The Meisner Technique Studio

Most Recent Comments

• July 2023 by Eugenio Frew
  I was 19 and I knew I wanted to pursue acting. The university I was attending wasn’t meeting my needs. I spent the next two years researching theatre programs from universities all over the country and even internationally. Then, through a simple google search, I came across the Meisner Technique Studio. I could not have found a better home to acquire the skills I was looking for; skills rooted in authentic human behavior. After graduating the two year training, I am not only confident calling myself an actor, but an artist. I still have plenty of room for growth, but the foundation this education provided me is unlike anything I ever could have dreamt of receiving.Jim Jarrett cares so deeply about the technique, his students, and their future success. He plants the seeds, originally bestowed upon him by Sanford Meisner, to unlock not just the actor’s toolbox, but to come face-to-face with our own human experience. The studio is a home for dreamers who strive to bring empathy, passion, and hope to the forefront of our lives. Not only will you build strong relationships with your classmates, but with others already integrated into the industry.During the training, I had many highs and lows. But sticking it out through the tough sledding was the best thing I could have ever gifted myself. At the Meisner Technique Studio, I not only tremendously grew my skills as a creative, but learned to have integrity and dedication in all my pursuits. If you’re considering scheduling an interview with Jim, I urge you to do it. There isn’t a price on what you’ll learn, especially if you work hard at it. I cannot imagine my life today without my time at the Meisner Technique Studio. It has been everything I could have asked for and more. So what’re you waiting for? Apply already!
• July 2023 by Johanna Klade
  I can't even begin to express how much this training has changed my life! 2 years ago, I was only a 18-year-old girl from Austria having nothing but a vision and a big dream. Today I'm a 20-year-old girl with the same dream but who can call herself an actress and who now knows that her dream can actually become reality - thanks to this school and my teacher, Jim Jarrett! A teacher who truly CARES, who's rooting for each and everyone, who absolutely knows what he's doing and who teaches you with so much dedication, sensitivity and respect! - But you have to meet half-way.This school is for dreamers - for people who are 100% committed, who show dedication, who have respect for what it means to be an actor and are willing to work really hard and to put up with sacrifices! For visionaries who are standing with both their feet, and not only just one, in the boat and are rowing with both their arms!You will walk out of this school, knowing what it means to be a professional because you have received world-class training by Jim Jarrett.I feel lucky to have found this school and will forever be grateful for what it has given to me.Thank you!
• July 2023 by Desiree Choy
  If you've ever heard of Sanford Meisner, you might know he was one of the most influential acting teachers of our time. You may not know that before his passing, he hand chose one of his own students to take the torch and present his teachings as authentically and true to its origins as possible. That student was Jim Jarrett.My two years at the Meisner Technique Studio with Jim have been transformative, empowering, and unforgettable. Jim is a once in a lifetime teacher who pushes you to challenge your own self doubts, limiting beliefs, and comfort zones to break through and own who you really are. I came into this class with the goal of learning the craft of acting, but I left with so much more than I expected. To be a good actor is to be a good listener, to be sensitive, to be extremely focused, to accept oneself and give zero fs about what others think about you. These skills don't come overnight (just as old narratives and limiting beliefs don't disappear overnight), but are developed brick by brick over time with skillful reinforcement and genuine encouragement. Don't let anyone fool you, good acting takes work. Just like learning the piano or singing, you've got to put in the work and Jim will hold you to it.Jim and his daughter Kyla both have the special gift of teaching and infectious enthusiasm for life. Thank you for sharing your invaluable lessons, industry expertise, and humanity with me and so many others.If it's always been your dream to pursue acting, if you've always felt in your bones this was what you are here to do, do not pass up the chance to audition for this class. It will meet you exactly where you are, and change your life. The class was hands down one of the best experiences of my whole life, and I've had a good many! I feel so incredibly blessed to have had Jim as my teacher, and to have this world class training under my belt.You'll probably want to know about results too. Well, I'm proud to say that I'm a represented actor who has landed significantly more auditions and bookings since graduating this class. The proof is in the pudding.And while I wish I were joking, I have to say that the Meisner Technique was a WAY better investment than getting my UC Berkeley degree--oopsie!
• July 2023 by Jihad Brent
  Words cannot even begin to describe how amazing and life changing of an experience attending this school is. I'm a recent graduate and it is no exaggeration to say that attending this program has been the best experience of my life so far. if you complete the training you will walk away with tools , practices and exercises that you will be able to apply for the rest of your career. However , this is not a school for those not willing to work hard , the training demands dedication and discipline and at times will be difficult. But if you're looking for an acting school , you have no idea how lucky you are to have stumbled upon this place !
• July 2023 by Ozzie Jauregui
  After two years of dedicated training and the transformative retreats in Hawaii, my lifelong dreams of completing my Jedi training have finally become a reality. The Meisner studio, under the guidance of teachers Jim, Kyla, and Maeve, has allowed me to transcend my internal limitations and beliefs, unlocking the true potential within me.In this training environment, not only do you learn the craft of acting, but you also gain an understanding of what it means to call yourself an actor. The teachings directly from the source, Sandy, through Jim, Kyla, and Maeve, are nothing short of world-class. They have not only honed my acting skills but have also nurtured and developed my intuition, allowing me to tap into my purest form as an actor—the essence of my inner child.Jim, Kyla, and Maeve's passion for their craft, coupled with their gracious and insightful teaching methods both inside and outside the classroom, have instilled in me a newfound confidence to fearlessly embrace the world of acting. They have empowered me to approach acting as an art, as a dreamer, and as a business, equipping me with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the industry.This incredible journey, combined with the enlightening retreats, has given me unwavering confidence to embark on the voyage towards my dreams. Words cannot express my gratitude enough to everyone involved—the amazing classmates who have shared this journey with me, the dedicated individuals associated with the school, the people of Hawaii who provided a nurturing and inspiring environment, and of course, Sandy's genius that permeates every aspect of this transformative experience. I am forever grateful to all who have played a part in shaping my path as an actor
• May 2023 by Tonya Peregrin
  I've recently graduated from the two year program and if I could give this school 10 stars I would. "Great" just doesn't do it justice. It's life changing. I've not only come out of it a well trained actor, I'm a better human. After I had been in the training for some time a friend of mine noticed the changes in me and told me; "You like who you are when you show up." THAT'S what this training will do for you. I wasn't even aware of the change but I was certainly aware of the work it took to get there. I just didn't think it was anything visibly noticeable. And I couldn't have gotten there without the passion and unwavering dedication Jim Jarrett extends to all his students who are willing to commit to the work. Yes, this is an acting school but the gifts you will get from it will extend far beyond your work on the stage and screen.When you give 100% to this training, Jim will give you all that and more. Make no mistake, this training is not for the 'curious' or 'casually interested'. What I loved about the school is that because Jim takes such attention and care in cultivating his student body, you can be guaranteed that you will be amongst the cream of the crop who are there to learn, create and lift you up. The people here have made a choice. Nothing will stop them from their dream. To say that I'm grateful for not only discovering this training but for being accepted into the program does not scratch the surface of how I feel about it. If you have been, or are accepted into this training, GET EXCITED. It won't be easy. It will be uncomfortable, it will put a mirror to your face, it will expose your vulnerabilities and test your mental constitutions. And at the end of it you'll wish you had done it much sooner.
• May 2023 by Prema Jackson
  I did considerable research looking for a class that shares my view of acting as an art form, and not as a vehicle for self-promotion, vanity, fame and fortune. Anyone focused on the latter would have little patience, I think, for the deliberate pace and intense focus of the Meisner Technique. The first thing one learns is how to be completely present where you are, and that has everything and nothing to do with “acting”, depending on your perspective.I have been fortunate to complete the first session with Maeve Montgomery as the instructor. She is clear, patient, thorough, respectful and considerate in her presentation of the elements of practice, and in her feedback and suggestions regarding our efforts.If you are serious about developing your talent and skills as an actor, and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, I highly recommend Maeve and the Meisner Technique Studio.
• April 2023 by Emma F.
  Maeve Montgomery's class has been such a great experience and introduction to the Meisner Technique! Maeve is a very kind, passionate and patient teacher who fosters a challenging yet safe learning environment in which to grow as a student, especially when just starting out. I entered this class with no prior experience and have had so much fun! I've been inspired to continue growing into and exploring the Meisner Technique:)
• April 2023 by Prema J.
  I did considerable research looking for a class that shares my view of acting as an art form, and not as a vehicle for self-promotion, vanity, fame and fortune. Anyone focused on the latter would have little patience, I think, for the deliberate pace and intense focus of the Meisner Technique. The first thing one learns is how to be completely present where you are, and that has everything and nothing to do with "acting", depending on your perspective. I have been fortunate to complete the first session with Maeve Montgomery as the instructor. She is clear, patient, thorough, respectful and considerate in her presentation of the elements of practice, and in her feedback and suggestions regarding our efforts. If you are serious about developing your talent and skills as an actor, and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, I highly recommend Maeve and the Meisner Technique Studio.
• April 2023 by Amirbek U.
  Love it! I came with zero experience and zero training to MTS to become an actor. I started Introduction class with Maeve Montgomery. Loved every moment of it. I didn't even know if I can be an actor whatsoever, however Maeve taught me necessary skills, knowledge and it boosted my confidence in myself. Definitely going to continue my training with MTS.
• March 2023 by Simon Santos
  The most pivotal decision in growing my dream, acting career, art, and love for the human experience thus far.Before coming here, I'd often be faced with the question... "What do you do?" I'd struggle to even include the word "actor" in my response. After my time here studying, loving, exploring, working, and dreaming with Jim Jarrett and my fellow classmates, I can confidently answer people with, without hesitation, "I'm an actor". By the end of the training, I've learned what it truly means to say those words and to really mean them.It's more than just an acting class. It's a class in becoming a professional dreamer. How do you live the life of an artist... and sustain it with discipline and health? You learn the craft, yes, but that's one part of the equation. I can't remember a time I really looked within myself so deeply and intimately. Why am I the way I am now? What happened to me? Where do I come from? Why do I do X thing? ETC. I learned how to identify key things about myself that make me unique -- my strengths, weaknesses, stretches, triggers -- not just as an actor, but as a human. I will be honest, I had to dive deep -- and it hurt. I grew and continue to grow because of it. I experienced, for me, my highest of highs, lowest of lows, and freest of freedoms here -- places I never thought I could go, and resisted going for years. I learned how to go to these sometimes scary places, healthily. I rediscovered my buried inner child here and my sense of imagination. I learned about truth and dedicating myself to it. I learned about freedom. I learned what it means to really listen.My time here required incredible commitment, dedication, sacrifice, time, and energy. But that's just one of the many reasons why I cannot speak highly enough of this school. This is not the kind of acting class you can dabble in, miss occasionally, or... be late to. Some would argue it's a bit much, but I say the rigor of the curriculum was why I grew so much in two years. No time wasted. Why be late to your dream? Jim and the students of this school raise the bar to the highest standard -- all while supported by love, patience, and health. Jim Jarrett passes down the purest and most authentic training of the Meisner Technique -- I daresay as close to Sanford Meisner himself, just knowing how committed Jim is to preserving his teachings. Snippets of Sandy's teachings beautifully adorn the space -- I found myself reading them over and over, and found their deeper meanings to evolve and grow as I continued to grow during my time here.I have to mention this one example, for those curious about tangible results. Because of all I learned and experienced here, I had the honor of being cast in Netflix's live immersive theatre piece, "Stranger Things: The Experience" during the summer of 2022. I became a working actor that summer. I was able to apply everything I learned at this school to the professional world, from audition to my final show. I remember the astounding feeling of receiving the script for the first time and knowing exactly what I needed to do. And, I did.Another thing that stood out to me. This is not a class where you meet weekly, indefinitely until the end of who-knows-when. You come in with the goal to get out. A bittersweet, but beautiful and necessary thing. I left those doors with nothing short of confidence, empowerment, a full heart, and... the tools and mindset needed to continue growing my dream after this chapter has closed.Jim is one of the greatest teachers and humans I've had the honor of crossing paths with. I'm honored to call him my friend. I could go on for paragraphs more, but I feel the value of my experience here cannot be justified from any one review. If you're serious about your dream, the best way to find out is to live it out yourself.I feel beyond lucky, grateful, and humbled to have found Jim, this school, and my fellow dreamers here at the Meisner Technique Studio. Love you all.
• March 2023 by K. Lei
  I'm what they call, a Silicon Valley designer. Studied design in the bay, then worked as a designer in tech companies. I thought I found what I wanted to do with my life, but the truth was far from it. I found myself trying out different hobbies, activities, classes. Looking for something... just something. After 1 year of trying, I found The Meisner Technique Studio. Acting? Hmm...Something I've never tried...I start with that because I think many of us don't want to settle and is still looking for that one thing that lights a fire from within. I don't know what it is for you, but I do know one thing...1) Studying at The Meisner Technique Studio; learning from Jim, Kyla and Maeve, I not only have garnered world class acting training but more importantly, world class life-training. I didn't go into this course knowing I wanted to be an actor, I went into this course because I just wanted to learn.I told myself "Give it 2 classes, give it 3 months, let's see where it goes"I now stand on the other side with nothing less than mere gratitude, "I gave it 2 years. I have never missed a single class."It's not like things just became sunshine and rainbows overnight... haha. For a year and a half, I was still rudderless. I had no idea why I wanted to keep sacrificing time, money, effort, sleep into every class and homework - All I knew was, Jim's ability to objectively help you discover the worst side of you, and then help you work through it, is not something you'd find in any other acting school. Hell, any other class.The craziest part is - That was only a "by-product" of the Meisner Technique.It's rude, but I'll say this, you probably cannot imagine what Jim and the faculty members can teach you about craft of acting. The truth. The Meisner Technique. The freedom. The ability to act truthfully under the imaginary circumstances. & most importantly, how to play.To find balance within yourself.To find happiness and joy in everything you do.To have the foundations of a World Class Actor.
• February 2023 by Conder Shou
  I have had phenomenal teachers and mentors in my life. They are a significant part of any successes I’ve had in my personal growth and professional tech career. They are why I started pursuing an acting career in NYC eight years ago, booking short films that were accepted to festivals like the Berlin International Film Festival, and commercials that ran nationally. They are why I’ve returned as an actor in SF and LA. For some of them, they are the sole reason I ever unlocked a belief in myself and in my artistry. Now, without any hesitation whatsoever, I say the following:Jim Jarrett is one of the greatest among them.I’ll do my best to describe why - undoubtedly - in my own words, but to be utterly honest, the best way is to find out for yourself. I don’t mean to immediately go and sign up for his class. I mean go and watch him work. There’s plenty of his work and his thoughts online on Youtube, and especially if you can, his one-man shows (“Meisner”, “Vincent”) if you happen to be around during their running in SF/LA. Observe his craft for yourself, ask him questions, and just tune in on what he has to say.But if you’re still here, and you’d like to know why this particular individual’s artistic career has been shifted forever because of a teacher like Jim, then here I go.Jim’s excellence, humanity, and passion as a teacher has never - once - been anything less than the highest standard I’ve ever experienced as a student. To teach acting, a craft that requires someone to be more vulnerable and open than perhaps like no other discipline out there, requires a teacher who is critically, especially attuned to the individuality of his students. To then thoroughly relay not only any craft but that of the deeply rich Meisner Technique in its absolute purest form - that requires someone who has trained, taught, worked, and succeeded with it over, and over, and over again. It requires someone who is just as attuned to themselves and their own artistry as they are in how they convey its technique to others. Just as importantly, and also overlooked by all other teachers and students in this discipline I’ve come across, it requires someone who can guide you to constructing a robustly healthy and sustainable relationship with the craft, your own mental and emotional obstacles, and if you plan to build a career from this, with the industry itself. Jim Jarrett defines every single element of everything I have mentioned.However, as it is working with anyone with great standards, whether in acting, work, or in other environments, so will you as the student have the responsibility, and honor, of living up to those standards in your own diligence, humanity, and dedication.For these reasons and honestly more, I’ve grown into an actor and human being today that I would have barely recognized two years prior. All this, without having even touched the extent to which the community of the studio - its alum, students, and assisting faculty (Thank you Kyla, Maeve, Nia) - continue to help me grow and create opportunities to further my craft and in particularly my career. It’s a family, seriously, in the best and most healthy sense of the word.I graduated from the training this past December 2022. The journey is on. But if I had to start it over again, I would always start here.
• February 2023 by Conder S.
  I have had phenomenal teachers and mentors in my life. They are a significant part of any successes I've had in my personal growth and professional tech career. They are why I started pursuing an acting career in NYC eight years ago, booking short films that were accepted to festivals like the Berlin International Film Festival, and commercials that ran nationally. They are why I've returned as an actor in SF and LA. For some of them, they are the sole reason I ever unlocked a belief in myself and in my artistry. Now, without any hesitation whatsoever, I say the following: Jim Jarrett is one of the greatest among them. I'll do my best to describe why - undoubtedly - in my own words, but to be utterly honest, the best way is to find out for yourself. I don't mean to immediately go and sign up for his class. I mean go and watch him work. There's plenty of his work and his thoughts online on Youtube, and especially if you can, his one-man shows ("Meisner", "Vincent") if you happen to be around during their running in SF/LA. Observe his craft for yourself, ask him questions, and just tune in on what he has to say. But if you're still here, and you'd like to know why this particular individual's artistic career has been shifted forever because of a teacher like Jim, then here I go. Jim's excellence, humanity, and passion as a teacher has never - once - been anything less than the highest standard I've ever experienced as a student. To teach acting, a craft that requires someone to be more vulnerable and open than perhaps like no other discipline out there, requires a teacher who is critically, especially attuned to the individuality of his students. To then thoroughly relay not only any craft but that of the deeply rich Meisner Technique in its absolute purest form - that requires someone who has trained, taught, worked, and succeeded with it over, and over, and over again. It requires someone who is just as attuned to themselves and their own artistry as they are in how they convey its technique to others. Just as importantly, and also overlooked by all other teachers and students in this discipline I've come across, it requires someone who can guide you to constructing a robustly healthy and sustainable relationship with the craft, your own mental and emotional obstacles, and if you plan to build a career from this, with the industry itself. Jim Jarrett defines every single element of everything I have mentioned. However, as it is working with anyone with great standards, whether in acting, work, or in other environments, so will you as the student have the responsibility, and honor, of living up to those standards in your own diligence, humanity, and dedication. For these reasons and honestly more, I've grown into an actor and human being today that I would have barely recognized two years prior. All this, without having even touched the extent to which the community of the studio - its alum, students, and assisting faculty (Thank you Kyla, Maeve, Nia) - continue to help me grow and create opportunities to further my craft and in particularly my career. It's a family, seriously, in the best and most healthy sense of the word.I graduated from the training this past December 2022. The journey is on. But if I had to start it over again, I would always start here.
• February 2023 by PRECIOUS PRADO
  I first met and interviewed with Jim Jarrett in December 2020, and two years later, in this past December 2022, I completed the 2-year formal training. The short review is basically that my life is forever changed. The lengthier review is below:I will never forget my first meeting with Jim. I don't remember the exact words I shared in our first conversation, but I remember the feeling that my life was about to change. Even though it was a zoom meeting, I still felt Jim's presence through the screen. His energy felt pure, warm, and wise. I immediately felt safe with him. Somehow, I ended up pouring my heart to him. It felt like a dam broke and there was nothing that could stop me from sharing my heart to him. Looking back, I believe it was the first time I felt truly safe to share my dream of acting. While I don't remember everything I said to him, some words exchanged that I do remember (and will never forget) was when I apologized for my tears, he was quick to respond to say, "Never apologize for caring about your dream." It was the very first lesson I received from Jim. The first of many lessons. And, he wasn't even my teacher yet. This story alone is proof of how clear, firm, giving, and sensitive Jim is as a teacher.The lessons that I have gained these past two years go beyond the craft of acting, because I am now more clear on what it really takes to be a "professional dreamer." I came to this school as a recent engineering graduate with little to no acting training. After completing the 2-year program, I can confidently say that I am an actor and understand what that truly means. However, even more important than that, this training has challenged me to become a better, more healthy, more balanced, and more grounded human being.When I think of Jim, my classmates, this school, and this training, my heart is immediately filled with joy and gratitude. Not only is Jim an incredible teacher, but the students that I have met at The Meisner Technique Studio have been some of the most kind, empathetic, and brave people that I have ever met in my life. (This makes sense when Sandy's genius of the Meisner Technique is all about freedom and truth.) My world is more vibrant because of these people and this training. I am forever grateful to this school and am confident that I will always have an artistic home at The Meisner Technique Studio.For anyone that is hungry for more in life, and serious about taking their life to the next level, I highly recommend studying at The Meisner Technique Studio.