I found this studio through a Google search. Quickly, I found that this is a very serious acting studio, with a caring staff and generous educators. Here I am, two years later after doing the summer intensive, and enrolling in the two year program!! Best decision I've made. read more

Maggie Flanigan Studio - Specialty Schools Near Me - New York, New York

This conservatory is an initiation into the Emotional Body. Your acting skills will dramatically evolve, but more importantly, your Soul will transform. read more

If you are interested in having one of the most transformative, and powerful experiences of your life, you've arrived to the right place. The only caveat is that you need to give yourself full permission to really go for it, and show up every single day (even when it's one of the most difficult things you've ever done, and it will be difficult). I arrived to Maggie Flanigan's doorstep hungry and curious for creativity and expression. I wanted to learn and soak up as much knowledge as possible as I had no previous acting experience, but a lot of experience building a decade long career I had no real passion for. I was starting from ground zero. What unfolded during the summer intensive was beyond all of my expectations and preconceived notions of what this school, Charlie, Sara Fay, Cherry and Midori would provide. Now well into the first year, I can say with confidence that I am suspended (presently) in a very powerful, and fundamental time of my life. I am a better human being because of the seemingly small decision I made just a handful of months ago. And I know I will look back at this decision with immense pride one day. Beyond learning how to act, I am learning how to be more present, observant, truthful, self-aware, and flexible to change and adversity - skills that most people don't tap into until later in life, if ever. Charlie challenges you in a very real way. I can see how his teaching style may not resonate with some, but I also know that...*cue cheesy quote* "Diamonds are formed under pressure". Charlie and the other teachers are genuinely invested in your growth as an artist and human being, and they CARE so deeply. I think you'll be hard pressed to find mentors and teachers that care more. They also won't give you any participation stickers. They've built a real community that uplifts and supports one another, and the bar is set very high. There's so much more I want to (and will) say, but I'll circle back with a full review after I've completed the full 2 years. Thank you MF for everything thus far read more

The Maggie Flanigan Studio is the home of the serious actor. If you want to be the best actor you can be this is the place for you. You will be asked to give your 100% in every class. I moved from another country just to train here. If you are really interested in taking your craft to the next level, look no further. read more

This school is special to me in so many ways. My craft, my confidence, and the way I approach not only my work but my life has been vastly changed. Changed for the better. Before attending, I was a reserved person who let people walk all over me, and that often bled into my artistic work. Charlie has helped me to step outside of my normalcy and finally stand up for myself. Take this program when you're ready to take your future and yourself seriously. read more

The Film History I course entitled American Cinema is a course every actor should consider completing. It offers an introduction to the history, language, and the theory of film making in order for the actor to have a clear understanding of film making from inception to present day. This course allows an actor to investigate their role in the creation of this art. The teacher Shari makes the course exciting, informative, fun and how important watching films of all genres can be inspiring for an actor's imagination! read more

Maggie Flanigan Studio - Specialty Schools Near Me - New York, New York

Would recommend this school to anyone looking to take acting seriously. The teachers are hard on you in the best way making sure you leave the 2 year program with all the tools you need to compete at the highest level. The community at the school is one you can count on during your time there and also after you finish. read more

After finishing the two-year Meisner program at Maggie Flanigan Studio, I found myself having a hard time transitioning into the professional realm. I'm so eternally grateful that this third year / business program exists! It has given me the perfect structure and tools to take my career to the next level. Charlie Sandlan should be proud of what this studio has put together. Dariush Kashani has been a huge mentor and advisor throughout the process and I can't wait to apply all that I've learned. A special shoutout to Mackenzie Lansing for her incredible insights and the training she has provided for audition and self-tape technique. Thank you MFS for being my creative home! read more

I am completing the two-year Core Acting Program at MFS in 2 weeks, and it has been such an incredible artistic awakening. Charlie and his entire staff have created a welcome, understanding environment where artists can feel comfortable exploring every side of themselves. What I appreciate most about Charlie and the way he teaches is the amount of respect he has for each of his students as actors. He wants to teach people who are serious about learning the history and art of the craft. Through Meisner technique, he teaches how to create real behavior, and has the ability to help actors blow past whatever block might be in their way. I have learned so much about myself and the craft thanks to the well rounded training I've received here in acting, movement, voice and speech, script analysis, and so much more. If you are looking for serious acting training that will push you as an artist, with a safety net of incredible teachers and peers to catch you along the way, this is the place for you! I've made lifelong friends and artistic collaborators here. I am so grateful this studio exists! read more

(Warning - *Long Post*) Where do I start lol.. I graduated from MFS' 2 year (2.5 for me) conservatory in 2014 and have worked in the business since. Before Attending: When deciding on an acting conservatory, I took it upon myself to "interview" the directors of each of the 3 conservatories I was accepted to PRIOR to committing. I wanted us to mutually be a good fit. My goal has always been to be REALLY great at my craft & it was important to have teachers who would push me to be as great as I could be. When I met with Charlie, he was incredibly open, welcomed me to speak with other students, and had a very "no BS, nothing to hide demeanor" that I connected with. One of the many things he said that stood out was "I want you to know I'm not a disgruntled actor, I am passionate about teaching" - I needed to hear that. I also spoke w/ Maggie by phone and I told her "I want to be really really good; I want to be great" - she said "if you put in the work we will do everything we can to get you there." - again no promises or BS, I rocked with that. My Training: Attending MFS was the best decision (training wise) of my acting career - it was life changing. They kicked my ASS - I won't sugar coat it. I left some days feeling like the worst actor and other days like Meryl Streep whooo babyyyy!! hehe. I can only speak for myself, but looking back, ass kicking is exactly what I needed and I get it now. Since graduating, I have had the honor of working w/ some industry greats. Have I been nervous sure, but never intimidated or unprepared because umm Charlie & Maggie prepared me for the pressure of any set. I walk on like you cannot intimidate me sir/ ma'am, let's gooo Lol. Post Graduation: I'll end w/ what's happened after graduation b/c that's also something I would want to know prior to committing & investing in this program. I've had career ups and downs, and would say things really started picking up a couple years after graduating (its different for everyone). I've been blessed to have been the lead in national tours, won an award for my theatrical work (regional theater), booked co-stars, recurs and guest-stars on major hit shows and networks. I've worked alongside greats like Spike Lee, Connie Britton & others. I have been shortlisted for leads on Broadway and a Marvel film (a lead, its nuts) in addition to many other pins/shortlists I haven't kept count of. My 'success' and close calls have been rewarding, and have also made me an emotional mess at times to keep it real. The 2 occasions I have felt my most frustrated (about 8 years a part lol), guess where I went? I got on Charlie's calendar, and with open arms he's welcomed me, having real vulnerable convos each times. He's the best at at giving a mix of tough love, honesty and kind encouragement, I can't explain it lol. I leave mentally stronger than when I arrive I know that! When they say this is your forever home, they MEAN it. These folks are the REAL deal it makes me emotional. Will it be right for you? If you're serious and ready to put in work, I'd say so. I will forever be grateful for my time at MFS. Love u, -Nad (my name isn't spelled correctly for privacy on Yelp, but happy to speak to any current or prospective students :-)). read more

Ah! The only lake amid the dry, arid, and harsh landscape of YELP -- Having spent two years with the studio, I will attest that every single published public review you see here is 100% authentic, accurate, unsolicited, and sincere. Take that. #thetruthcanneverbethreatened read more

Great teachers inspire, bad teachers make you hate the subject. What I learned from this class is that acting is not fun and it's not for me. If you're a sensitive person, this class will feel like emotional terrorism. Charlie doesn't teach - he proudly preaches, boasts, and then criticizes every student. He will keep pointing out all your mistakes but his advice only boils down to "just do f**kin' do it right already!" If you want to learn acting, learn from an actual working actor. No need to endure abuse from an ego-tripping bipolar bully. The Meisner technique itself is good, but there's nothing new there. Tons of people teach it. So it's important to find a teacher who will actually teach (hopefully by example). The main value you will get from this class is finding partners to practice with and building a thick skin and that's something you can do for free. Sure, acting is not easy, but it's not as hard as putting up with Charlie's bullshit. If you wanna be worshipped, start a cult, not an acting school. When this class ends it feels like coming out of a really bad relationship. So glad it's over. Ask yourself why there are only 1 star or 5 star reviews. read more

I just finished the 6-week Meisner Summer Intensive class and it was the best acting class I've ever had. I moved from the Northern VA/Washington D.C area to take Charlie's class - it was a leap of faith but worth every penny. I knew the acting resources and opportunities were limited in Washington D.C. and I was ready for something fresh, challenging, and educational. Not only did I learn about acting truthfully, but I learned a lot about myself. Things get really deep and if you're fortunate to experience a "break-through" it'll be eye-opening. It took me some time to experience this - it depends on how well you craft! Get ready to be challenged in a way that you haven't been challenged before! Most importantly, stay humble and be patient. Charlie's teaching is unique and straightforward. He's not like any other instructor I've worked with, he's a master of his craft. My classmates were amazing. We always went out on Friday nights, and bonded over our passion and experiences. You'll make some real connections/friends from this class. The MFS staff is professional, kind and always provide prompt responses. There are no hidden fees, everything is written out to you in black and white. The negative reviews you see are from people that have dropped the class mid-way, "quitters", because they couldn't handle the challenge. This class may not be made for everyone and that's okay, but if you are serious about acting then you'll want someone that wants to see you succeed and not just feed you BS. NYC is competitive, so if you want to be the best in your artistry then you need to work with the best. I'm looking forward to continuing my education with MFS in their 1 year acting program. Thank you MFS for a life-changing and fulfilling experience! :-) Yalda Moslehian read more

It is extremely hard to put into words how much Maggie Flanigan Studio has changed my life. I had no idea how much hard work and how much of yourself was required to become a real TRUTHFUL actor. Charlie pushes you in a such a great way that you leave that stage sometimes numb and in shock at what he is able to get out of you as an actor. I was completely lost before I joined this school and was sometimes lost while in this school but the work that Charlie Sandlan has us doing was so powerful and beneficial that it made me realize that I am exactly where I needed to be. I know this might sound dramatic but this school truly saved and changed my life. It is such a great community, you become close with your classmates and other people attending the school. It became a second home to me when I needed it the most. Having great office staff that are always there to help like Katie and Scott is also an added plus. The movement class with Sara Faye also extremely opened me up 100 percent as an actor and I highly recommend taking that class the second you join the school. If you want a life changing experience while gaining all the tools you need to go out into the world and have a successful long lasting acting career. This is the place you need to be. I cannot explain enough how great of a teacher Charlie Sandlan is, I am so excited to get back into his class this September. Everyone I know feels that exact same way and you will too. read more

An awesome place to train! Helped get me out of my head + into my spontaneous, authentic expression. Taught me how to be present and really LISTEN and respond - how to connect deeply with another human being as an actor - as well as in real life. A very welcoming (but challenging!) atmosphere to grow in as an actor. Thank you! read more

Maggie is the most amazing acting teacher you will ever encounter. She's harsh but unbearably honest, and forces you to work harder and smarter than you ever thought you could. She expects nothing less than the best from her students, and gets amazing results. I've been taking acting classes from the time I was a small child, and Maggie stands head and shoulders above every other acting teacher I've ever encountered (including "the best" training at NYU). If you are auditioning but not getting great results, or want to get a firm grip on your technique, Maggie will whip you into shape. She's unbelievably amazing. read more

Maggie Flanigan Studio - Specialty Schools Near Me - New York, New York

Maggie Flanigan Studio has simply been the best thing that has ever happened to me. From someone who had zero experience with acting, Charlie Sandlan and the other teachers created such a safe space to fully put myself out there and grow over the past two years not only as an actor but a new person who is more open, empathetic and a better listener amongst a million other positive things. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when joining the studio during the Summer Intensive in 2021, and was not aware of how hard I would work the next two years during the Acting Program and how much of myself, and I mean my truthful, authentic self was required to then become a truthful actor. Charlie has a heart of gold and treats his students with the utmost respect yet knows how to push us in such an amazing way that you're left shocked when leaving the stage at his ability to get you out of your head and focused on your acting object in order to produce interesting and truthful work. We laugh, we cry and we never settle for our second best - together. As I wrap up my second year Meisner program, I can confidently say I feel I have all of the right tools to take on a healthy, long lasting acting career and it breaks my heart to leave my class and having Charlie as not only a teacher but a mentor every week. With that said, the studio has such an incredible community of wonderful students both past and present that I know I will cherish and fall back on, forever. I'd also like to give a shout-out to Logan & Sam the office managers that are incredibly patient, kind and always there when you need them. I can go on and on but if you are thinking of it and want serious, tough yet rewarding training, go for it! Life changing experience. read more

Health and Wellness Nutrition Course: I mean where do I even start? How about with this class turning my morning breakfast of a snickers and some chocolate milk into something less murderous like a "blood sugar smoothie" with spinach, coconut milk, and secret ingredients you will learn about and take with you through your acting career. This class taught me the fundamentals, such as the importance of WATER. It sounds simple, but when you live most of your life drinking anything but water to drinking nothing but water, your whole body feels different...its transformative! I thought this class was going to be teaching me the basics like you learn in your high school health class, but girl I was wrong, It is so much more than just that. This class had me scanning my body and figuring out what things I ingested that no longer benefited me and taught me about better alternatives available to me. I feel like because of this class, I am able to stop focusing on me (my hunger/discomfort) and focus more on my partner. I can honestly say it has made it better for me to be able to leave myself alone and live in the moment. This class is very informative & difficult, but also VERY rewarding! If YOU are trying to be the best YOU you can be YOU NEED to take this class, like yesterday! read more

I learned a lot at the studio in such a short time! One of the most invaluable things that I learned was what I take the most personally as a human, so that I can craft better as an actor. I was also challenged passed what I thought I was capable of. It was also great to get to know the other students in class inside and outside of the classroom. I think having a community of artists that you can connect to is necessary for sustaining a career in acting. read more

One time we were in class and expecting our Teacher Charlie to walk in, but instead our Sub teacher Karen, who is amazing btw, walked in, and the entire class just started clapping, spontaneously. Everyone (including some that have left a positive review on here) were all clapping, relieved not have to deal with Charlie that day. That was the big proof I needed to realise that I was in the wrong place. Charlie's teaching style is VERY critical and most times humiliating. He shakes his head in frustration, during student's performances. He rips you into shreds whilst you're at your most vulnerable and you're not allowed to defend yourself or speak. It strips people of their confidence. I felt some students were specially favoured over others. Those of us who were not, left with a very bad taste in our mouths. Many students told me they experienced intense anxiety before each class. No teacher should ever make you feel that way. Classes should inspire you not terrify you, especially since we're no longer children! Notice how most of the positive reviews on here are almost only 5star raving reviews or nothing at all? You do the math! I'm writing this to warn the next me out there. I'll continue searching until I find the right acting school. read more

The positive reviews I read on Yelp and everywhere else before I applied to MFS studio, really deceived me. And I hope to save someone else the heartache and money. This review is not about the entire Maggie Flanigan Studio but for my specific class that was taught by the Studio Director Charlie Sandlan. I signed up to study the Meisner technique but got something else. Charlie took Sandy Meisner's technique and added impossible elements that makes no sense to anyone but Charlie. He is difficult to understand and most times I left class feeling confused. Charlie doesn't teach, he Criticizes! Actors should be able to take criticism if they want to be good at their craft, however Charlie's criticism is non-constructive and is designed to "break your spirit". He humiliates you in front of the entire class, especially when you're at your most vulnerable. And You're NOT allowed to defend yourself - he will get even more angry. After a few classes, you'll begin to second guess yourself on everything. Someone described this as paying for someone to emotionally and psychologically abuse you. Sadists normally have torture chambers. For Charlie, it's the classroom. You think you'll wake up excited to go pursue your passion but NO, you'll wake up in the morning with heart palpitations, dreading the thought that you're about to go into Charlie's classroom. You'll stop looking forward to classes and begin to wonder if this is really what you want to do with your life. It becomes unbearable after a while. Some students just stop coming - they begin dropping out like flies. Which is a shame because The Studio forces you to leave a card on file which they WILL CHARGE once you attend the first class. There are NO REFUNDS, so if you ask to leave because you feel humiliated, forget about your money. And the tuition is not cheap. We had a good substitute teacher, Karen Chamberlain. Everyone loved her. One day she walks into the classroom instead of Charlie and the whole class erupted into spontaneous clapping. We were all relieved not to have Charlie that day. That's when I realised, it wasn't me, it was Charlie. To Quote Mr Miyagi, "There are no bad students only bad teachers." Charlie Sandlan is a really bad teacher. read more

Maggie Flanigan Studio is the home I didnt know I was craving until I found it. Coming to this school was the single best decision I've ever made for my career. This place is magical, and I'm so thankful I found it. Its hard starting out as an actor, you have to juggle between making money to live and then going after something you love. The lifestyle can be really lonely and confusing. There were a lot of times before coming here when I questioned whether or not I was meant to be an actor. When I joined Maggie I realized that going after something I loved took precedence over everything else in my life. I realized that putting my heart and soul into this program was something I not only needed to do, but was craving to do for the almost 4 years I had already been in New York. This school has helped mold my talent, open me up and reassure me that I am following the right path. Charlie is the best acting teacher I've ever had. I took his fall intensive before starting the 2 year program and after one class with him, I was hooked. I knew I had to finish my training with him because of how high he sets his bar. He pushes you, motivates you and makes you want to find places and pieces of yourself you don't normally go to in everyday life. Charlie has taught me discipline, and what it means to train as an actor. I can truly say that I wouldn't be where I am today if not for him. He is the sole reason to come to Maggie. Karen Chamberlain has changed my life. When I first met her, I felt like I had already known her all my life. I just finished first year with her, and she has helped me remember why I wanted to become an actor in the first place. She challenges you to reach parts of yourself she knows you can access, but that you have no idea are even there. She cares deeply about each individual student in her class, and she spends as much time with actors as she thinks they need in order for their work to be elevated. The talent that has come out of being in class with Karen is unparalleled. The growth of each one of us in the class over the last year has been insane- Karen is one of the most talented women I know- an incredible actress as well as a beautiful human being. I am so lucky and grateful to have trained with her. The other teachers at this school that I've been lucky to have during my first year- SaraFay George, Bill Colieus, Elliot Quick, Liz Eckert & Laura Pensiero, have shaped and molded me even further and given me so many valuable tools that I need in order to do good work in the acting room. I love them all so much. This place is incredible- you would be doing a disservice to yourself if you didnt join the program. Its worth every penny and more. read more

I graduated with a BFA from NYU before I started at Maggie Flanigan and this is the best training I've ever had as an actor and I've barely finished first year. It is your job as an actor to be brave, to take risks, to be vulnerable --- but those things can only occur in a safe environment. So it is a testament to the studio that room 803 at Maggie Flanigan is the safest place I've ever been as an actor. Thus, reading a review that describes the senior acting teacher, Charlie Sandlan, as "arrogant," "dismissive" and "emotionally abusive" is troubling to me because it is a lie. Plain and simple. I came to Maggie Flanigan, because of my friend Carlton. We had a writer / actor relationship for years and I remember every couple of months being like..."why is Carlton getting freakishly better?" until at the end of the second year I saw him straight TEAR THE ROOF off of a theater and I had to ask him, like... "Carlton, bro. What are you eating?" And that's when I realized that he had been at Maggie Flanigan for two years, and I was like: "I need me some of that" --- STRAIGHT UP. Carlton had Charlie first year, my homie Julia had Charlie for two years, my homie Eden had Charlie, I have Charlie right now and if you ask anyone who graduated, ask anyone in any one of his classes right now that has had the fortitude to stick with the program, and they will tell you that Charlie cares about one thing and one thing only: The work. That's it. Being an actor is different than being a painter, or a poet. When someone criticizes your painting or your poem, there is something physical between you and the criticism. As an actor, you ARE the instrument, so when someone criticizes the work it's hard to not take it personally. I understand that. But that is part of learning how to be a student in this particular craft. The reviewer R.K. accused Charlie of "micro-managing the repetition" and stopping students various times during the exercise --- This is not micromanagement, this is him trying to get you to become aware of and eliminate your bad habits. This is him trying to get you to use the moments more specifically. The "moment" is all we have as actors, so why wouldn't he stop you in the moment to try to get you to use them more personally? I understand how it can be strange at first that he'll critique the way you speak during your repetition and the way you talking about your work. But, language is the way that human beings assign meaning to the world around us and if the actors job is to create compelling behavior that illuminates the circumstance of the script, then of course we have to learn how to articulate ourselves more specifically. And this idea that "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" --- what does that even mean? What is a "lay" audience member??? That's bullshit. Your behavior should be so specific, so clear, that any human being that you drag off of the street should be able to experience and understand it. It doesn't matter what's "going on inside of you" if it does not create clear, compelling behavior. This focus on the internal experience of the actor above all else, is, I believe, a common misconception and ultimately a bastardization of western dramatic thought. Look. I love this school, from the bottom of my heart. But more than that, I love art and I want to see more good art exist in the world and I believe that this studio trains it's students to be brave, dynamic artists that work in a deeply personal way. So when I see a review that is so blatantly petty and missing the point, I feel that I have no choice but to refute it, because I would not want anything to dissuade anyone from coming to this studio to train. And if you have any doubts: walk your ass to 153 West 27th St, go to the eighth floor, knock on some doors and meet some people. Talk to Charlie, talk to Maggie, talk to the students in the lounge and you'll see what a beautiful place this truly is. read more

If you're ready to fully dive into a professional acting program that actually pushes you to be better, this is the one. Charlie will not waste your time or money by massaging your ego. His classes are taught in a fair, honest, and supportive way with no room for BS. I have never had an experience like I've had in the Summer Intensive Program. It is worth every penny. Classes are made up of students of all ages from all over the world and walks of life, and the environment of support, trust, and expectations Charlie sets up really does leave you with a group of people that becomes your family. I've released all ideas of what I think I know, trusted in the work, and what I've gotten back already is priceless. TRAIN HERE. read more

The Maggie Flanigan Studio reintroduced acting as an art form for me. During my time here I learned the meaning of truly being. Doing the hard work while attending this studio was the artistic challenge I have been seeking. And having had time to digest some of the teachings I've never felt so confident as an artist. I will also say that the close connections I made with my classmates also contributed to the learning experience, everyone was serious and ready to learn, ready to play, and ready to act. Charlie is the type of instructor that will tell you what acting is when he sees it; conversely, he will also tell you what acting is not when he sees it. As a student it is important to know the distinction and invaluable to hear when you are not acting. Charlie teaches you how to respect the truth by always telling it. Even when it hurts. read more

All the teachers at this studio are incredible - both as teachers and human beings. The standards for students here are very high: be grateful, you will be pushed to a place you didn't even know existed inside you. However, even if you have zero experience acting you can learn from zero because all that is really needed as a prerequisite is a willingness to get in touch with your humanity. I studied first under Maggie, and then with Charlie the "second in command" Senior acting teacher. Both are dedicated to teaching the craft of the Meisner technique and do so with great clarity. I couldn't have asked for a more nurturing yet rigorous environment. I will miss coming twice a week and the deep friendships I have made while here. Go forth! "Come to the edge. We can't. We're afraid. Come to the edge. We can't. We'll fall! Come to the edge. And they came. And he pushed them. And they flew." ~ Guillaume Apollinaire read more

Look. This shit is hard. There's no way around that. These people will push you to the brink and go beyond it when it comes to your personal development. Not everyone wants that, I get it. Some people want a nice, neat, calm acting school that will take your money, pat you on the head and tell you what a good job you did. "How talented you are!" they'll say. If you're looking for that, then this is not for you. Don't even sign up. There will be classes where you will scream, cry, throw inanimate objects and maybe even collapse on the floor from the emotional stress of it all. However, you will also get good. If you put in the work and don't give up but just keep going through, you will see changes in yourself you never thought were possible. I've been recreated as a human being because of this school. I feel things. I get angry, sad, happy. Truly happy. Like "jump-up-and-down" happy. And it's legitimate. I really feel it. I use to be callous and dead and now I feel things all the time and MORE THAN THAT, I know who I am. I know who I am to a degree I didn't think was possible and I'm not out of the first year yet. HOT DAMN :D That's not to say the school is perfect. They're not. The staff makes mistakes; they're human beings and they don't try to be anything else. They fail sometimes in spite of all their attempts to bring us to our full potential; sometimes we all have bad days. But you know what? They try. They try really fucking hard to make this school a real place where people who want to study the craft of acting have a home. I would recommend this school to anyone with a passion for acting and some brass balls (or ovaries) like the ones Alec Baldwin carried in Glengarry Glen Ross. -Dutch read more

I have taken acting classes in New York City at more studios than I can mention. I have had teachers who spend half of a 2 hour class telling everyone about their recent audition, why they were so amazing and how we should learn from them. Teachers who make "bros" out of the male students, talk sweetly to the pretty girls, ignore the homely types and teach nothing. I have heard teachers spew praise on crappy work insuring their students' swift return and their money to return along with them. Teachers who speak to hear themselves speak. Teachers who stroke their own ego at every opportunity. Teachers who are merely cogs in their studio's money making machine. I have had my time wasted occasion after occasion, and watched my money dealt out around this city like a deck of cards finding that every time I lose and the house wins. After searching myself (am I the problem?), I was left asking, is anyone out there really seeing their students? Really hearing them in scenes, really watching, really asking tough questions and giving tough answers? Is there anyone out there really training actors, or is everyone just trying to make a buck? I have finally found actual training at Maggie Flanigan Studio. I finally have a teacher who says, "No" when it's wrong, "Lazy" when it's lazy and who decrees, "I will not lower my bar for this class." MFS is high level training. It's not pretty, it's not easy, it's downright difficult, it makes you uncomfortable, even angry and if you put in the effort, it actually starts to work. It's empowering. It's illuminating. It's the real deal. "How do you carve an elephant? Remove everything that isn't elephant." read more

Commercial Acting I taught by Bill Coelius was the class I seriously didn't know I needed. He is one of the best teachers I have ever had. This is not a class where you leave wondering if your money was well spent. His passion for his students, tied to his decades of experience provide simple and effective tools to take your career to the next level. Tools that not only transform your life, but also help to make the audition room and set your personal spa. This class gave me techniques to meet my performance anxiety head on, allowing me to be creative and most importantly, free! Whether you see yourself as a commercial actor or not, this class is one that everyone should take if they are serious about building a sustainable career in the entertainment industry, and having fun in the process! read more

It's home. I met great people, forged fantastic relationships and absolutely love and appreciate the entire staff. Maggie and Charlie have set the bar for acting schools across the country. If you are really serious and can handle the realities of master instruction and are ready to be taught by the top instructors then this studio is for you. The atmosphere is safe, and you become a family with your classmates and teachers. I hold this studio and everyone associated with it, in the highest regard. read more

Maggie Flanigan Studio - MFS studios - Specialty Schools Near Me - New York, New York

My experience at Maggie Flanigan Studio changed my life. Charlie Sandlan is truly a gifted teacher. His devotion to helping me develop into a real artist was remarkable. I never understood how teachers could call themselves artists before I met Charlie Sandlan. He teaches without ego and his instruction is thorough and incredibly strategic. While guiding me through the intricacies of the Meisner Technique, he still always allowed me to develop my artistry. He pushed me to find new depths that I didn't know existed. He is on a mission to improve this art form and to develop new emerging artists. I hold Charlie and the entire staff at the Maggie Flanigan Studio in the highest of regards. Having been through the two year program, I now have a rock solid foundation for my career as an actor and as an artist. I will never need to train again. read more

Reiki is truly a treat. As an actor in NYC I often neglect my emotional well-being and internal growth. I often feel emotionally drained after an intense class or rehearsal, and Reiki is where I come to rest my mind and body, and turn my intention inwards to cultivate my emotional wealth. Reiki charges and releases at the same time. Laura is as supportive and loving as a teacher can be, and she has taught me to embrace vulnerbility, to welcome love and joy into my life and to let go of tension and frustrations that I don't need. I walked out of every Reiki class feeling like a better person and artist, thank you Laura! read more

REVIEW FOR MOVEMENT CLASS AT MFS: Movement I was highly recommended to me by all my Acting classmates and by my teachers. I thought that movement class was going to be all about dance and expression through movement in a general way, but it was a lot more centered on specific applications of movement to deepen contact and response with other people, which was challenging but deeply rewarding. It was also about using movement to release my body and allow emotion to flow more freely. The contents of the class were much more intimately related to the craft of acting than I expected. The teacher, Sarah Faye, teaches with humor, grace, and freedom and it was a joy to be part of her class. read more

Maggie Flanigan is quite simply one of the most amazing teachers who shares her spirit and very important/specific technique with anyone who is privileged to study with her. Her teaching makes you the actor very aware of your instrument, and in that awareness and discovery you are able to make very specific choices as an actor. To work with Maggie gives you the artist the benefit of working with someone who has dedicated her heart and spirit and soul to the craft of acting. She is that special! Tony F. DeVito read more

This studio has saved me as an actor. I graduated from a well known college in acting but I felt under prepared for my career. I luckily ran into this place by word of mouth and the minute I met Maggie I knew that this place would teach me exactly what I wanted to know, whic was how to act. All the teachers are patient and fair. They don't yell at you for doing something wrog. Instead the process is valued and you actually feel like a student who is learning as opposed to feeling like an actor who must be right. I love this place. read more

I guarantee you that the Maggie Flanigan Studio will change your life, not just as an actor but in your personal life, relationships, and friendships. read more

If you want to be an actor, study at the Maggie Flanagan Studio and if you are an actor, the MASTER CLASS WITH MAGGIE is what you need. Trust me, we will all grow and leave better for it, I know I do every time I take it. I am a working actor who isn't a lead on a series ( I do guest stars etc) and in between gigs, we not only have to stay fresh and keep working, but having the opportunity to work on the playwrights that you do in the master class and having Maggie's expertise guiding and teaching you, will get you ready for that next big job. read more

This was my first serious acting class that I took and it met my every expectations and beyond. Is it easy? No. Is it challenging? Yes. But I believe we learn & grow the most when situations are difficult or challenging. I wanted a glimpse of what it meant to be a true artist as an actor and the summer intensive at MFS certainly delivered that. I am going to say that Charlie is not a teacher for everyone. He makes that very clear and it's up to the individual to know for themselves whether they want to learn from a person like Charlie. Personally for me I need an instructor like Charlie. I need someone to push me to places where I am afraid to go as an actor. And while sometimes it was frustrating & scary, those small breakthroughs that happens makes it worth it. The summer intensive allowed me to certainly learn more about myself as a person. Hopefully I can learn and further strengthen my foundation as an actor when I continue to learn the Meisner technique. read more

I am a working actor in Los Angeles, having established myself in both Sydney and New York. My 2 years with Maggie changed my life, both artistically and personally. Having studied with many teachers on two continents, I can easily say that Maggie Flanigan provides the essential training that an actor will need. Nobody else comes close. If you are seeking a program that will transform you as an actor and a person, Maggie Flanigan studio is it. Marc Aden Gray http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0336802/ read more

Voice 2: I began at Maggie Flanigan Studio without a proper awareness of my breathing, specific areas of tension in my body, and most importantly, the depths to which I could communicate. The second level of Voice class at Maggie Flanigan Studio is a continuation of Kristin Linklater's rich journey to Freeing the Natural Voice. I now have profound experiences with text that surprise and shape my work without a need to control or perform. I am learning what it feels like to communicate through an experience, and not before or after. My training at Maggie Flanigan Studio would not be what it is without the levels of Voice class. Instructor, Liz Eckert has cultivated a curiosity, enthusiasm, and discipline that is imprinted in my process. Because of Liz, this work is not only a necessity, but a gift to the artist. read more