of the staff at Maggie Flanigan Studio for sharpening the instrument inside me and giving me the confidence to put myself out there and succeed in this business.

I'm a second year student at Maggie Flanigan Studio and cannot say enough wonderful things about this program and its teachers; especially Maggie Flanigan and Charlie Sandlan.In my initial interview, both Charlie and Maggie warned me that the program is hard and demanding but that if I worked hard and applied myself they would support me every step of the way. I walked into this with no expectations for a quick fix or shortcut, but ready to challenge myself and dedicate myself to learning the technique. First year was spent learning how to trust my impulses and abandon the tendency to act from my head. Under Charlie's vigilant eye and steady guidance I learned how to be open and avialable, how to take my partner in and respond truthfully, and how to trust my instincts. Charlie would stop an exercise when it seemed that I was trying to manipulate a strong emotional response or when I was functioning from my head. He taught me that words such as "I think" or asking "Why.." were sure signs that I was processing things intellectually rather than instinctually. As with any paradigmatic shift in thinking, I experienced a fair amount of frustration in grasping the principles being taught and internalizing them but, as promised, Charlie supported me every step of the way. He always offered truthful critiques that were straight up and not sugar coated (which I prefer) and that were always accompanied with advice on how to solve the particular challenge I was facing. My first note from Charlie in class was "I can barely hear you. I'm sitting a few feet away from you and you are not projecting your voice enough so that I can hear you." By the end of the year, I was free and open and alive enough to be heard down the hall and, most importantly, for my acting to have an impact and be felt by the audience. I am forever indebted to Charlie for being so generous with his time and so dedicated to my development as an actor. I'm trying hard not to gush but I will say that I love Charlie Sandlan as an artist, as a teacher and as a person. Those sentiments are shared by my classmates and the alumni who have had the privilege to work with him.I am currently working through my second year under the tough exacting standards of an amazing master teacher, Maggie Flanigan. Maggie has taught me the benefit of hard work and the meaning of artistry. I, and my classmates, are fortunate to be under her tutelage.This studio is not for everyone. Hard work and commitment as well as a willingness to accept hard truths about yourself are non-negotiable requirements. For those who can bring these things to the table, those efforts will be rewarded a hundredfold.

Being an artist is hard and challenging and often to hard for the sensitive souls.What I found in my pursuits of art is that you can only be a real artist if you are seeking the truth. Acting is doing truthfully- both Charlie and Maggie often say that when you work in front of them MFS is a place where you work for the truth,you seek the truth and you hear the truth Truth is hard to face and hear but that is what you get when you work with this wonderful teachers and people Truth sets us free

I've studied acting for seven years before coming to this studio. I was really interested in learning the Meisner technique because my training had mainly consisted of method acting. Two of my friends recommended this place telling me that this is where they learned to become emotionally open actors!!? I was at the studio for about two months and was very disappointed. I remember the first day, I came in with a positive attitude and fully open to learning something new but with every passing class I closed off more and more and got depressed.Most actors who come to this studio (during their first few weeks) get the illusion that they are going through a magical transformation (by becoming more emotionally open and responsive actors). The truth is that becoming fully emotionally open takes months if not years of practice: the teacher at this studio creates such a tense and manipulated environment that your only option while doing the repetition exercises is to get a very strong emotional response (unfortunately this is not reached organically as it should be). If you watch Meisner's master class (sold on Amazon) you will see that he would let his students work in an environment that was NOT manipulated. On top of that, there is an expectation at this studio that you have to have a strong emotional response in each class and if you don't get there, you basically get yelled at. So every time you get up to do your repetition exercise and you don't get a full emotional response you feel like a loser! Anyone who has been trained by a great teacher elsewhere knows that as an actor (while training) you do not have a strong emotional response in each and every single class because we are all humans and a good teacher should be able to pick up all the subtleties that go on inside of you even if the result may not seem significant to a lay audience. Again, during the repetition exercise, the teacher will stop you more than once and tell you that he doesn't like your choice of words or your behavior (basically micromanaging your acting and castrating your creativity). This later gets the students into their heads because as opposed to just focusing on their partners' behaviors (as the exercise should be done), they start getting self-conscious and start editing the words that come out of their mouths or even their behavior to match it to what the teacher wants them to do. This way of working goes completely against what Meisner was teaching because he wanted the students to work from their impulses not from their heads. He wanted his students' attentions on their partners, not on themselves.On top of all this, the teacher teaching the first year is extremely arrogant, dismissive and emotionally abusive. He has to behave the way he does to make up for the insight that he doesn't have as a teacher. That is also why he gets extremely defensive when you start questioning him because deep inside he knows that he does not have the qualities of a great teacher. There is no way your instrument can be 100% open working with such a person; hence I don't see how someone can grow in this kind of environment. I think the people who recommend this place really have no idea what an amazing acting teacher can do to you. Amazing acting teachers not only teach you acting but they fully transform you by giving you insight and a perspective on life and your own inner truth.

I studied under Maggie at Rutgers in the MFA program. She is, by far, the most authentic and passionate artist you are likely to come across in your training anywhere, ever. Her critiques are spot on and go directly to your core. She is demanding and compassionate, a rare mix, and perhaps most importantly, she is driven by her love of the art, and holds each and every actor in her presence to the highest standard imaginable. I respect her. I love her. She is not "selling" a product, as so many of these teachers/coaches are. She's the real deal. And if you are lucky enough to make it into her studio, you WILL be transformed -- as both an actor and a human.

Every day in class was an epiphany...Maggie has this extraordinary ability to instill a strong sense of truth in each of her actors. Her teaching method is clear, efficient, and inspired. I walked away with a specific way of working. I tend to refer to her as "yoda."

Maggie is without doubt the greatest living trainer of actors. I have trained with many others accounted the best NY has to offer, and she beats them hands down. Her absolute commitment to, and understanding of, truth in acting combined with her ability to elicit such truth from her actors, is legendary, and deservedly so. She's the toughest, most brutally honest, and most wonderful teacher you will ever, ever have. If you are lucky enought to work with her, you will never, ever regret it. She will absolutely change your life both professionally and personally for the better.