Meisner Technique Acting Course by Shane Peterman
Become a more confident and truthful actor
The Meisner Technique Acting Course
Augusta, are you ready to take your acting to the next level?
Whether you’re stepping on stage for the first time or looking to sharpen your professional skills, this is your opportunity to train in one of the world’s most respected acting techniques.
The Augusta Players, in partnership with the Imperial Theatre, is proud to offer an 8-Week Meisner Acting Technique Course led by Master Teacher and Augusta Players & Imperial Theatre CEO Shane Peterman.
The Meisner Technique, developed by legendary acting teacher Sanford Meisner, is built on the principle of “living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” Rather than teaching actors how to “perform,” Meisner training develops truthful emotional connection, instinctive listening, authentic character development, and the confidence to respond honestly in the moment. It remains one of the most influential and widely respected approaches to actor training for stage, film, and television.
Drawing on more than 20 years of teaching experience rooted directly in the Meisner tradition, Shane Peterman will guide students through the core principles of Preparation, Personalization, and Interpretation while introducing the renowned Repetition Exercise, monologue work, scene study, given circumstances, and the practical tools actors need to create compelling, believable performances.
Shane has spent nearly 30 years working professionally in theatre, film, and television as an actor, director, producer, casting director, artistic director, executive, and educator. He studied the Meisner Technique intensively for five years with renowned teachers Fred Kareman and Terry Martin, whose teaching lineage traces directly from Mr. Meisner, and has taught the technique for more than two decades. As CEO of The Augusta Players & Imperial Theatre and a member of Actors’ Equity Association and the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, he brings both deep artistic training and real-world professional experience into every class.
The Meisner Technique has helped shape generations of acclaimed performers, including Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, Jeff Bridges, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Naomi Watts, Jeff Goldblum, Christopher Lloyd, Allison Janney, Christopher Meloni, Connie Britton, Jennifer Grey, Dylan McDermott, Tom Cruise, and many others. It continues to be one of the most sought-after foundations for actors pursuing careers on stage and screen.
Over the years, dozens of Shane’s students have gone on to work professionally and continue their studies at prestigious conservatories, including The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and other leading drama schools throughout the United States and England.
Whether your goal is community theatre, professional performance, musical theatre, film, television, or simply becoming a more confident and truthful actor, this course will give you practical techniques that will benefit every performance.
Open to ages 17 and up. Beginners and experienced actors are welcome.
Register today and discover the power of truthful and authentic acting. Spaces are limited!
CLASS DATES:
All classes are from 6:30PM-9:00PM
About The Instructor
Shane Peterman has spent nearly 30 years working professionally in theatre, film, and television as an executive, actor, director, producer, casting director, artistic director, and educator. At the core of his work is a deep commitment to the Meisner Technique. Shane studied the technique intensively for five years with renowned acting teachers Fred Kareman and Terry Martin, whose lineage traces directly to Sanford Meisner, and has taught the Meisner Technique for more than 20 years. His approach emphasizes truthful behavior, emotional honesty, instinctive listening, and authentic human connection, helping actors develop the confidence and craft needed for both stage and screen.
In addition to his work as a teacher, Shane has built an extensive career in the performing arts, participating in hundreds of productions as an actor, director, producer, and executive. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of The Augusta Players & Imperial Theatre, following more than twelve years as Producing Artistic Director of WaterTower Theatre and Producer of Lyric Stage, and led numerous world premiere and commercial theatre projects through Peterman Entertainment Inc. A member of Actors’ Equity Association and the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, Shane brings decades of professional experience into the classroom, giving actors practical insight into the artistic and professional demands of today’s industry while remaining grounded in the timeless principles of the Meisner Technique.
“Having taught the technique for twenty years, I have seen first hand how this work transforms people. This comes direct from Mr Meisner via my mentors Terry Martin and Fred Kareman”~ Shane Peterman