About Us
Law Ballard – Director
Law has been teaching the Meisner Technique since 2014, she was a senior acting coach and Artistic Director at the Actors Temple, London’s foremost Meisner studio pre covid pandemic when it sadly had to close its doors. Law studied and assisted with Tom Radcliffe direct student of Sanford Meisner. Her experience as teacher, actor and director is extensive and grounded in this technique.
In 2023 Law affiliated with the Meisner Institute in the US and the Meisner Institute London was born, also working with other organisations including Studio Azot in Paris. She has a teaching certificate in Further and Adult Education and is a Young Vic Genesis Director.
Being an actor herself, she is well aware of what it takes to be an actor and the Industry as a business. She has worked professionally as an actor in TV and Theatre and is very aware of the needs of an actor in and out of the business. She is a fierce advocate for actors and their wellbeing.
“Law is the real deal. I have worked with many acting teachers in the UK and Law is among the best of the group. You can start and stop your search for the right program in her studio.” Scott Trost, Executive Director, Meisner Institute International.
Lorna Dempsey.
Lorna began her teaching career over 11 years ago having founded the performing arts school, Dance LA in Ireland and has since joined the Meisner Institute London to continue her Actor teaching.
After studying at the Royal Academy of Music and College of Dance Ireland, Lorna trained intensively in the Meisner technique at the Actors Temple London. She has worked professionally as an actor, singer and choreographer worldwide. She loves creating and collaborating with artists encouraging growth and authenticity and has written, directed and produced many theatre production’s herself.
“I truly love working with Lorna Dempsey, she creates an atmosphere that allows you to go really deep, she creates an atmosphere of real support and facilitates you being completely present so that you can do really good work, you also have immense fun! You are going to learn so much about yourself, feel incredibly encouraged and explore the very best of what you can offer” Juliet Prew, Actor (Ted Lasso, Toxica & Casualty).
Meisner Institute London is partnered with Meisner Institute Los Angeles the only designated Meisner Acting Studio.
‘The Meisner Institute’s goals are to provide each student with a solid foundation of acting skills, to train the next generation of Meisner teachers, and, as Meisner did for 60 years, to find the best way to teach each unique actor.’
What is the Meisner Technique?
The Meisner Technique was developed by Sanford Meisner at The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City. Sanford “Sandy” Meisner taught acting for over 60 years. He was one of the original members of the legendary Group Theatre. He continually innovated in his classroom as he searched for the most simple, direct, truthful and effective way to train each individual actor in the difficult craft of acting.
Meisner trained many actors and directors, including Robert Duvall, Sydney Pollack, Tony Randall, Sidney Lumet, Christopher Lloyd, James Caan, Diane Keaton, Joanne Woodward, Steve McQueen, Jeff Goldblum, Allison Janney, Sandra Bullock, Viola Davis and many more.
‘Acting is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.’ Sandford Meisner
What is the Meisner Institute London?
Meisner Institute London is an Acting Studio focussing mainly on the techniques developed by Sanford Meisner and is partnered with Meisner Institute Los Angeles the only designated Meisner Acting Studio.
‘The Meisner Institute’s goals are to provide each student with a solid foundation of acting skills, to train the next generation of Meisner teachers, and, as Meisner did for 60 years, to find the best way to teach each unique actor.’ Scott Trost, Executive Director – Meisner Institute