Our Legacy...

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History… Tradition… Legacy…

We believe that the purpose of an acting school is to get you working professionally. And that begins with Professional Level training. Training that has worked for over 70 years and continues to work today, for a new generation of actors. Overseen by Martin Barter, a master teacher, you will be taught one of the strongest acting foundations available today. Our commitment to Sandy’s legacy is to maintain the technique as he left it behind. We come from a rich history and deep tradition, as noted by The New York Times, Backstage, and Variety.

Click for Student Testimonials

Jasmine Hill

"Before, I didn't like to say I was an actor because I didn't feel like one. Now I know I'm one."

Sierra Smith

"..I learned that ACTING IS NOT ABOUT ACTING."

Danielle Vega

"I felt I needed a class of Meisner caliber to have in my repertoire to take me to the next level of my career."

Juliene Winborne

" I had taken numerous acting classes, but none of them fully embodied what I was looking for."

Jule Johnson

"I walk away proud, thankful, and immensely confident with the person I’ve become"

Menen Basha

"I’m not quite sure where to begin because so much of this experience is too big to summarize..."

Brandon Quinn

"I have worked so much more since studying at the Meisner Center..."

Tanner Risner

"You have no idea what this class can do for you."

Damith Warnasuriya

"...this is not a class that you sign up for but more like a life course that challenges you..."

Jacob Dimenstein

"...my advice to you would be to be open to the possibilities."

Jonathan Freudman

"This is not a Mickey Mouse class, this is serious acting, this is MEISNER.”

Vanessa Parker

"...this class shows you that you can go straight to the heart and the emotion"

Amir Hasan

"It did not take long for me to realize that my brain was the biggest obstacle holding me back..."

Michael Roshangah

"I found that I am stronger than I gave myself credit for."

Nina Umpierrez

"Completing this program has left me feeling ready and excited to go out and get what I need!"

Jada Merritt

"...know what it is that you need and fucking go get it!!!

Alessandro Marino

"This class cuts the bull*** and tells you the truth..."

Andrew Carter

"It was by far the most challenging educational and artistic experience of my life."

Matthan Harris

"This is without a doubt the best acting class I’ve ever taken."

Mikhail Suvorov

"The Meisner technique, unlike anything I've done before, is something you can't pull through just sliding on the surface."

Heidi Shon

"The Meisner Center gave me a process to work with that I was desperately seeking."

Alex Montalban

"However seemingly simplistic Sandy's method may appear, this school is not for the faint of heart..."

Alexandra Dunmore

"I am astounded that I thought I knew how to act before this class."

Torrey Drake

"...my ability to utterly connect and live in the moment is second nature to me."

Cameren Foley

"This class is definitely not the easy route..."

DeShaude Barner

"The 2 years spent learning from Martin and Ranjiv are something I will never forget... "

Albert Emery

"I am a better communicator as a result of speaking from my heart."

Johannes Aspegren

"The Meisner technique allowed me to really see my progress."

Bryan Shilowich

"You learn to stop “trying” to “act” and instead learn how to feel your deepest emotions..."

DeRon Horton

..."the emotional capacity of which i am able to reach now I cannot see myself gaining somewhere else"

Yisreal Dubov

"...not only did I walk away with an incredible training in acting; I walked away with a family, and memories that will last a lifetime"

Star Don

"Look another person dead in the eye and just FEEL. It’s the simplest yet hardest thing to do."

Shalonda Shaw

"...I know what I'm capable of as an actor, and that is a wonderful feeling."

Christina Ramirez

"...there is nothing like seeing yourself grow into the person you always were meant to be..."

Channing McKindra

"This is the work that I imagined doing when I first decided to become an actor years ago..."

Nerlyn Jean

"A true challenge and commitment, it was the best decision I made for my career thus far."

Zachary Gordon

"...it has been an emotionally exhausting journey, but beyond rewarding."

Stacey Danger

"The amount of growth I’ve had in nine months far surpasses that of all other studios I’ve trained at combined."

Tanya Bettencourt

"I used to think showing vulnerability was a weakness. Not anymore."

Coronavirus update

As of March 19th, all classes for current students at the Sanford Meisner Center have moved online. Because of the latest restrictions in Los Angeles announced on July 13th, this will likely continue through August and into September of 2020.

While we are still interviewing potential students for future classes, all interviews will now be conducted through video chat until further notice.

Now, more than ever, the world needs artists to encourage, entertain, and comfort. While we may need to take a pause, our work is ultimately never ending.

Online Self Tape Workshop

This 5 class session is not an acting class, but instead, a workshop to make you more self sufficient, quick and trusting of your self-taped auditions.
$175 and limited to 10 students.
Email for additional information.

Free Online Introductory Session – Friday August 21st

We’ll be offering a free online, introductory session to the Meisner Technique on Friday, August 21st at 3pm PDT. This will be Zoom session that will include discussions and exercises to introduce you to the Meisner Technique. Space will be limited as attendees will be participating in discussions and exercises. You must attend with Video and Audio enabled.
Email to reserve your spot.

Level 1 Intensive – Los Angeles

Or next Level 1 Intensive will be offered in August or September of 2020. This program runs Monday through Friday and will run for 5 weeks.
Cost is $875 for all 5 weeks of training. Students who complete this Intensive will have the opportunity to transfer to a twice a week class to complete the 1st year training.

Many of our students are working professionals looking to deepen and expand their craft. Read what some of them have to say.

Zachary Gordon (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) – “It is never too late to grow as an artist if that is what your heart so desires.”

DeRon Horton (Dear White People/American Vandal) – “Other classes were super technical and heady. Mechanical. I am not a mechanic.”

Jonathan Freudman (En Otra Piel, Eva La Trailera) – “I never thought that acting could be so straight forward.”

How to choose your Meisner teacher.

You should interview with different schools and teachers to find the best fit for your training. Here are a number of questions you can ask during the interview process. Read More

Acting Certificate Program

These classes meet twice a week, for 9 months. This is the full Meisner Technique as it’s been taught for over 25 years by Martin Barter. Read More

The Sanford Meisner Center

The Original and Final Home of the Meisner Technique in Los Angeles