The Meisner Technique
The Atelier Meisner: Level 1
Free Acting Class in KW
Free introduction to the Meisner Technique, December 17, 6-9pm, The Gaukel Creative Workspace. Limited to 20 participants.
For all attendees that evening:
If you’re interested in enrolling in the upcoming course, I’ll be extending the Early-Bird Deadline exclusively for those who decide to register after the free workshop.
Acting classes
Level 1
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.
Level 2
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.
Shakespeare Road Map
The Acting Shakespeare Road Map is an intensive 3-day 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.
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’s Meisner courses help performers fully inhabit their roles. By staying present and embracing the unknown, students learn to build nuanced characters and performances that resonate with audiences. This approach benefits both new performers and seasoned professionals seeking to refine their character development. Frequently paired with other methods like classical training, it remains a versatile and powerful tool for actors.
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.
Upcoming acting classes in Kitchener/Waterloo:
Level 1
January 7- Feb 11, 2025
Tuesdays 6:30-9:30
6x3 hours sessions
44 GAUKEL CREATIVE WORKSPACE 44 Gaukel Street, Kitchener, N2G 4P3
Book your spot by clicking the links below or send an e-transfer to jpaulhopkins@gmail.com
Fee: $279+hst*
*Early Bird Special: $249+hst. Register by Dec. 10.
Students: $225+hst.
Space is limited.
Acting Shakespeare Road Map
NYC - Online course coming soon.
The Acting Shakespeare Road Map is an intensive 3-day 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.
Tue, Jul 23New YorkJul 23, 2024, 6:40 p.m. – Jul 25, 2024, 10:20 p.m.New York, 244-250 W 54th St 12th floor, New York, NY 10019, USAActing Shakespeare Road Map in NYC: an intensive 3-day 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 perfo
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.
Six Steps to Mastering Shakespeare Monologues
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.”
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
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.
