Meisner Technique Program
Our acting schools preeminent program, Meisner Technique Program is for actors who are ready to transform themselves and their work. John Ruskin uses his experience working directly under Sanford Meisner, combined with his 30 year teaching experience to provide authentic Meisner training in a nurturing environment. The result is a two year experience that leaves an actor transformed emotionally and spiritually. An interview is required before enrolling.
Program Overview
Meisner Technique
Our program teaches the acting technique developed by Sanford Meisner. The founder of our school, John Ruskin, was Sanford Meisner’s apprentice for many years and served on the acting faculty at the Neighborhood Playhouse under Meisner.
Why two years?
Meisner technique, when taught correctly, is some of the deepest soul bearing work you can experience. Committing to this journey with the same group of actors allows for greater bravery and growth. That is why Meisner wanted all his students to start and finish the work together- no audits, no dip in and out, this is not a workshop. Read more about the depth of this work in a letter from the school’s founder.
First Year
The first year is about stripping away any inauthentic behavior and shift their focus off themselves and on to their partner. We do this with the Meisner’s foundational exercises; repetition, independent activities, emotional preparation, and scene work.
Second Year
The second year focuses on training in advanced Meisner technique exercises including relationship work, accent work, and character work which includes physical, verbal, psychological impediments. Actors learn and then apply these techniques to scenes from modern and classical plays. The class culminates in a very special performance of Spoon River Anthologies and a personal monologue.
All Levels Welcome
In the Meisner Technique program, whether you have never acted or are a professional actor- everybody begins together because they are learning a new language. It is unlike any acting class you have ever taken.
Program Details
Prerequisite: Interview with John Ruskin, no previous experience is required
New class sessions start every few months
In person and online classes are available
Class is held twice a week (average 8 classes a month)
In person tuition $320 per month
Online tuition $295 per month
