“My acting training began at the ripe old age of 13, in the year 1981. Having never taken an acting class before, my first exposure to training was in the Meisner Technique through Sanford Meisner’s student June Whitaker-an Alumni of The Neighbourhood Playhouse since 1968.

In keeping with the tradition of passing Sanford Meisner’s legacy on to others; Ms. Whitaker taught with Meisner’s blessing, which was evident from their many correspondences. Where the letters pertained to the craft, June shared some excerpts with our class. Through listening to his words, I vividly remember feeling Mr. Meisner’s devotion to the Craft and his profound dedication to his students- an experience that was both humbling and richly inspiring. My Mentor’s deep love and admiration for her Teacher was nothing less than profound. It is with that same dedication, devotion and humility that Ms. Whitaker taught her students The Meisner Technique. 

To this day I consider myself blessed to have studied under June. Indeed, I was one among a small group of students in the very first class Ms. Whitaker taught and I remember it well; June talked about ‘The Magical As If’ as she described in vivid detail, the gorgeous rainbow that was outside the window, even though that first class commenced on a dark and rainy winter night. Being the geeky, awkward, self conscious kid that I was, in that moment I felt something new; I had come home.

 For the 10 years that followed, I was to study primarily under June until the birth of my daughter in 1991. Within that decade Ms. Whitaker had built a prolific following, not only having trained some of the most respected actors Vancouver has known to date but more importantly instilling within us a work ethic and reverence for what the Craft actually means. Many of her students applied the skills, Ms. Whitaker imparted to their professional careers (which they still enjoy today) and it has served them well; Martin Cummins, Nick Lea, Bernie Coulson and Jason Priestly to name a very few. 

It was under the auspices of June’s studio, that I, from time to time, first cut my teaching teeth, filling in for my Mentor in the event that she was ill or otherwise delayed. A great teacher not only inspires her students but truly wants the best for them. She patiently demands, class after class, year after year that the student(s) rise to their potential. As inspiring as June’s teachings were, equally so was her call to my personal actualization. I am deeply indebted to my Mentor and Sanford Meisner for imparting to me not only the tools which advanced my career, chronicled by the celluloid it’s printed upon, but more sweetly- a way of life that has shaped the very foundation of what I cherish most: Telling the truth, living imaginatively, trusting my inner life, trusting my instincts and above all Doing the Work simply for the Joy of Doing the Work.”
                                                                                                                               - Christianne Hirt (Co-founder/Studio Director, Company of Rogues Actors’ Studio)

“Studying with Christianne Hirt changed my life. She has a great love and compassion for her actors. Her guidance and wisdom is truly inspiring. In Christianne’s classes you must be prepared to give your very best work and your complete commitment because that is exactly what Christianne gives to her Meisner classes every week. When studying the Meisner Technique you must be prepared to explore, to let go, to make mistakes and most importantly to do the work. Company of Rogues is the most professional and supportive outlet to do just that. You have an immediate sense of trust with Christianne, she is the real thing. Her classes are amazing. She is right there with you and for the work 150%. Christianne’s teaching truly inspired me as an actor and I wanted to learn even more. I spent 6 years studying with Christianne and I eventually decided to make the leap to New York and apply to The Neighborhood Playhouse 2 year Acting Program and study Meisner on a full time basis. When I applied I was very honored to have a beautiful letter of recommendation from Christianne. I was accepted and graduated from the 2 year acting program! While studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse I was so proud to be there knowing what a strong foundation I already had from my time at Rogues and from the brilliant and talented Christianne. I know that my success in New York at The Neighborhood Playhouse, the actor and person I am today would not be so without Christianne and Company of Rogues Studio.  I say that with great pride, love and gratitude.”
-Brianna Dillon, Master Class Alumnus and Neighborhood Playhouse Graduate -Toronto based Actor.