Why should you study with us?
A solid foundation of craft that will allow you to work at the highest level, in any medium of acting
OUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:
We aspire to uphold the same standard for the craft of acting that Sanford Meisner instilled in each of his students. We strive to create an environment of self motivated actors who are willing to show up and do the work required for this craft. If you are willing to put forth a work ethic that matches the current industry standards one should expect to encounter within the entertainment industry, we are the school for you. Whether you came to us with zero experience or you are a seasoned veteran, our actors feel confident launching from our school with the necessary understanding and skill set to start working within the industry right away.
Maui Meisner Studio offers comprehensive and engaging acting classes on the island of Maui that focus on the renowned Meisner Technique, a practical and intuitive approach that emphasizes truthful behavior under imaginary circumstances.
In our classes, you will:
* Develop strong emotional connection and authenticity
* Learn to truly "live truthfully under imaginary circumstances"
*Build a character from a deeper and more authentic place
* Sharpen your listening and responding skills
* Build confidence and presence in a way like never before
* Work in a supportive and inspiring environment
For actors who are actively seeking to deepen and enhance their craft, possessing the essential ability to create organic, fully realized, and believable human behavior, the Meisner Technique provides you with a valuable and effective way to do it.
We are committed to helping you develop into a serious professional actor, one who is grounded in essential acting skills. We do this through immersive, hands-on training.
Nice to meet you. I’m Maeve.
I’m the founder of the Maui Meisner Studio and a seasoned actor and teacher. I had the profound honor of training under Jim Jarrett, the last teaching protégé personally chosen by Sanford Meisner to carry on his legacy. I now specialize in teaching the formal Meisner Technique training program, the Introduction to Meisner, and private coaching for auditions.
My mission is to continue Meisner’s legacy with integrity and heart—to help actors discover their most authentic selves and become fully alive in their work.
I began my acting journey in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I studied musical theater and drama at Pittsburgh’s Creative and Performing Arts High School. I went on to attend Duquesne University and performed with the Red Masquers Theater Troupe—one of the oldest amateur theater companies in Pennsylvania. During my time there, I directed, wrote, and performed in numerous productions, including roles such as Low Dive Jenny in The Threepenny Opera, Madame X in The Stronger, and Madge in Picnic.
In 2015, I moved to San Francisco to study at The Meisner Technique Studio under Jim Jarrett. After completing the full two-year training program, I continued working in theater and independent film throughout California. My film credits include Donna (2017), Flowers (2018), The Agent (2020), Seed Spirit (2023), and the upcoming There is a Crack in Everything and The New Knight. These projects have been featured and awarded in over a dozen international film festivals.
Alongside my acting career, I’ve dedicated myself to teaching and coaching actors. I’ve mentored hundreds of students across the country—young and old, beginner to professional—through my work at The Meisner Technique Studio in San Francisco, in masterclasses for youth in the Bay Area, private coaching for college and commercial auditions, and now at the Maui Meisner Studio. I’m also a founding member of the Encounters Film Collective in San Francisco, where I remain an active collaborator and coach to many of the collective’s actors.
This work is my calling. I teach because I love this craft, and because I believe in the power of truthful human connection—on stage, on screen, and in life.
I’m a working actor and teacher who believes acting can, and should, be deeply personal, incredibly alive, and emotionally honest. That’s what I help my students find every day.
Courses for all artists.
What people are saying.
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"Her teaching method is both motivating and precise. She introduced the basics and initial building blocks of the Meisner Technique in a fluid, accessible manner. She is an expert at using clear specific examples straight from Sandy's words!"
— Andi C.
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"Her approach to the Meisner Technique is clear, effective, and deeply immersive. I walked away from her classes with a stronger understanding of acting, a deeper connection to my instincts(and myself) and more confidence in my work. She not only helped me grow as an actor but also as a person, and I'm so grateful for that."
— Nick L.
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"My advice: if you're looking to take acting seriously, studying with Maeve is excellent decision; if you're looking to try out acting for the first time, Maeve will teach you and develop you into a well trained Meisner actor."
— Craig S.
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"Maeve's interpretation of Sanford Meisner's teachings paved the way for invaluable lessons in moving away from hesitancy and toward acting with instinct and impulse. Her class taught me what it means to be fully present and hyper-focused when in dialogue, providing me with tools to get out of my head and be less self-critical."
—Devaney L.
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"Maeve is a compassionate teacher able to translate Meisner across a range of understandings. She is fiercely dedicated to her students and her craft. You will be on a journey with her allowing you both the support and independence necessary to own the Meisner Technique and make it your own. Maeve is an incredible teacher and I would recommend her in a heartbeat."
—Ashlyn M.
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"If you're lucky, you'll have a few teachers in your life who truly help shape you into the person you're meant to become. I'm beyond grateful to say that Maeve is one of those teachers."
—Lou R.
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