Whether you're searching for professional acting classes in San Francisco, scene study training, or film acting technique, The Meisner Technique Studio offers world-class training that builds truth, presence, and instinct as your foundation
I am committed to providing the premier Meisner Technique training in the San Francisco Bay Area - the technique recognized for producing some of the most successful, authentic actors in the world. Guided by our acclaimed world-class faculty and guest industry professionals, our students not only master the genius of Sandy’s technique but also gain the business skills essential for success -auditioning for television and film, marketing themselves effectively, and securing top-tier representation. Our mission is simple: to put a foundation in place for our students to have world-class training and the knowledge to build lasting careers in the industry so that they can be ready to work anywhere in the world.
Jim Jarrett is an actor, writer, producer and the last teaching protégé of Sanford Meisner.
In 2005, Jim established The Meisner Technique Studio in San Francisco. In so doing, he made good on a promise he’d made to Sanford Meisner years before – to carry on Sandy’s legacy with acting classes presenting the Meisner Technique as pure, legitimate, and authentic as possible.
Jim is represented exclusively by Clint Mitchell of William Morris Endeavor.
I have been around great actors for over fifty years. Jim is a great actor, director, and teacher and if you have the chance to work with him, you really should.
BARRIE OSBORNE
Academy Award-winning producer of Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, Apocalypse Now, Mulan, The Great Gatsby, The Big Chill, Dick Tracy, Peggy Sue Got Married, Cotton Club, Pete’s Dragon, Little Fish, Face/Off, Rapa-Nui ...
Classes
An Introduction to The Meisner Technique
The Introduction is not a workshop or an intensive. It’s the the first half of Session One of the Formal Training and an incredible opportunity to experience the genius of what Sanford Meisner created:
Students who complete both Introductory Classes and want to move into the Formal Training will be given the opportunity to re-interview with Jim. If accepted, you would move directly into a Session Two class of the Formal Training
There are two consecutive three-month sessions
Class meets once a week, three hours per class, every three-month session
You must be invited to return at the end of the first session
0 Sessions Available
The Meisner Technique – Formal Training
The Formal Training is taught by Sanford Meisner’s last teaching protegé, Jim Jarrett. This is world class training presented exactly how Mr. Meisner intended – as pure, legitimate, and authentic as possible:
There are six consecutive three-month sessions
Class meets twice a week, three hours per class, every three-month session
You must be invited to return at the end of each session
1 Session Available
Jun 24 – Sep 9, 2026
Schedule
SUNDAYS - 2:30pm - 5:30pm
WEDNESDAYS - 3:30pm - 6:30pm
Instructors
Jim Jarrett, Maeve Montgomery
Which One Are You?
A dream should scare you a little and excite you a lot
-Joe Vitale
Most people who want to become actors can’t find the courage to even take the first step of doing basic research. Yet here you are so way to go!
Maybe your desire to become an actor has been inside you for a long time or maybe it’s new. Either way, you most likely have questions so let’s begin with the most common ones for anyone just starting out.
I’ve never acted before. I’m excited, terrified, and have no idea where to begin, but I know this is what I am supposed to do!
A dream should scare you a little and excite you a lot
-Joe Vitale
Most people who want to become actors can’t find the courage to even take the first step of doing basic research. Yet here you are so way to go!
Maybe your desire to become an actor has been inside you for a long time or maybe it’s new. Either way, you most likely have questions so let’s begin with the most common ones for anyone just starting out.
Improv classes are booming, and for good reason! It’s a chance to address your fears of getting up in front of others, to have a creative outlet that gets you out of your head and connects you to your gut, and most of all, it can be a lot of fun.
For some, it becomes something even greater. It’s the catalyst for taking things to another level and exploring whether you want to commit to becoming a working actor.
First of all, congratulations on taking this next step.
The good news is, you don’t have to quit your job, or move to LA to discover if becoming an actor is right for you. So if you’d like to take smaller steps, instead of diving in headfirst, reach out and schedule an interview to discuss your options.
I took an improv class and loved it. Now I’m looking for more to see if I want to take things to the next level.
Improv classes are booming, and for good reason! It’s a chance to address your fears of getting up in front of others, to have a creative outlet that gets you out of your head and connects you to your gut, and most of all, it can be a lot of fun.
For some, it becomes something even greater. It’s the catalyst for taking things to another level and exploring whether you want to commit to becoming a working actor.
First of all, congratulations on taking this next step.
The good news is, you don’t have to quit your job, or move to LA to discover if becoming an actor is right for you. So if you’d like to take smaller steps, instead of diving in headfirst, reach out and schedule an interview to discuss your options.
When you grow up you tend to be told that the world is the way it is and your life is to just live your life inside this world – try not to bash the walls too much. Try to have a nice family life, have fun, save a little money. That is a very limited life.
-Steve Jobs
You are here because your love of acting will not die. Even though you’ve tried to run from it, hide from it, ignore it, belittle it, starve it, even shun it, after all these years, it’s still deep inside you. And you know it’s time to find out why your love of acting won’t go away. So congratulations, this is a huge deal.
One piece of advice – go after this with such conviction and resolution that you’ll finally know, once and for all, why this feeling has never left you.
Whether you choose to study with us doesn’t matter at all. What does matter is that you’re finally doing this. So from all of us at The Meisner Technique Studio, we wish you the very best!
I've always loved acting but quit and did what I was "supposed" to do, but I'm not happy. And acting made me truly happy.
When you grow up you tend to be told that the world is the way it is and your life is to just live your life inside this world – try not to bash the walls too much. Try to have a nice family life, have fun, save a little money. That is a very limited life.
-Steve Jobs
You are here because your love of acting will not die. Even though you’ve tried to run from it, hide from it, ignore it, belittle it, starve it, even shun it, after all these years, it’s still deep inside you. And you know it’s time to find out why your love of acting won’t go away. So congratulations, this is a huge deal.
One piece of advice – go after this with such conviction and resolution that you’ll finally know, once and for all, why this feeling has never left you.
Whether you choose to study with us doesn’t matter at all. What does matter is that you’re finally doing this. So from all of us at The Meisner Technique Studio, we wish you the very best!
If you clicked on this, we understand. The Meisner Technique is not for everyone, and the formal training is a huge commitment of time and energy.
This is why we offer the Introduction to The Meisner Technique. Class only meets once a week for three months, yet it’s a wonderful opportunity to see if the Technique is the right fit for you.
And if you discover that you love the Technique, and the timing can work in the future, you’ll be eligible to join the Formal Training and study with Jim Jarrett.
If this seems like a good first step, schedule an interview with Jim for possible acceptance into the Introductory class.
I can't commit to the formal training right now, but I want to explore if The Meisner Technique is right for me.
If you clicked on this, we understand. The Meisner Technique is not for everyone, and the formal training is a huge commitment of time and energy.
This is why we offer the Introduction to The Meisner Technique. Class only meets once a week for three months, yet it’s a wonderful opportunity to see if the Technique is the right fit for you.
And if you discover that you love the Technique, and the timing can work in the future, you’ll be eligible to join the Formal Training and study with Jim Jarrett.
If this seems like a good first step, schedule an interview with Jim for possible acceptance into the Introductory class.
If you’re here reading this, it means you want more. Even though you have previous training and credits, something is missing, and you can feel it.
You are in good company.
Most working actors with wonderful training still suffer from three major roadblocks to truthful work:
Nerves
Constantly in their head – thinking, judging, watching, criticizing
Rarely present
Often the more training one has, the more one tends to be in their head.
The Meisner Technique is all about getting you out of your head and working from your impulses, instincts, and gut – not once in a while or because you’re “having a good night.”
This is the way you’ll work all the time because you are consistently present. When that happens, your nerves will go away. As Sanford Meisner once said, “It’s impossible to be nervous if your focus is off yourselves.”
But here’s the problem: to turn your instrument into a moment to moment, gut to gut, instinctive, impulsive machine requires time, patience and hard work.
Often actors who already have training and credits lack the humility to give themselves over to this level of training. Instead, they put a band-aide on the holes to their foundation by taking workshops or “intensives.” So to even consider this level of training feels like they’ve somehow failed or it’s a step backwards or even worse, they don’t have time because their “career is slipping away.”
Yet here you are because you do want more.
If that is you, we can help you.
I am an actor. I have training, credits, and I work, BUT something is off and I want to take my career to an entirely new level.
If you’re here reading this, it means you want more. Even though you have previous training and credits, something is missing, and you can feel it.
You are in good company.
Most working actors with wonderful training still suffer from three major roadblocks to truthful work:
Nerves
Constantly in their head – thinking, judging, watching, criticizing
Rarely present
Often the more training one has, the more one tends to be in their head.
The Meisner Technique is all about getting you out of your head and working from your impulses, instincts, and gut – not once in a while or because you’re “having a good night.”
This is the way you’ll work all the time because you are consistently present. When that happens, your nerves will go away. As Sanford Meisner once said, “It’s impossible to be nervous if your focus is off yourselves.”
But here’s the problem: to turn your instrument into a moment to moment, gut to gut, instinctive, impulsive machine requires time, patience and hard work.
Often actors who already have training and credits lack the humility to give themselves over to this level of training. Instead, they put a band-aide on the holes to their foundation by taking workshops or “intensives.” So to even consider this level of training feels like they’ve somehow failed or it’s a step backwards or even worse, they don’t have time because their “career is slipping away.”
If you clicked on this, maybe you’re not sure if you really want to be an actor, but something is pulling you toward acting. Even though you keep thinking this feeling will go away, it doesn’t.
You are not alone. Over the years some of our greatest students have been stay-at-home parents, lawyers, real estate agents, venture capitalists – whatever. And they have ZERO desire to quit their jobs and become actors, but SOMETHING is going on inside of them and they’d like to know what that is.
They just needed to find the courage to take it to the next step. Are you ready to step up and see what this feeling inside of you is all about? If so, schedule your interview today.
Do it. You deserve to know what’s going on.
I'm not really sure if I fit any of the descriptions - but I'm curious about acting and I'd like to learn more.
If you clicked on this, maybe you’re not sure if you really want to be an actor, but something is pulling you toward acting. Even though you keep thinking this feeling will go away, it doesn’t.
You are not alone. Over the years some of our greatest students have been stay-at-home parents, lawyers, real estate agents, venture capitalists – whatever. And they have ZERO desire to quit their jobs and become actors, but SOMETHING is going on inside of them and they’d like to know what that is.
They just needed to find the courage to take it to the next step. Are you ready to step up and see what this feeling inside of you is all about? If so, schedule your interview today.
Conor has been hard at work for years since graduating the from Meisner Technique Studio, and we are so thrilled to see him on the big screen alongside Liam Neeson and Ciarán Hinds
Jim is one of very few who was trained by Sanford Meisner to teach the Meisner Technique which was really important to me. I'm forever grateful I studied here and have had the mentorship of Jim Jarrett.
Marie-Noelle Marquis
I have studied acting for over 20 years and seen my share of schools and teachers (Mainly in Los Angeles) and I can honestly say nothing even comes close to the Meisner Technique Studio. Jim Jarrett’s inspiring, dedicated and professional teaching has made me a better, stronger, more imaginative actor and more confident in my work. It has opened numerous doors to acting and filmmaking opportunities and brought an amazing community of artists to my life. If you are serious about your craft this place will guide you to your voice as an actor and as a person. Jim’s teaching will challenge you while being extremely supportive. Jim is one of those rare teachers who truly cares about the craft of acting and his students’ success.
****One very important fact; Jim is one of very few who was trained by Sanford Meisner to teach the Meisner Technique which was really important to me. The school also has an ongoing Studio after graduation and offer so many opportunities for alumni. I’m forever grateful I studied here and have had the mentorship of Jim Jarrett.
Kathryn Acker
Jim’s inspiration and creativity are endless. His passion for teaching is unmatched. He is sensitive and understanding of the fact that each student learns differently. As Sanford Meisner would say, each actor has their own unique “instrument.” And Jim would be able to cater his teachings uniquely to each student’s needs.
Kathryn Acker
What an amazing life-changing opportunity to have been given a chance to study at The Meisner Technique Studio! This was a place, a school, where I was supported and given a chance to chase my dream and grow as an actor! During my 2 ½ years, I was given tools to help me grow into my craft as well as build a solid foundation, which has made more even more confident to pursue my dream.
And I am insanely fortunate and grateful to have studied under Jim Jarret during my years there. He truly embodied Sanford Meisner and his teachings. To see him so enthusiastic about each teaching he taught made me that more driven and excited to work. In pursuing such a competitive field, one has to be mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy. And there may be people who do not understand or support this dream. But Jim helps guide you through these obstacles. He genuinely cares and wants you to succeed.
I am not going to say the last 2 ½ years were easy. Each class and teaching pushes you. There were a lot of days that were hard. But I put his school, Jim, my dream as my priority. I was willing to put in that effort and work. I was willing to be vulnerable, to let loose and to have fun. And what I was given in return is more than I could have ever asked for.
Jim’s inspiration and creativity are endless. His passion for teaching is unmatched. He is sensitive and understanding of the fact that each student learns differently. As Sanford Meisner would say, each actor has their own unique “instrument.” And Jim would be able to cater his teachings uniquely to each student’s needs.
To find a teacher like Jim is very few and far between. He is one of the best! Jim, thank you for being such an incredible teacher and mentor. Thank you for believing in me!
Deborah Cortez
Deborah Cortez Actor
Don't be like me! Don't think too much about it, just go for this training at The Meisner Technique Studio, and you'll come out a much better actor and person
Deborah Cortez
‘Great’ does not give justice to this review. It should be FANTASTIC! This school has changed my life not only as an actor, but as a human being as well. Jim is the type of mentor that builds you up from the bottom, turning you into a healthy and very well-trained world-class actor. I’ve been acting since I was 15 years old, first in my hometown of Lima, Peru, where I first heard of Stanislavsky. When I moved to the USA, I was introduced to the Meisner Technique. I attended workshops here and there, but nothing fulfilled the expert level of training that I was hungry for. I did some research on the internet and came across the website, having doubts and lots of fears. I didn’t take action until a classmate of mine from a speech and diction class mentioned Jim and The Meisner Technique Studio. She spoke very highly of him and the school, which I took as a sign…but I was still skeptical. It was a lot of money, after all! But when I received some feedback from the TBA General auditions, and not being able to find any other serious Meisner school in the Bay, I decided to interview with Jim. It was time for me to take my career to the next level, and I am SO grateful to be had been accepted. This is one of the BEST decisions I have EVER made in my life. Jim is the last teaching protégé of Sanford Meisner, he truly cares about you as an artist and as a human being. I have had many good acting teachers, but no one like Jim.
Don’t be like me! Don’t think too much about it, just go for this training at The Meisner Technique Studio, and you’ll come out a much better actor and person…that is, if you do the work. Be prepared to be professional and serious about this training. No tardiness and no missing class! You want to be the best ever? You can get the best training here, but don’t play around! Be committed! You will be so happy about having taken this training.
But don’t just take my word for it, you should know that Jim has been teaching the Meisner technique for over 30 years. He is both a mentor and a master whose teachings you can truly benefit from.
John Hamil
John Hamil
Jim Jarrett is an incredible acting teacher and if you’re serious about this craft then look no further. Jim Jarret is a master teacher and there is a reason why Sanford Meisner chose him to carry on the Meisner legacy.
John Hamil
Jim Jarrett is an incredible acting teacher and if you’re serious about this craft then look no further. Jim Jarret is a master teacher and there is a reason why Sanford Meisner chose him to carry on the Meisner legacy. I studied with Jim for 2 years. What a rewarding experience!
Jim will bring you to places you didn’t think you could reach as an actor in a very caring and safe environment. But he’ll demand that you work hard because he has so much respect for the craft of acting, ‘THE WORK’!!
Jim tells it how it is, no BS, a straight shooter, but a sincere passionate teacher who cares.Again he’ll know if you’re working at your craft when you come to class or if you’re bluffing and not putting in the time and effort that is needed.
I can’t recommend Jim highly enough and ten years on since having completed the course I can still call on him with questions and he has never let me down!
We have SUCH exciting news! Jim has officially launched The Bay Area Actor Podcast - a podcast committed to helping any actor in smaller markets find more work. Check it out and let us know what you think!
