Meisner Studio Austin

Meisner Studio Austin proudly provides professional actor training for students from The University of Texas at Austin, as well as actors and students from these Austin and surrounding areas:

Our Studio Philosophy

The studio was founded by Maggie Flanigan in 2001 to fill what she saw as a substantial gap in American actor training. Our studio is rooted in the belief that a rigorous and inspiring conservatory-based training program should remain small, intimate, and nurture while challenging students to meet the highest professional expectations. MFS started with Maggie’s reputation as the clearest and most definitive teacher of Sanford Meisner’s technique and has evolved over the last 15 years into the most respected professional actor training program in the United States.

Professional Training Includes Integrity

Lead now by Charlie Sandlan, the Maggie Flanigan Studio has assembled an exceptional faculty with the experience and integrity to carry Maggie’s vision and high standards to a new generation of aspiring artists. Our conservatory program has one goal: to produce a complete artist; actors who possess the skill, craft, and education necessary to work well into their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. We accomplish this with a curriculum that goes beyond the acting class. Movement, Voice & Speech, Theater History, Film History, Anatomy For Actors, Script Analysis, Film & TV, Monologue, Shakespeare, and Cold Reading develop actors who can compete with those graduating from the top MFA programs in the country. And our Business Class, led by the Emmy-nominated producer (HBO documentary Casting By), casting director, and actor Kate Lacey prepare our actors for the professional expectations of the business.

Talented Actors Need Technique

Talent is important, but it is not nearly enough. To build a successful career, the best artists in all mediums have a solid technique that becomes second nature and serves as the floorboard for their talent. It’s this belief that has given the Maggie Flanigan Studio the reputation for producing well-trained, professional actors who can craft a role. Trained actors know how to create rich, organic, and experiential behavior, consistently. But equally important, our actors also possess a strong work ethic, an inviolate sense of truth, and a passion for the art of acting: qualities we believe to be essential for a successful and respected acting career.

The Arts and Culture of Austin, TX

Texas has a vibrant art and culture, and among the two major factors that have contributed to this vibrancy are its geographical location and demographic structure. From the geographic perspective, Texas is a border state. Even though the United States Census Bureau classified it under the Southern United States, Texas is in between Deep South, Western region, and Mexico. Its culture is mainly influenced by the Anglo and Hispanic traditions. The area is also populated by some communities from Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, the neighboring Mexico, and Africa. The Native Americans and southern Anglo populations also live in Texas.

From the demographic size and structure, it is clear that the culture of Texas is a blend of different people from diverse backgrounds. This diversity has led to the development of a vibrant art scene in the region.

When it comes to music, various communities have contributed to the growth of diverse music genres. For instance, the African American community is accredited for its contribution towards the growth of the blues music genre.

The state has put adequate measures that aim at showcasing and preserving its culture and arts. Its ancient artifacts are preserved in the museums. Texas also hosts an array of art galleries where artists come to showcase their work.

The University of Texas Theatre Department

The University of Texas is the center of the city’s art and culture. This is because it has a wide array of arts and culture opportunities that represent the real face of Texas. All the arts and cultural aspects of this state are presented by various means. Students perform different artistic plays, dances, and music in various venues. The art and culture of Texas are backed up by the state-of-art facilities that are well-equipped to facilitate all the arts and cultural activities. The university provides an enabling environment to anyone interested in arts and culture.

The college of fine arts in the university aims at producing world-class artists, educators, and scholars who are well-versed in this field. Due to its strategic geographical location, the school enjoys hosting students from diverse cultural backgrounds. It also takes advantage of this situation to advance its goals of leaving a more profound impact both to the students and society in general. Its departments include:

• – The Department of Arts and Art History
• – The Department of Theatre and dance,
• – Texas Performing Arts
• – Butler School of Music

Whether you are pursuing an arts program or not, the University of Texas can equip you with vital information and practical experiences that you need to know about art and culture in Texas. This is because apart from the theoretical class lessons that they teach, there are various facilities where students can apply what they have learned. They have performance spaces such as:

• – Biden Payne Theatre
• – Bass Concert Hall
• – Bates Recital Hall
• – Cactus Café
• – McCullough Theatre
• – Oscar G. Brockett Theatre

The college has a calendar of events throughout every academic year whereby students showcase their areas of specialization.

Art Museum

The UT, Austin also showcases the arts and culture of different groups of people in the region through its museums, galleries and even courtyards. Some of its renowned museums include:

Blanton Museum of Art: Houses a collection of contemporary selection that is in Austin. The museum is known for having fine pieces of drawings, sculpture, and even photography. It also hosts some work of popular Texas-based artists.

• – Courtyard Gallery: Houses exhibitions from different artists in Texas.
• – The Galleries at UT
• – Visual Arts Center
• – Residence Hall Museums
• – Harry Ransom Center

Music Scene

Texas is recognized as the center of live music in the world. This culture is portrayed by a vibrant music scene in the University of Texas. It grants opportunities to students who are interested in music and dance. In addition to that, KUTX has established its name in offering the Austin Music Experience which is characterized by fresh and high-quality music. It also features iconic and legendary artists who continue to inspire their fans.

It is obvious that there are no dull moments at the University of Texas, thanks to the presence of a vibrant theatre department. If you are pursuing arts, music and performing arts as your primary area of study, you stand to enjoy immense benefits from the department. These benefits also extend to anyone who has developed an interest in the field of theatre. You can learn some facts about the program while not forgetting its entertaining aspect.