TC Theatre and Film Classes

Michael Chekhov Technique
and
Energy Acting

Unique approaches to acting and energy work.

Sunday Afternoon
Michael Chekhov Technique Classes
Starts January 9th, 2005

For registration and class information, click here

Michael Chekhov Technique

These classes cover basic principles of the Michael Chekhov Technique and will explore the "psycho-physical" approach to acting developed by Michael Chekhov, nephew to Anton Chekhov and student of Stanislavski. Elements of the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique include the use of archetypes, physical centers, the imaginary body, atmosphere, qualities of movement, and physical sensations. Students in these classes will gain a basic understanding of the technique as well as tools that you will be able to begin using immediately in your acting work.

Energy Acting

Energy Acting - using the body's energy system to connect with audiences and other actors more effectively. We will also focus on the use of breath as an actor. ]Whether you call it chi, aura, chakra, prana... energy is an important part of life and of acting. Yet is rarely addressed through traditional acting classes. This course focuses on the interconnectedness of human beings. Participants in this course will explore how to reach out to other actors and audience members via energy channels and create more personal connections.

Michael Chekhov Technique FAQ's

1. Who was Michael Chekhov?
Michael Chekhov, nephew of Anton Chekhov the playwright, was born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1891 and studied acting with Constantine Stanislavski at the Moscow Art Theatre. Chekhov eventually became the Artistic Director of the Second Studio of the Moscow Art Theatre. The acting technique he developed was viewed as 'alien and reactionary' by Bolshevik officials and Chekhov was forced to flee Russia to avoid arrest. He traveled to Berlin and Berlin and eventually settled in the United States where he trained such actors as Anthony Quinn, Jack Palance, Gary Cooper, Gregory Peck, Clint Eastwood, Marilyn Monroe, Beatrice Straight, Lloyd Bridges, Jeff Corey, Elia Kazan, Martin Ritt, Yul Brynner, Mala Powers, Joanna Merlin, Jack Colvin and Deirdre Hurst du Prey

2. What is the Michael Chekhov Technique?
The Michael Chekhov Acting Technique consists primarily of work with the 'imaginary body' and the Psychological Gesture (PG). By working with the 'imaginary body,' the actor is able to effect both physical and psychological changes. This is neither a 'physical' approach to acting, nor a 'psychological' one. Chekhov referred to his work as 'psycho-physical.'

3. What benefits will I gain as an actor from studying the technique?
A. Stronger, more inspired performances.
B. Greater sense of ease as a performer.
C. Ability to quickly call up characters and emotions and then 'let go' of them when you are finished.
D. More developed sense of imagination.

4. What are the elements of the technique?
Imaginary Body
Centers
Qualities of Movement
Physical Sensations
Character Archetypes
Atmosphere
Psychological Gestures
Radiating
Ensemble work
The Four Brothers ' Feeling of Ease, Form, Beauty, and The Whole.
Improvisation
Ultimate Desire

5. What is the format of the classes?

The classes are extremely experiential in nature - we learn by doing. Students will discover their life bodies and learn to manipulate them to reach the desired result.

Beginning students will spend most of their time in the classes working on exercises to help them discover the various aspects of the technique. Beginning students will not master the technique through the introductory class, but will gain a basic understanding of the technique by the end of the introductory class.

Intermediate and advanced students will deepen their understanding of the technique by continuing to work on technique basics, but will begin utilizing the technique with scene work as well.

The Sunday Night On-going class has been cancelled.

The Sunday Afternoon Introduction to the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique Class will begin January 9th, 2005.

Dates: January 9th - February 20th (there will be no class on February 13th)
Times: 1:30 -4:30 pm
Location: Ballet of the Dolls
820 18th Ave. NE
Cost: $180.00 (Reviewer rate is available for students who have completed at least an Intro course with me email or call me at 651-485-4668 for specifics)

	TC Theatre and Film	TC Theatre & Film Classes	Books about Michael Chekhov and his technique: (click on the links to order books through Amazon.com and help support this site) TO THE ACTOR On the Technique of Acting By Michael Chekhov Revised and expanded edition Foreword by Simon Callow With a previously unpublished chapter on Psychological Gesture translated by Andrei Malaev-Babel and a biographical overview by Mala Powers. Routledge ISBN# 0415258766 ON THE TECHNIQUE OF ACTING By Michael Chekhov, Edited by Mel Gordon Preface and Afterword by Mala Powers Harper Collins, New York ISBN# 0062730371 FROM RUSSIA TO HOLLYWOOD: The 100-Year Odyssey of Chekhov and Shdanoff Pathfinder Home Ente's VIDEO DOCUMENTARY on Michael Chekhov and his long-time teaching associate, George Shdanoff. Starring Gregory Peck Black & White, Color 105 minutes Available in VHS and DVD ON THEATER AND THE ART OF ACTING (Six hours of Master Classes on four 90-minute cassettes) Recorded by Michael Chekhov Edited, and with a 48 page course guide by Mala Powers Applause Theater Books, New York TO THE ACTOR (out of print) By Michael Chekhov Harper and Row-Perennial Library MICHAEL CHEKHOV'S TO THE DIRECTOR AND PLAYWRIGHT Compiled and written by Charles Leonard Limelight Editions, Proscenium Publishers, New York ISBN# 0837196159 THE DRAMA REVIEW- MICHAEL CHEKHOV EDITION Volume 27, number 3 (t99) Fall 1983 The MIT Press, Journals Dept. 28 Carleton St., Cambridge MA 02142 LESSONS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ACTOR By Michael Chekhov, Edited by Deirdre Hurst du Prey Performing Arts Journal Publication Books, NY ISBN# 093382680X LESSONS TO TEACHERS Edited by Deirdre Hurst du Prey Dovehouse Editions 1890 Fairmeadow Crescent Ottawa, ONTARIO CANADA K1H 7B9 MIKHAIL CHEKHOV AS ACTOR, DIRECTOR, AND TEACHER By Lendley C. Black UMI Research Press Ann Arbor, MI 48106 THE STANISLAVSKY TECHNIQUE: RUSSIA By Mel Gordon Applause Theater Books, New York ISBN# 0936839082 TWENTIETH CENTURY ACTOR TRAINING Edited by Alison Hodge Routledge ISBN# 0415194520

		Michael Chekhov Technique and Energy Acting Unique approaches to acting and energy work. Sunday Afternoon Michael Chekhov Technique Classes Starts January 9th, 2005 For registration and class information, click here Michael Chekhov Technique These classes cover basic principles of the Michael Chekhov Technique and will explore the "psycho-physical" approach to acting developed by Michael Chekhov, nephew to Anton Chekhov and student of Stanislavski. Elements of the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique include the use of archetypes, physical centers, the imaginary body, atmosphere, qualities of movement, and physical sensations. Students in these classes will gain a basic understanding of the technique as well as tools that you will be able to begin using immediately in your acting work. Energy Acting Energy Acting - using the body's energy system to connect with audiences and other actors more effectively. We will also focus on the use of breath as an actor. ]Whether you call it chi, aura, chakra, prana... energy is an important part of life and of acting. Yet is rarely addressed through traditional acting classes. This course focuses on the interconnectedness of human beings. Participants in this course will explore how to reach out to other actors and audience members via energy channels and create more personal connections. Michael Chekhov Technique FAQ's 1. Who was Michael Chekhov? Michael Chekhov, nephew of Anton Chekhov the playwright, was born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1891 and studied acting with Constantine Stanislavski at the Moscow Art Theatre. Chekhov eventually became the Artistic Director of the Second Studio of the Moscow Art Theatre. The acting technique he developed was viewed as 'alien and reactionary' by Bolshevik officials and Chekhov was forced to flee Russia to avoid arrest. He traveled to Berlin and Berlin and eventually settled in the United States where he trained such actors as Anthony Quinn, Jack Palance, Gary Cooper, Gregory Peck, Clint Eastwood, Marilyn Monroe, Beatrice Straight, Lloyd Bridges, Jeff Corey, Elia Kazan, Martin Ritt, Yul Brynner, Mala Powers, Joanna Merlin, Jack Colvin and Deirdre Hurst du Prey 2. What is the Michael Chekhov Technique? The Michael Chekhov Acting Technique consists primarily of work with the 'imaginary body' and the Psychological Gesture (PG). By working with the 'imaginary body,' the actor is able to effect both physical and psychological changes. This is neither a 'physical' approach to acting, nor a 'psychological' one. Chekhov referred to his work as 'psycho-physical.' 3. What benefits will I gain as an actor from studying the technique? A. Stronger, more inspired performances. B. Greater sense of ease as a performer. C. Ability to quickly call up characters and emotions and then 'let go' of them when you are finished. D. More developed sense of imagination. 4. What are the elements of the technique? Imaginary Body Centers Qualities of Movement Physical Sensations Character Archetypes Atmosphere Psychological Gestures Radiating Ensemble work The Four Brothers ' Feeling of Ease, Form, Beauty, and The Whole. Improvisation Ultimate Desire 5. What is the format of the classes? The classes are extremely experiential in nature - we learn by doing. Students will discover their life bodies and learn to manipulate them to reach the desired result. Beginning students will spend most of their time in the classes working on exercises to help them discover the various aspects of the technique. Beginning students will not master the technique through the introductory class, but will gain a basic understanding of the technique by the end of the introductory class. Intermediate and advanced students will deepen their understanding of the technique by continuing to work on technique basics, but will begin utilizing the technique with scene work as well. During the classes, we will address the following subjects/areas of study: Character Archetypes, Centers and the Imaginary Body We will explore Chekhov's character archetypes and centers, how to access and use them. The Importance of Breath and Atmosphere We will work on breath as a tool to connect with our audience and on creating atmosphere through energetic means.. Qualities of Movement & Sensations Chekhov said the 'how' is more important than the 'why' - we' will look at how to apply this through qualities of movement. And emotions are elusive - through Chekhov's technique we will explore a method of enticing emotions and how to create emotional states that can be turned on and off. Psychological Gestures One of the main elements of Chekhov's technique. We will explore the creation and use of psychological gestures in creating characters and moments within the play. Application of the Technique, Actions & Objectives We will work with short scenes- how to approach them and how to break them down. We will also explore Chekhov's archetypal approach to actions and objectives. Return to top of page The Sunday Night On-going class has been cancelled. The Sunday Afternoon Introduction to the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique Class will begin January 9th, 2005. Dates: January 9th - February 20th (there will be no class on February 13th) Times: 1:30 -4:30 pm Location: Ballet of the Dolls 820 18th Ave. NE Cost: $180.00 (Reviewer rate is available for students who have completed at least an Intro course with me email or call me at 651-485-4668 for specifics) Return to top of page

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