About
It is a step my step, clear-cut set of tools that allows for the actor to access his imagination, as well as himself, and build tridimensional, deep, well crafted characters. It is a technique that will literally save you on the days that you come to theater or the film set uninspired. We are human beings and our bodies, minds and souls are our instrument. It is very common for a performance to go really well one night, or during a take, and not so well the next time around. The Meisner Technique allows for the actor to have such a command of his instrument, that no matter what, his performance will never go bellow a certain standard.
Teaching is part of my calling in life and in total alignment with my vocation. I love motivating my students, instilling passion and drive into their lives, and enhancing their craft. To see my students grow into independent, creative, deep artists is the ultimate victory for me, a true reward. Teaching is a noble profession, and teaching acting even more so, since the person you are willing to guide, mentor and educate is an artist with a dream in his/her heart. That is why I take this profession seriously. That is why my standards are high when dealing with my students, that is why I train them as if they were Olympians. I give the fullest of myself and know-how to each one of them, with tailored and detailed feedback and guidance, but in return, I accept nothing less than total commitment and respect for the craft.
Highlights
Reviews
Karoline P.
Marianne G.
Nikelson L.
Ricardo B.
Angie F.
Natalie K.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I love motivating my students, instilling passion and drive into their lives, and enhancing their craft. To see my students grow into independent, creative, deep artists is the ultimate victory for me, a true reward. Teaching is a noble profession, and teaching acting even more so, since the person you are willing to guide, mentor and educate is an artist with a dream in his/her heart. That is why I take this profession seriously. That is why my standards are high when dealing with my students, that is why I train them as if they were Olympians. I give the fullest of myself and know-how to each one of them, with tailored and detailed feedback and guidance, but in return, I accept nothing less than total commitment and respect for the craft.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Andrea Dantas is an actress, director, writer and Flamenco dancer from Brazil. She has been performing professionally for 20 years in Brazil, Italy, England and USA in film, theater and television. After years of working professionally in South America, she moved to Australia to study the Meisner Technique under Playhouse West alumni Billy Milionis, at The Actor’s Pulse in Sydney, then relocated to Europe to act and direct. Her studies include: RADA (The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art), The School of Physical Theater in London, Teatro Olmetto in Milan and Playhouse West Los Angeles. She has won Best Supporting Actress at the 2013 PHW Film Festival in Los Angeles for the motion picture Daisy's. Parallel to her acting career, she has continued to dance Flamenco, performing in Italy and Los Angeles. Her directorial works include Harold Pinter’s Betrayal, Luigi Pirandello’s Liola, Samuel Beckett’s Endgame, What The Flowers Say ( inspired by the works of Garcia Lorca), James McLure’s Laundry and Bourbon / Lone Star and Such Nice Shoes which debuted at TheaterLab in NYC. Andrea currently teaches the Meisner Technique at Playhouse West and is set to direct the Off Broadway production of Argia Coppola's Love is Blonde, a biographical play about Marilyn Monroe. She has recently portrayed the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, for which she received raving reviews at the prestigious theater BAM, in New York.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Classes pricing vary according to the type of class and length. Usually classes are twice a week over a period of 6 weeks. These 6 week blocks usually are between $350 and $385 depending on the level of the course. For a more accurate rate, plese contact: [email protected]
How did you get started teaching?
I was living and working in Los Angeles when I was invited to open Playhousewest Brooklyn Lab alongside founder Jim Parrack and was also hired to teach at James Franco Studio 4 NY.
What types of students have you worked with?
From complete new to the business up to professional actors with careers in film and television and everything in between. I love teaching and treat every student with the same respect and standards, no matter how new or experienced in the arts they are.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Choose someone who knows how to take you from point A to point B and who offers a legitimate technique, instead of a teacher who is there to just give you their personal opinion of your work.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They need to be aware of their weakness, the thing in their craft they know they need to get better at. And from that, they need to find a teacher who knows how to help them fix the problem. Stay away from any "guru" type of teachers. Find someone who helps you get better, to the point you won't need them anymore.