SANFORD MEISNER
Sanford Meisner was an American actor and acting teacher who developed a system of instruction aimed at providing actors with an experiential understanding of how to act. This approach is now known around the world as the ‘Meisner Technique’.
Sanford Meisner was a member of the Group Theatre. The Group Theatre, being heavily inspired by the artistic director of the Moscow Art theatre; Konstantin Stanislavski, were an ensemble of artists that came together in New York City in 1931 to explore how they might produce a ‘naturalistic style’ of acting.
While Meisner was exposed to method acting at the Group Theatre, his approach was different in that he completely abandoned the use of affective memory, a distinct characteristic of method acting. Meisner maintained an emphasis on the reality of doing (what it means to do something truthfully), which was the foundation of his approach. His work also had a very strong emphasis on the use of imagination.
In 1935, Meisner joined the faculty of the Neighbourhood Playhouse School of Theatre and continued as the director of the acting department until his retirement in 1990.
The Meisner technique is one of the foremost acting techniques taught today.
WILLIAM ESPER
William Esper is internationally recognised as one of Sanford Meisner’s most authentic prodigies.
William Esper studied under Sanford Meisner and in 1962, undertook training as a teacher and proceeded to work closely with him for the next 15 years. His career spanned more than six decades as a theatre artist and a teacher.
He was the founder of the William Esper studio and many consider him to have been one of America’s most outstanding teachers of acting. The William Esper studio, which he founded in 1965, has become one of the most prestigious acting schools in the world, attracting aspiring actors from around the globe.
Some of Bill’s most famous alumni include Sam Rockwell, Jeff Goldblum, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kathy Bates, Aaron Eckhart and more.
JUSTIN LEHMANN
Photo by Timothy Smith
Justin first graduated from the National Theatre Drama School in 1998, from where he went on to have the life-changing experience of studying under master teacher William Esper in New York City. Following this experience he was awarded a scholarship to train in the Full Time Program at 16th Street Actors Studio where he graduated in 2010.
Justin returned to New York City to continue his studies at Esper Studio at which time he also had the privilege of working with, and being mentored by Elizabeth Kemp. It was during this period he discovered a deep affinity for teaching the craft of acting, and became a 'core' teacher of 16th Street Actors Studio.
In 2016, Justin was offered a scholarship at Esper Studio and for a third time returned to New York to further extend and deepen his knowledge.
Justin has appeared in numerous primetime Australian TV series and has toured nationally with Melbourne Theatre Company.
Justin has also taught at: WAAPA, RMIT, Patrick School Of The Arts, The Factory Queensland, Hub Studio Sydney, The Reach Foundation and Tomorrow Man.