About
I have been teaching the Meisner technique and scene study for 29 years. Lauren Velez, Lou Martini, Jr., Lilias White and Sonja Sohn are among the many professional actors with whom I have worked.
My approach to acting is hands-on in an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and free of any form of verbal abuse. The relationship between teacher and student must be one that is based on trust or learning will not occur.
Many of my students are working professionally today in theater, film and TV. For more detailed information on my background and experience please go to www.alangordonstudio.com
I enjoy interacting with students that have a desire to learn. Being able to contribute to the success of my students is extremely gratifying. Knowing that I can make a contribution is one of the many things that keeps me going. It never gets old. Every class is filled with surprises, both for my students and myself.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I do a phone consult to assess where to place new students and I answer any questions they have about my process. I also make sure that they audit a class so that they can observe how I interact with my students. This will also familiarize them with my classroom setting and the type of students with whom I work.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was an actor for quite a few years. I have worked professionally on TV and in film and I have also done a number of off-off Broadway plays and AEA showcases. I also wrote and directed a number of one act plays for the SHOTENED ATTENTION SPAN ONE-ACT FESTIVAL at The Players Theatre.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $50.00 per class. Students pay by the month. My classes are ongoing so students may start at any time. Although I don't charge a tuition like some schools, I offer the full Meisner program. I do not take on part-time students. Students that are admitted to my classes do so with the expectation that they have every intention of completing my program. This is never an issue for students that have aspirations to work professionally.
How did you get started teaching?
It was one of those "Life is what happens when you're making other plans." kind of things. Acting lead to little directing gigs and little by little i segued into teaching. My teacher, Tim Phillips, had a big influence on me. I learned a tremendous amount from him and his joy of teaching rubbed off on me.
What types of students have you worked with?
Professionals, beginners and everything in bewteeen. I've had people come to me that were in businesses unrelated to acting that suffered from stage fright. They dreaded making presentations because of the high levels of anxiety they experienced. The Meisner Technique was extremely helpful. I got a real kick out of working with those people. They had no intention of becoming actors. They just wanted to overcome their inhibitions. Watching them make strides in that direction was extremely satisfying
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I saw Chick Corea at The Blue Note. It was part of a month long gig celebrating his 75th birthday. He was playing with the original members of his "Electric Band". It was awe inspiring. The musicianship defies description. I took my nephew. It was a great evening.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I had a specific criteria for choosing a teacher. Knowledge of the craft, communication skills, social skills, patience, sense of humor, empathy, type of students in the class. Audit a few classes to get a feel for the teacher and students. If the teacher is mean spirited or verbally abusive head for the nearest exit.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do they want to act? What sacrifices are they willing to make? Do they have the time and the money to commit fully? Do they understand that this is not a profession where you can hold down a full-time job. What specific skills do they have which will help them to pursue a career in acting. For example, Harrison Ford was a carpenter. He made a good living doing carpentry and it afforded him the time and the money to pursue acting. Many of my students are in the service industry. They bartend, wait tables, or do catering gigs. One of my students makes her living writing for different magazines, some are adept at social media, web design, etc. They do what it takes to afford classes and create time to audition.