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faq

The term Meisner technique is used by many schools and teachers. The acting teachers in our studio are carefully chosen and trained in William Esper’s particular vision of Sanford Meisner’s work. Trying to compare one approach to actor training with another is rather like comparing apples with oranges; yes, they are both fruits but they are also very different. Experience has shown us that the 1st year work is enormously important in that it sets the quality of an actor’s work for the rest of their career. With rare exceptions, we have not been successful in attempts to bring into our program second year students who have done 1st year Meisner training elsewhere. William Esper worked with Sanford Meisner for 17 years, first as a student and then for 15 years as a teacher and director. Thereafter, he spent the following 25 years as the founding director of one of America’s most important conservatories. His background gave him a particular point of view about Meisner’s work and the part it plays in training exceptional actors.
Full time students receive a certificate of completion.
We have both options if you decide to do the Part-Time program. The Core and Full-Time Programs require you to attend class during the day.
Current students and alumni may request coaching for a particular audition or part and the faculty will do their best to accommodate them. Some of our teachers do extensive coaching with individual working professionals. We do not offer private training in technique. Acting is best taught in small groups. There is such a thing as a class that is too large and also such a thing as a class that is too small. Scripts are about what happens between people; for this reason acting classes need a diverse assortment of ages, backgrounds and types.
No.
Previous acting experience is not necessarily a prerequisite to study. The Studio’s student population is made up of many working professionals and very dedicated pre-professionals. What is most important to us in assessing an applicant is that they have a serious commitment to training. One important indication of this is that the applicant has learned as much about the Studio as possible.
Students in the Two-Year programs can either pay their yearly tuition in full or in three pre-scheduled installments.
Acting classes begin three times a year. First, there is a Summer Intensive that generally runs from mid-June through the end of July. The Summer Intensive can be an introduction to the work for new-comers or a brush-up for Alumni. Second, the Fall Two Year program represents the start of the bulk of the classes at the studio. Students continuing from the Summer Intensive into the Fall Two Year program return to the beginning of the work. This affords them a rare opportunity to correct any problems they may have discovered during the Intensive. Third, there are two sections of Acting that begin in January. The January program runs from January through July, takes August off, and then students return in September, continuing on through the following May.
Yes. Supplemental classes are available only to students who are currently enrolled and graduates of the Studio.
Prospective students seeking admission must submit the student application online. Applicants undergo a pre-screening with a studio administrator and, if successful, are given an appointment with the Admissions Liaison. For a complete list of admissions requirements, please see our Admissions page.
It is important for prospective students to do a lot of research and homework to learn as much as they can about the studio and what we do here. This can be accomplished by visiting the Library on this site, and reading the articles written by Mr. Esper, the interview with Mr. Esper, and most importantly Mr. Esper’s book, The Actor’s Art and Craft: William Esper Teaches the Meisner Technique.
The Studio is founded on the belief that such a thing as a professional craft of acting exists and we are dedicated to the teaching of it. We are concerned with thorough mastery of those basic principles which underlie craft and which ultimately lead the actor to truly creative and authentic performances. This process takes two academic years. Time is an important element in any profound process. Although the second year is by invitation only, we expect students to be serious enough about their training that they are prepared to commit to two years of study.
Yes. We offer a Summer Intensive each year from mid-June to the end of July.
Continuity is a very important factor in the work that we do with actors just as it would be in the training of a dancer, gymnast, singer or violinist. In those instances where professional paid work is offered to an actor enrolled at the Studio, we are often able to work with the student to enable them to continue. The student should bring the conflict to the attention of their Acting teacher, as well as the Studio Director if it involves classes other than Acting.
The Studio strives to keep its fees as low as possible considering the quality of our faculty and training. We are able to help some students with work/study opportunities, but this is typically in their second year. These forms of aid are limited. We are not able participate in U.S. government loans. Some international students have been able to secure loans in their home countries.
Some students have been able to enroll at the Studio and receive college credit, however, it depends on the college or university.
We believe that the classroom represents a personal laboratory for the students. In order for them to progress they must be supported and encouraged to take chances. They must feel absolutely safe and, most importantly, have the freedom to fail. It takes some time to develop a safe atmosphere which allows students to take the kind of risks that are necessary for their personal progress. Strangers trooping in and out of the classroom ruin this atmosphere. For this reason we do not allow auditing.