The Meisner Technique Studio

Listen, if there’s one place to go learn what it is to be and what it takes to be an actor; this is it! I was incredibly LUCKY to be accepted to the school and train under Jim and Melissa. This is a no gimmicks training, but my promise to you if you choose to attain a seat in The Meisner Technique Studio is that YOU WILL become a better actor and better person. The training is not easy, but nothing worth achieving ever is. I truly wish you the best and hope you choose this school.
Good luck and break a leg!

To Jim and Melissa, I would like you to know that I am very thankful for all you do and invest in us students. Thank you for the work, time, resources and care you put into the annual thank you parties and all of the film festivals and events you create; thank you for bringing us all together; thank you for continually striving and succeeding at going above and beyond as teachers, humans and mentors — to teach us how to «act» and also how to be healthy and class-​act types of people; thank you for being truthful in your teaching even when what you have to share is not pleasant or easy to communicate — even when it may sting the egos of students or affect class sizes or the flowery opinions others have or whatever the case may be; thank you for respecting your crafts; thank you for your blog posts, news letters and all the venues through which you share and teach; thank you for investing time in sending audition and other helpful info out and working to support your students’ advancement and growth toward our dreams and goals; thank you for all the times you’ve thrown parties, cooked, cleaned and served your students; thank you for the times you’ve shown by example how to be humble, caring and more; thank you for being solid leaders; thank you for sharing your shows and documentary with us — these are gifts; thank you for making a positive difference in my life and in the world; thank you for your vulnerability and authenticity — for not just sharing your merits and shiny attributes but for also sharing the challenges you have worked and/​or work on to be the healthiest, most solid and most impacting instruments you can be, and in sharing this, teaching us; thank you for sharing your personalities and some laughs together at times; thank you for welcoming us to meet and be your ohana; thank you for your aloha and encouragement; thank you for your patience; thank you for working with myself and other students so we can make it financially possible to study with you; thank you for setting high standards and holding us accountable; thank you for investing your creativity, intention and hearts in your work as artists, storytellers, humans and teachers; thank you for… all you do.

Jim plays favorites. To some students he opens his arms wide, to others he is insensitive, callous, and aggressive. Instead of acknowledging that money was spent and effort was made to attend his classes, he will inevitably try to weed out the weakest link with threatening tactics such as locking any student out if they are late or telling students «if you don’t pick things up, you won’t be invited back next semester.» His treats those he doesn’t like contemptuously. His arrogance is stifling. He will never show compassion to anyone he doesn’t think deserves it. To those who don’t make the cut, instead of kindly inquiring why they are falling behind in the class they paid money for and sacrificed their time to attend, he will abusively threaten them with many fear tactics that feel like harassment until they either stop coming to class or he says they are no longer welcome. He has a lot to teach, but if you end up on his bad side it could haunt you for a long time. He only acts in 1 man shows, which most likely points to the fact that he has serious interpersonal and personality conflicts. More than likely he will offer something for the average student, but there is a chance a class with him could be one of your worst experiences.

I had a really good acting teacher in Philadelphia so I know how valuable that is. When my teacher retired it left me to bounce from one audit class to another trying to find another teacher that would provide me the kind of experience and knowledge I felt I needed. I never found that person in Philadelphia. Then I moved to San Francisco in 2004 and decided to search again for that ‘good’ teacher here. I found Jim Jarrett and knew instantly that he was as good as it gets. Not only does he give you the tools to craft a dynamic and solid performance but he also provides a community of talent that motivates creativity. Out of that community a group of us recently created, produced and acted in a feature film, ROXIE, that is up on Amazon and Hulu. That would not be possible without the Meisner Technique Studio. If you are looking to become an actor or looking to hone your craft this is the place to be.

I’m a graduate of the 2-​year training and the business course (a 3 month post-​grad course designed to help you learn how to market yourself and how to navigate the auditioning/​casting/​finding an agent process) and I am sincere when I say that this school changed my life. The training teaches you so much about yourself– as a human being and as an artist. At the end of 2 years, you will have so much clarity on what you want to do in this world, and how to apply your unique skill set towards accomplishing that. There is real fostering of your own potential and ability, and both Jim and Melissa are 100% behind you. However, you will be challenged and pushed to stretch yourself, to take criticism, to grow, to learn, so please leave your ego at the door. The classes are small and you will be working with a diverse group, so humility and empathy are imperative. You must be wide open to this incredible experience, and if you do that, you will benefit from every ounce of information being presented. The changes I saw in myself and my peers were so astonishing and humbling, and I always felt that Jim and Melissa were trying to make me be the best version of myself. I went through some tough times in my training, but I have emerged as a healthy, more truthful actor, knowing that I do have a voice and that I will be successful in using it. Jim and Melissa are truly dedicated to their students and to the school– it is a real, intimate, creative and supportive environment in which to take big leaps of faith. If you want to become an authentic actor, please come and interview with Jim and Melissa– you will be SO glad you did. The Meisner Technique isn’t for everyone, but if you are seeking some world-​class training, do not hesitate to check it out.

For years out of high school, I always felt like something was missing from the way I approached acting. What I was doing didn’t feel authentic, and I didn’t have a firm enough foundation. Attending this school (2011 – 2013) was probably one of the best decisions of my career. Everything I’ve learned from the training has helped me become more confident and clear in what I am doing when on a set. I’ve been given the tools to go out on my own and grow as an actor.
Be warned, in order to go through this training, you need to be as committed as possible. Not only do you need to be honest with yourself, but with Jim and Melissa as well. Trust your teachers, don’t be late, and commit to what you are being taught. This is a standard that is held to all students. As long as you care about acting, show that you care (actions speak louder than words), and put enough faith into what you are being taught, you should thrive in this environment.
Thank you, Jim and Melissa for all you have done!

I’ve been with Jim for over 10 years as both as a student and a graduate member of the Studio. If, in fact, you love and respect good acting and consider it worthy of being a true calling, this is for you.
Yep, it can be very challenging and sometimes uncomfortably revealing about one’s own nature at times, but the rewards are more than worth it. If you can leave your ego and your need to be right all the time at the door and allow yourself to be still and be taught by a passionate and committed actor personally trained as a teacher by Sanford Meisner himself (now there’s a qualification), you’ll do just fine.
While you are here you will find in your colleagues many of the people who will become part you artistic family. It is no exaggeration to say that I have been blessed by friends and achievements that I scarcely dreamed possible when I walked into my first day of class. Furthermore I can honestly say that I owe everything I am as an actor to this man and this school.
So if you are truly serious about studying acting, either as a beginning student or as a more experienced actor looking to break bad habits and create more honest and believable work, then there is no better place.

Jim and Melissa have created and are constantly evolving a Safe, Nurturing and Encouraging environment so that the Child inside each of us can reach out and begin to be the actor we want to be… and more importantly… to be the human being we are supposed to be… Both of these actors have given everything they have so that people like me can feel the joy of personal discovery and self revelation… They push and cajole and constantly remind us that acting is listening… that we are all responsible for our actions… that you can count on a Meisner Trained actor to do what they say they will do… and that dreams do come true… it aint easy… i would not have it any other way… thank you Jim and Melissa, from the bottom of my heart… John L.

How does one share a life-​changing experience in a few paragraphs? I don’t claim to have that ability, but I’ll try.
A «veteran» actor, I initially came to the Meisner Technique Studio to attend a performance of «Meisner,» Jim Jarrett’s beautifully written and profoundly moving play about legendary acting teacher, Sanford Meisner, with Mr. Jarrett in the title role. It was truly one of the most brilliant performances I’d ever attended, and I impatiently waited to meet and thank Jim after the performance. His graciousness and humility were astounding, and he welcomed me back for an admissions interview. I became a class member in the Spring, 2013, First Session of the training, and off me went on a journey that has left me forever changed.
Both Jim, and head of faculty Melissa Thompson Esaia, our other incredibly gifted teacher, stated on day one, «This is not for everyone,» and they were right. But for those of us who refused to surrender our dreams and were willing to embrace the rigor, self-​discipline and dedication required to learn what I consider the finest acting training in the world, the experience turned-​out to be pure gold. I can’t say enough good things about both Jim and Melissa, nor would I want to embarrass two such humble people with overly-​laudatory remarks. Suffice it to say, they’re both my heroes, and thanks to their genius, the world will never look the same to me again.
Yesterday, I worked on my first film since recently completing the training, and the experience was utterly and completely different from anything I’d done in the past. All of the hard work, the crucial skills I’d learned, the 100s of hours of homework I’d completetd, and the wisdom and teachings of Sanford Meisner are already paying-​off, in spades.
If you’re an actor, or would-​be actor, who’s passionate, tough-​minded, and willing to do whatever’s required to fulfill your dreams, this may very well be the place for you. It certainly was for me.

If you want to study the brilliant methodical technique devised by reknowned acting teacher Sanford Meisner, this is, in my opinion, is the best place in the country to do it. Meisner wanted actors to behave truthfully, spontaneously, creatively under imaginary circumstances. Robert Duvall, Susan Sarandon, Gregory Peck are just a few of the greats who benefited from his training.
Jim Jarrett, who studied intensively under Meisner, and fellow teacher Melissa Thompson Esaia are determined to deliver the training as closely as possible to the way Meisner himself taught it. At the same time, they beautifully and sensitively address the emotional, spiritual and practical challenges faced by working actors.
This is a professional school that places professional demands on its students. Yes, you are expected to show up on time. Yes, you are expected to work hard. Jim and Melissa insist on creating a work atmosphere filled with respect, appreciation, a positive attitude. They are dedicated, hard-​working and amazingly accessible to their students.
Jim and Melissa are intelligent and insightful teachers. They are honest and demanding but also nurturing. They deal sensitively with actors, realizing we all place tender, difficult human feelings on the line as we work. My time at the Meisner Technique Studio has fostered great friendships, and great opportunities to practice the craft of acting with other serious actors and directors.
Long before I started this training I worked professionally in New York City and in regional repertory theaters. I studied with Uta Hagen, and with teachers who came out of the Actors Studio, the Atlantic Theatre Company and Meisner training. But the best, most comprehensive acting schooling I’ve experienced came from Jim and Melissa. If you want to inject truth and spontaneity into your acting work, this is the place to be.

This school is amazing. Not only will you be able to feel confident as an actor when you finish this training, you will change immensely as a human being. Before starting this training, I took acting classes/​did plays for about 9 years and NEVER changed as much as I did during this training. Melissa + Jim are the best acting teachers I’ve ever had in that they actually PUSH you to grow. They are kind + compassionate human beings, but at the same time, they are going to be completely honest in your strengths and weaknesses as an actor, so that you can grow to be the best actor you can be. If you’re looking to be sugarcoated, then this is not the place for you. If you are looking for a place to grow immensely and learn to be fearless, come here! The reason why I LOVE Jim + Melissa as teachers so much is that they care SOO much about making everyone better that they will tell you the truth; they’re not sugarcoating ANYTHING. They have high expectations for their students, which pushes everyone to be the best they can be if you check your ego at the door. Before the training, I loved to perform, but I never felt solid in my craft. This training gave me all the tools I need to feel solid as an actor and has made me a kinder, sensitive person. The training also has valuable lessons for my everyday life. If you are serious about acting, come here and your life will change. This is a beautiful, passionate family to be apart of, and I am grateful for every minute I have spent in this place.
Thank you Jim + Melissa!

The Meisner Technique Studio is way beyond an intensive acting training. This is a life changing, incredibly thought provoking, school of life, art, relationships, limitless growth, surrounded by people who eventually become family. Jim Jarrett, Sanford Meisner’s last teaching protégée who teaches the closest in the world to how Sanford Meisner taught, he has 25+ years of teaching experience, and Melissa Thompson Esaia, the other world class Meisner teacher, trained by Jim with 10 years teaching experience, are both phenomenal teachers and consummate professionals in all realms. The opportunities that become available to the students are priceless. With this school, what you put in you get back. I am honored to have completed the formal 2 year Meisner Technique training and the Business of Your Dream training. I am currently a Studio Member which is a laboratory for professional Meisner trained actors and it becomes available after the training, there is a wait list. I recommend this school to anyone who is passionate, committed, hard working, seeks major growth, wants to continuously take themselves to the next level again and again, has something to say. It’s great for actors, writers, directors, comedians, dancers, musicians, people that have dealt with trauma, even someone who has a deep seeded insatiable desire and can’t put their finger on it just yet, this school is for you.

The Meisner Technique Studio is an acting training technique, taught by the directors Jim Jarrett and Melissa Esia Thompson. However, this training, this school, this program is far beyond the societal definition of an acting school. This is where I learned the most about myself in the 20 years I have been on this earth.
I started this training when I was 18 years old, and at that time I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my life, but I did know that I wanted to be an actress, but by no means was I prepared for how hard it was going to be, or how much work it will take to truly call yourself an actor. My acting teacher Jim Jarrett always says that good acting involves three simple elements; a freakish concentration, a childlike imagination, and extreme sensitivity. Good acting is dripping with truth. From the time I have graduated high school to now, I have went through what any young adult goes through; the struggle to figure out what I am here to do on this wonderful planet.
I am writing this in the hopes to keep it short, so I can hold your attention, but I wouldn’t be giving this post enough justice if I did that. I’m sorry in advance for the length of this message.
I will start with the training. I want to start off by saying that this school isn’t for everybody. This school is for professionals, and I mean that in the simplest form. Jim Jarrett, my teacher has engrained what it means to be a professional. You are to always show up on time, because if this is truly something that has purpose or meaning to you and your life, how can you be late to your dream right? You should always hold yourself with the highest integrity, be humble, and always be respectful. These are ideal and very simple traits, yet somehow they are often difficult to attain. Both Jim Jarrett and Melissa Esia Thompson «talk the talk» and «walk the walk». I have become a sharper instrument because of this training. I will not go into to great detail about what we learn in class in terms of the literal technique (you have to sign up for that) yet, what I can tell you is that this training will shape you, not only, into a better actor, but a better human being. I have been studying how to work from your gut, how to follow every impulse, I’ve been studying how to know what you’re doing and why you are doing it, i’ve been studying how to stay grounded and overcome barriers. I’ve been learning how to break down walls, and build up truth. I have been studying awareness and how to truly listen, how if you want something in this world, you better work as hard as you possibly can to make it happen, and lastly I have been studying that this world needs me. This world needs all of us. Through this training, amidst all the struggle and obstacles that I have faced, I have learned that my passion is acting but my purpose is to help and serve. I would even argue that is why we are all here. Not bad right? I am a new and improved person because of this training. And every student who has finished this training can attest to this truth.
Ego and negativity are not welcome, because it truly stunts growth. This technique is a challenge, and it’s important to remember that Jim and Melissa know what they’re doing and to grow in this training, it is vital to be open. Having an open heart, and an open mind will truly transform you into a machine, which makes this training that much more rewarding.
Now for all you who are familiar with the amazing Sanford Meisner, and all his genius, I want to clearly state that this studio teaches the Meisner Technique in it’s PUREST FORM! Jim Jarrett was trained and authorized to teach this technique by Sanford Meisner himself. I say this because there are many schools out there who teach this technique under this claim, yet let me set the record straight, if you want to learn the Meisner technique, this studio teaches the technique in the MOST AUTHENTIC way.
When I look back at my greatest accomplishment, I don’t really look at it as an accomplishment at all, but rather a beautiful gift. This rigorous two year program has helped me figure out what I want to do with my life, how I will get there, and most importantly, why I am here on this planet. In these two years, while I did study the techniques of good acting and how to break down a scene, I can confidently say that the lessons I’ve learned are far greater than just a scene. Before my training, I had a great deal of fear in my heart; fear for the future, fear for the unknown, and ultimately fear of failure. This training has released every fearful bone in my body, and I can proudly say that mentally I am ready for whatever obstacle or challenge my future holds. This training has played a pivotal role in the transformation of the powerful woman I am becoming, because after all I am a becoming woman and still have much to learn. Thank you Jim and Melissa, you changed my life.

There are countless positive ways in which The Meisner Technique Studio has affected my life, not the least of which is an acute sense of being present and mindful in general, in my daily life; this is something I had been working on on in recent years before finding this school, and it melds beautifully. These teachers exemplify a profound dedication and thoughtful approach to truly teaching every individual student in their own way. This is the real art of teaching, and not everyone can do it as well as Jim and Melissa; it is the only way to reach a student, to make them know they count. The loyalty to Sanford Meisner and his inspiring approach to acting and to simply being a human being in this world, can not possibly be matched. Jim Jarrett is a first person connection to Sanford Meisner, who personally selected Jim as his teaching protégé, and he eats, sleeps, and breathes this technique. It shows.
All in all, the environment here is nurturing and fosters great care in development of a technique which will not only improve your ability as an actor, but will enhance your experience as a human being in this world. So much of what is done here is about exploration of The Self, and how to access your own personal truth, the only place from which growth can occur.
Keep up the good work, Jim & Melissa! You both inspire us all in so many ways, and your light shines brightly through everyone you touch!

The program here follows the Meisner Technique as it was taught by Meisner himself. Although I came away after the first 3 months learning new techniques, the personalities of the teachers didn’t meld with me. In fact, more than half of the class is not returning for the 2^nd session (of 6). In a school where you are taught to ‘read’ other people and work off of what they give you — I found the teachers themselves could use some work in that department as they were rude to me based on how they thought I felt. They were wrong. They were quick to judge and were sometimes Jim got angry and yelled at students for being late. There is a zero late policy which I am all for, but due to traffic, it happens. The students did call ahead saying they were stuck (as we were instructed), however they were berated in front of the class. And those of us who were on time, were also yelled at by the teachers to not be late… even though we weren’t. They later apologized after people starting to drop the class due in part to that.
I give it 3 stars because I did learn some great and valid lessons. Before getting admitted, you will need to do an interview. I wasn’t sure it was right for me after the interview, but I went ahead with it anyway because I thought it was unique to be taught by someone who was directly taught by Sanford Meisner himself. Follow your gut.

There are a few things that I have come across that has a major shift or impact on my life, and the teachings I’ve learned here at the Meisner Technique Studio is one of them. If you want to learn to act REALLY WELL, come here. Bottom Line.
The program is baby-​stepped, building the craft of acting building block by building block, so it can be frustrating to some at first, but before you know it, you understand it. It really is like working out at the gym, doing reps. I KNOW that I am a stronger artist and person by going through this program.

The Most LIFE CHANGING thing I’ve done as an adult! It feels like it has to be the best acting school in the world, and that feeling I get… could very well be right. This school is one of the very few that teach the Meisner Technique the the same way that Sanford Meisner taught it, the way it was intended to be taught… because Jim Jarrett was the 8^th and final teaching protégé of Sanford Meisner, learning directly from him not only the technique, but HOW to teach the technique! Jim would never say this, but I feel I got even better instruction than any one did from Meisner himself, because Jim’s giving us everything Sanford Meisner gave him, plus the amazing life experiences and lessons of Jim’s life as well. Melissa is the other instructor and she’s been called the best instructor of the Meisner Technique by anyone that wasn’t trained by Meisner… and it’s not a contest, but she’s that good as well.
WARNING: as amazing as this school is, it’s not for everyone! I’ve taken acting classes for years prior to this and never felt near the growth and life changing transformation this school has brought me and just about every other graduate. However, you have to be willing to completely commit, sacrifice, and not let your ego get in the way of anything. It’s a two-​year program that flies by! About half the students can’t hack it and either leave or are asked to leave (because of attitudes or lack of work ethic). The half that do finish, pretty much feel like me and have seen the immense growth in ourselves and our classmates that we’ve grown so close to. You have to be willing to sacrifice a lot if you really want to become an actor and if you want to be in this school. You will practice almost everyday, which is fun (most of the time). So if you don’t enjoy this craft and don’t want to practice it almost everyday, then why would you think you’d want to do it almost everyday as a profession? Acting is too competitive to be lazy, so don’t even call yourself an actor if you’re going to be lazy at it.
After two years this is my final week of classes, and it’s very bitter-​sweet. I can’t wait to get out there and work, but I’ll also miss coming to the studio twice a week and seeing my classmates that I’ve become so close with… It’s not an exaggeration when people call this school Life Changing.

This training has changed my life. No exaggeration, the foundation I received for the craft of acting serves as a whole new light in how I view humanity. There is no room for ego in the classroom. Once I opened my heart and stayed open to the teachings, I noticed I was developing a skill. Now, I know exactly which tools to pull out of my tool bag to get to work on my craft.
The founder and director of the studio Jim Jarrett and assistant director Melissa Thompson Esaia promised me on the first day that if I hung in there, I would graduate with an understanding for the craft of acting and I’d be ready to fly for the professional world. They were right! I’m so empowered to get to work! I’m a recent graduate of the 2 year training, and I’m finishing up in the Business of Your Dream class (5 Stars here too, highly recommended).
They both have taught me it’s ok to dream! And, they’ve taught me the structure, the foundation building, the step-​by-​step process of how to make that dream a reality. I’m so empowered and thankful. Thank you Jim & Melissa. I’ll go fly now!

I graduated in March but I will be a student of this studio for the rest of my life. This studio is home. Here, I discovered I’m an artist. I discovered I have a voice that deserves to be heard. I discovered my dream. This studio has empowered me to live my life fearlessly and rid myself of limits and «I can’t’s».
Jim and Melissa are generous, caring, humble, passionate teachers who live what they teach. As a student, you’re held to a high standard of professionalism, which is what makes every class special. You’ve gotta bring it, you will be exposed if you don’t work hard, because you’re surrounded by people who care immensely about what it means to call yourself an actor. You can’t «cruise» through this training.
If you’re interested in and committed to growing as a human being and an actor/​artist, then this is the place for you. Be prepared for the highest caliber of professionalism, which means showing up on time with your work done. This expectation is incredibly inspiring and motivating if you embrace it and step up to the plate, it’s incredible to have teachers who care enough to hold you accountable for your behavior and work ethic. You won’t believe what you can accomplish in two years.

I’m a 2013 graduate of this school. I’ve had a dozen or so acting teachers over the years, and compared notes with my acting friends in New York and LA, but none compare to Jim Jarrett and Melissa Thompson Esaia at the Meisner Technique Studio. The two year program is an incredibly rigorous world-​class training program based on how Stanford Meisner taught it, pure and simple. Anyone who researches the great acting teachers that changed American acting will quickly find Stanford Meisner somewhere at the top of that list. For those serious about learning the craft of acting, I can’t think of a better place to study.
Not everyone who joins the class is able to handle the commitment required. For those that are committed to learning and the training, you get the opportunity to learn and grow with like minded studies who share your commitment, which makes this class environment unique and the learning and personal experience all the more rich and rewarding. The key to success in this program is openness and dedication.
Jim and Melissa have an unwavering commitment to each student, and their dedication and gentle guidance of the students in this program sets an incredibly high standard in world of teaching. In short, anyone who really wants to learn acting would be lucky to study at this school.