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Directing With The Michael Chekhov Technique

Blake Bell

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Published in Directing With The Michael Chekhov Technique: A Workbook With Video For Directors Teachers And Actors (Theatre Arts Workbooks)

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The Michael Chekhov technique is a method of acting that was developed by Michael Chekhov, a Russian actor and director. The technique is based on the belief that the actor's body and mind are interconnected, and that the actor can use their body to express their emotions and thoughts.

Directing with the Michael Chekhov Technique: A Workbook with Video for Directors, Teachers and Actors (Theatre Arts Workbooks)

by William L. Slout

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	933 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	283 pages

Principles of the Michael Chekhov Technique

The Michael Chekhov technique is based on a number of principles, including:

The actor's body is a tool for expression. The actor can use their body to express their emotions, thoughts, and intentions.
The actor's imagination is a powerful tool. The actor can use their imagination to create a world on stage, and to bring their characters to life.
The actor must be present in the moment. The actor must be fully present in the moment, in order to be able to connect with their characters and the audience.
The actor must be truthful. The actor must be truthful in their performance, in order to create a believable character.
The actor must be disciplined. The actor must be disciplined in their training, in order to develop their skills as an actor.

Exercises of the Michael Chekhov Technique

The Michael Chekhov technique includes a number of exercises that can help actors to develop their skills. These exercises include:

The Imaginary Body. The actor imagines that their body is made of a different material, such as rubber or metal. This exercise helps the actor to develop their body awareness and control.
The Emotional Sphere. The actor imagines that their emotions are located in different parts of their body. This exercise helps the actor to connect with their emotions and to express them in a believable way.
The Psychological Gesture. The actor creates a gesture that represents a particular emotion or thought. This exercise helps the actor to develop their physicality and to express their characters' inner lives.
The Psychic Image. The actor creates an image in their mind that represents a particular character or situation. This exercise helps the actor to develop their imagination and to bring their characters to life.
The Inner Monologue. The actor speaks the thoughts of their character out loud. This exercise helps the actor to develop their vocal skills and to connect with their characters' inner lives.

How to Apply the Michael Chekhov Technique to Directing

The Michael Chekhov technique can be applied to directing in a number of ways. Directors can use the technique to help actors to develop their characters, to create a believable world on stage, and to connect with the audience.

Here are some tips on how to apply the Michael Chekhov technique to directing:

Encourage actors to use their bodies. Help actors to develop their body awareness and control by encouraging them to use their bodies to express their emotions and thoughts.
Help actors to develop their imagination. Encourage actors to use their imagination to create a world on stage, and to bring their characters to life.
Help actors to be present in the moment. Help actors to be fully present in the moment, in order to be able to connect with their characters and the audience.
Help actors to be truthful. Help actors to be truthful in their performances, in order to create believable characters.
Help actors to be disciplined. Help actors to be disciplined in their training, in order to develop their skills as actors.

The Michael Chekhov technique is a powerful tool that can help actors and directors to create believable and engaging performances. By understanding the principles and exercises of the technique, you can use it to help your actors to develop their skills and to create a truly memorable theatrical experience.

Directing with the Michael Chekhov Technique: A Workbook with Video for Directors, Teachers and Actors (Theatre Arts Workbooks)

by William L. Slout

5 out of 5