Maggie Flanigan Studio

(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 :-)).

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!

Really wish I could get my money back. Unfortunately this industry is not well regulated.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

I signed up for the summer intensive Meisner class and had a really miserable experience. I quickly left (without a refund, as that's their policy) and signed up for a class at a reputable studio that I'm very hopeful about.

I remember seeing only a few bad reviews when I was considering Maggie Flanigan Studio. They were almost hidden amid a sea of praise and I just dismissed the reviewers as being bitter. I reread their reviews after my experience and every word they wrote now rings true. I desperately wish I had listened to them - I would have saved a lot of time and money...

*Edit: If negative reviews are being policed and reviewers are being intimidated, it makes a lot of sense to me why a business would only have 5 star reviews on display. As an artist with an MFA from a renowned art school, I know what a good art teacher looks like and the ways in which they help their students grow. Any artistic institute with a cultish ethos and a boot camp mentality screams red flag, in my opinion. I have nothing personal against MFS or their staff, but I was certainly disappointed by my experience there. Very excited to continue my acting journey elsewhere where I hope to learn more about myself and the craft!

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.