– Sanford Meisner
The Meisner Technique is widely recognized as one of the most effective acting techniques taught today. it gives actors the building blocks to become emotionally alive actors of depth, imagination, and truth. The great strength of Meisner Training is that it is a clear, step-by-step approach to the craft of acting. It develops complete freedom of expression and confidence in your abilities. The EMAS Meisner Technique is a traditional Meisner program, not a hybrid. We follow the syllabus that Sandy Meisner developed & William Esper refined.
The Meisner Technique works for theater, film or television because it demands the actor to be completely truthful. Our expertise is in helping actors use the Meisner Technique to connect in a far more truthful and meaningful way to themselves, their acting partners, their imagination, the text, and the circumstances demanded by the script.
“I worked in every class – and my best was demanded every class. The program is so challenging that it has really helped me handle the demands of working on set or location. Set seems easy compared to what we did at EMAS!”
Charles Michael Davis – Marcel on The Originals
THE SUMMER INTENSIVE
The summer intensive is a tremendous opportunity to experience the beginning steps of Meisner based training in a professional environment all located in our Los Angeles studio. Its purpose is to give student actors an exposure to the philosophies as well as the structure of this demanding yet dynamic process. Meisner’s step-by-step approach gets actors to work truthfully from their impulses, not from their intellect.
These beginning steps lay the foundation for an actor’s ability to be truthful, brave and imaginative in his work. Each exercise builds upon the previous exercise and in this way the actor develops a dependable process to their acting.
The summer intensive is a month-long course that meets three days a week for three hours. There are mandatory outside rehearsals. Sessions are scheduled both in the morning and evenings to accommodate scheduling conflicts. Attendance is mandatory and professionalism will be expected.
Interviews for the Summer Intensive are ongoing. There is no deadline, however, once classes are full we will continue to hold interviews for a waitlist. The earlier you interview, the more likely there will be availability for a spot in a class.
THE FIRST YEAR
The first year is dedicated to you learning who you are and bringing that self-knowledge to your craft. To be a great actor you absolutely must know yourself. For that reason, the first year is a personal journey. Learning where your passions lie, and where your defenses creep in. Growth as an actor doesn’t happen without growth as a person. It can be an intimidating idea, but it will be some of the most fulfilling work of your lifetime.
You will be introduced to the fundamentals of acting through improvisational exercises that gradually become more challenging. You develop skills such as listening, emotional availability, & working moment. You will know how to work instinctively, not intellectually. As the year progresses with the Meisner Technique Acting Class, you will be introduced to the ideas of relationship and objective. Your emotional range will continue to increase and your ability to apply your imagination fully and specifically to a scene will strengthen. By the end of the first year, if you have applied yourself diligently and passionately, you will have developed a strong sense of your uniqueness, and know exactly how to use it to create emotionally truthful, imaginative and exciting performances.
New sessions start in January and September
THE SECOND YEAR
The Second year is available through invitation only. If the first year is about finding the truthfulness of you in the imaginary circumstances, then the second year is about creating characters different from yourself, and having them be just as honest, impulsive and interesting. The second year introduces Character Work, Script Analysis, Scene Study as well as On-Camera and auditioning technique. If the first year is learning the steps, the second year is when you get to DANCE!
“Elizabeth is a first-rate and versatile teacher. She has a mind that conceptualizes, a clear method and vocabulary that leads others to bring their ideas to light. I cannot say enough good things about her.”
William Esper – Sanford Meisner’s Associate for 15 years, Head of Esper Studios in NYC, director of the Professional Actor Training Program at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University and author of The Actor’s Art and Craft
MEISNER BRUSH UP
Meisner Brush Up is offered every summer. It’s an 8-week class available to anyone who has completed a full 2-year Meisner Training Program. It’s goal is to get you back on your impulses and taking those big emotional risks that you were doing in the advanced Meisner Technique work. The syllabus will really work those skills of listening and taking things personally, crafting for the highest stakes, as well as script justifications and character work. You know, all the work that really made you feel like you could conquer anything.
We developed this program because we know how invaluable the tools you developed during your technique training are, and how gloriously unpredictable it is to take off the mask and really be with another human being in the moment through the entire span of emotional circumstances. It has been built understanding that the world of auditioning can sometimes shrink your range and this is here to help you really swing for the fences and connect to your artistic potential.
THE STUDENT COMMITMENT
The EMAS Meisner Technique Program is only for the serious student actor. You must be dedicated to yourself as an artist; committed to your own growth and development, and diligent about mastering the craft of acting.
Classes meet in our Los Angeles studio twice a week for a total of 7 hours. Rehearsals outside of class are mandatory between classes. Classes are limited in size to promote the individual growth, development, and uniqueness of each actor. A non-refundable deposit is required when registering for these programs. All those individuals who are inspired to train at the highest level in an extraordinarily nurturing, creative environment are encouraged to apply for admission.
You will find this work to be one of the most challenging, demanding, and inspiring undertakings of your artistic life. But the success of the technique, and ultimately of the class is dependent upon each student bringing his or her best to each and every class. That is what will be expected of you.
JOINING THE CLASS
Admission to the studio is through a personal interview.
ADMISSIONS INTERVIEWS
Summer Intensive: Interviews begin in March
Fall Program: Interviews begin in May
Winter Program: Interviews begin in October (Interviewing Now)
Call 323-528-6280 or Contact Us.
