NINE MONTH MEISNER PROGRAM

Australia’s premier 9-month Meisner program offers an unparalleled journey in actor development, focused on cultivating emotional depth and technical precision.

Limited places available.

 
 

9 MONTHS OF INTENSIVE TRAINING

For the first time ever, JL Studio presents a nine-month Meisner program in Australia. Grounded in one specific technique and guided by a clear, unified vision, this program is designed to build a strong technical foundation while developing your acting instrument.

The Meisner Technique emphasises imagination and emotional truth, achieving two things simultaneously: it develops your emotional core by helping you release your defences to discover what lives in your gut, while simultaneously strengthening your technical abilities.. You’ll learn how to set things up to create a rich, specific life in your work. There’s no other technique like this, and no other exercise engages your instrument in quite the same way.

Learn to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances and get ready for the journey of your life!

Key Dates:
17th February - 19th November 2025

Location:
Justin Lehmann Studio - 263 Barkly St, Footscray

Cost:
Program cost - $7500

Payment Plans Available

How to apply:
Please submit a form via the application link below.

 

CLASSES

The nine months will compromise of 2 x Technique classes per week. Students will also be expected to meet regularly for rehearsal outside of class.

The weekly schedule will consist of the following:

  • Monday 7pm -10pm Technique Class

  • Wednesday 7pm - 10pm Technique Class

COURSE BREAK DOWN

The nine-month program is organised into three stages, with each step building on the last and layering in every element as it’s introduced.

The program is designed to facilitate and expedite artistic growth by providing an intensive space for the actor to train in a proven technique two times a week. This program offers the actor the opportunity to really hone their skill set and deepen their experience of what is considered to be one of the most concrete and safest ways to learn the craft of acting. It is curated to support those who seek to build a strong foundation and sharpen their skill set.

A great technique is based upon a process which demands a continuity of contact. The nine month program naturally emerges from this understanding. This program will compromise of two classes per week as well as rehearsals in between classes, providing consistent contact with the work but also flexibility for the student to continue with other commitments alongside.

Stage 1 | Repetition to Text

The Meisner Technique begins with Repetition, teaching actors to actively listen and respond authentically. As this foundation strengthens, additional elements are gradually layered in, ultimately leading to work with text.

  • Repetition

  • Independent Activity/Door

  • Text

Stage 2 | Saying Goodbye to Repetition

Although the Meisner Technique is best known for the repetition exercise, this is just a small part of the overall approach. In this next phase, we take a crucial step forward by moving beyond repetition and focusing on a deeper exploration of emotional temperament and emotional preparation.

  • Introducing the Expecting

  • Letting Go of Repetition

  • Expanded Independent Activity

  • Emotional Preparation

Stage 3 | Returning to Text

In this final stage, actors explore complex relationships, deepen their craft through the Domestic Exercise, and apply these layers to text work.

  • Relationships

  • The Domestic Exercise

  • Text

The Meisner Technique offers a unique and powerful approach to acting by cultivating an actor’s ability to respond truthfully in the moment. Unlike traditional methods that may focus primarily on intellectual or emotional preparation, the Meisner Technique teaches actors to work instinctively, developing a natural connection to their scene partners and the material. Through exercises like Repetition and Independent Activity, actors learn to listen actively, remain fully present, and respond authentically, which creates a compelling sense of spontaneity and realism in their performances.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Meisner Technique is its emphasis on truthful behaviour under imaginary circumstances. By training actors to focus on their partner rather than themselves, the technique reduces self-consciousness and brings a depth of realism that’s hard to achieve otherwise. This approach not only builds the actor’s confidence but also deepens their ability to work fluidly and dynamically within a scene.

Moreover, Meisner’s progressive layering of exercises—starting with Repetition and evolving to text work—gradually builds the actor’s skill set, making the technique accessible to beginners while challenging enough for advanced practitioners. This structured process allows actors to consistently improve their craft, cultivating skills that remain relevant and powerful in any performance medium, from stage to film.

In short, the Meisner Technique trains actors to live truthfully within a scene, resulting in performances that are both grounded and emotionally resonant. Its emphasis on listening, responding, and being fully present makes it a highly effective method for actors who aspire to bring authentic human experiences to life.

For any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch via info@justinlehmannstudio.com.