The Michael Chekhov Technique

Requirement: Basic command of the English language.

This is an introductory course for those who want to learn how to act and improve their stage presence and improvisation skills. These classes cover different themes and psychophysical exercises from the famous acting teacher Michael Chekhov. His method uses gestures, impulses and strong body language to reflect emotions and incite talent and individuality. Unlike the ‘usual’ Stanislavsky method, where actors have to become the character by drawing from personal experiences, Chekhov’s approach puts emphasis on going a step further and using our creative imagination to create the ‘truthfulness in a character’ and avoiding the ‘flatness’ in a performance. The exercises nurture the mind-body connection in expressing emotion, so essential in this method, in order to create a sense of ease on stage, much like the dancers at the peak of their performance.

During the ‘golden age of Hollywood’ this technique shaped the acting skills of Clint Eastwood, Marilyn Monroe, Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck, leading up several Oscar awards.

Besides psychophysical exercises, in this course we will touch upon the aspects of physical comedy, drawing from Commedia dell’arte and Clowning and using monologues from plays and fairytales to develop awareness and further the performance skills.

This course is offered in English.