The Meisner Technique
Acting Classes
Upcoming workshops in...
Montreal
Level 2: Intensives
May 2-4 and May 23-25
see below for details
Kitchener/Waterloo
Level 1&2:
New Dates added
Starting May 5
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London/NYC
TBA
Level 1*​
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May 5-26 Mondays, 6-9pm
Level 2**
May 5-26 Mondays, 7-10pm
Fee: $199 + hst
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Book by clicking the links or send an e-transfer to jpaulhopkins@gmail.com​
Space is limited.
44 Gaukel St., Kitchener.
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**Note that Level 1&2 will now overlap.
For Level 2 participants 7-8pm will focus on repetition, 8-10pm more advanced exercises.(lite scene work etc.)
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KITCHENER/WATERLOO
MONTREAL
Level 1
May 23-25 (with Julia Lozano only)
Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-2pm
LEVEL 2*
(May 2-4)
Fri :4-8 pm
Sat: 12-4pm
Sun: 12-4pm
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​$249.99 incl + tx non union​​​
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$199.99 incl + tx union ​
*Must have completed Level 1 or have comperable Experience
Location: Exact location TBA Plateau or Mile End
Classes
Level 1
Level 2
Shakespeare Road Map
In this introductory course, we delve into the foundational exercises pioneered by Sanford Meisner to hone the skills of actors. Whether you're a seasoned actor or new to the craft, this course is tailored for you, as well as other professions in theatre, film, and television.
Working alongside artists who are already familiar with the rudimentary Meisner exercise, this course will offer customized instruction with a limited number of students. The first half of each session will focus on building upon the Repetition Exercise (scales for actors). Drawing from the principles of Meisner, the second half will delve into specific areas such as Knocks and Activities, stakes, cold reads, and monologues—tailored to the needs and interests of the enrolled students5x3 hour sessions.
The Acting Shakespeare Road Map is an intensive 6-session Online course dedicated to helping actors and teachers unlock the full potential of Shakespearean performance. Our program combines the best of the Meisner technique with time-tested methods for interpreting and performing Shakespeare’s works.
$30
The Meisner Technique: Authentic Acting at Its Best
What is the Meisner Technique?
The Meisner Technique focuses on spontaneity, emotional truth, and moment-to-moment reactions. Developed by Sanford Meisner, this method encourages one to respond authentically within a scene, creating performances that feel natural and compelling.
Paul Hopkins’s Training and Expertise in Meisner
Paul studied the Meisner Technique with renowned teacher Jacqueline McClintock and trained in Los Angeles alongside accomplished artists, refining his skills through this transformative method. His training draws from these experiences, helping students connect with their inner life and develop emotional depth in their performances.
How the Meisner Technique Enhances Character Development
Through structured exercises and scene work, Paul’s Meisner courses help performers fully inhabit their roles. By staying present and embracing the unknown, students learn to build nuanced characters that resonate with audiences. This approach benefits both new performers and seasoned professionals seeking to refine their character development​​.
Many acclaimed actors have trained in the Meisner Technique, including Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, James Gandolfini, Jeff Goldblum, and Naomi Watts. Gandolfini, in particular, credited Meisner’s teachings for the emotional depth and raw realism of his portrayal of Tony Soprano in The Sopranos. Tom Cruise and Michelle Pfeiffer also honed their skills using Meisner’s approach.
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Acting Shakespeare RoadMap
Six Steps to Mastering Shakespeare Monologues
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1. Paraphrase
2. Act it out
3. Imagining
4. Use the Poetry
5. Punctuation
6. Paraphrase 2
BONUS step: learn how to use the Folio to...
• Combine all the previous steps. Perform with the insights and techniques you’ve gained. Make the text your own and bring Shakespeare’s words to life with your unique interpretation.
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OUR ACTING COACHES
PAUL HOPKINS
Los Angeles/Toronto/Kitchener-Waterloo/Montreal
Paul Hopkins’s Training and Expertise in Meisner
Aside from an extensive career as an actor and director, Paul studied the internationally renowned Meisner-accredited teacher Jacqueline McClintock; and with Sandy Marshall, in Los Angeles, where he worked alongside a dedicated class of seasoned actors who maintained their actor chops through Meisner's work.
“The Meisner technique has taught me how to listen in a way that taps into a depth of creativity and generosity beyond what I could imagine.”
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His extensive acting career includes two seasons at the Stratford Festival; a leading role in the ground-breaking, Emmy-nominated series, “More and Further Tales of the City”. Currently he’s best known as the latest "Disney dad", the Dale Wells character on “Z.O.M.B.I.E.S 1, 2 and 3”. He was, for 8 years, he was the Artistic Director of Repercussion Theatre in Montreal and one of his most recent theatre production, “Civilized”, received rave reviews across Canada.
JULIA LOZANO
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Montreal
« La technique Meisner a été une révélation pour moi. Un outil pour faire confiance à mes impulsions et laisser des connexions authentiques se faire par elles-mêmes ». Julia a été formée à cette technique pendant plus de 5 ans par Scott Williams de l’Impulse Company à New-York City, Londres et Paris, et par Robert Cordier à Paris.
Artiste pluridisciplinaire en chant, danse et théâtre, Julia commence sa carrière en France en théâtre musical, opérettes et théâtre classique avant de s’intéresser au travail pour la caméra. Elle travaille notamment plusieurs années avec Jacques Duparc ce qui la mènera sur les scènes de l’Opéra de Reims et de l’Opéra d’Avignon. Elle joue du Molière au Théâtre Fontaine à Paris dans la Compagnie Colette Roumanoff, interprète le Prince dans la comédie musicale « Le Prince et Le Pauvre » de Julien Salvia et Ludovic Alexandre Vidal. En 2016 elle arrive à Montréal, où elle interprète Hâgar dans « Hâgar » et la source de Mounia Chadi, puis rejoint le collectif Passeurs de Voix en tant qu’artiste et coach d’acteurs, pour leur création immersive et déambulatoire d’après Migraaants de Visniec.
