An inspiring and transformative approach to acting, The Michael Chekhov Acting Technique teaches a myriad of concrete tools, such as Centers, Imaginary Body, & Psychological Gesture, that enable actors to reach new heights of creativity and authenticity in their craft. The emphasis of this technique is on the actor as the creative artist. It empowers actors to truly embody the character, explore the full spectrum of human experience, and breathe life into characters with a profound sense of truth and vitality.

Michael Chekhov was born in Russia in 1891. Not to be confused with his playwright uncle, Anton Chekhov, he was a famous Russian actor and director in his own right. He was a member of the renowned Moscow Art Theatre and Konstantin Stanislavski’s most famous student. 

Due to world events and wars throughout his life and career, Michael Chekhov ended up moving across Europe until he eventually settled in the United States, where he directed, performed, and taught his inspiring technique until his death in 1955.

The Michael Chekhov Technique uses a combination of Imagination, Concentration, and PsychoPhysical Exercises to provide concrete, repeatable, and powerful tools for transformation into character. 

Imagination

The imagination of the actor is vital and possesses unlimited potential to enrich and empower your performance. Contrary to other techniques, Chekhov does not ask the actor what would you do if you were the character. Rather, the Chekhov technique uses the power of the imagination to allow the character to speak for themself and avoids muddying the performance with the actor’s personal psychology. 

"The inner life of the [imagination], and not the personal and tiny experiential resources of the actor, should be elaborated on the stage and shown to the audience. This life is rich and revealing for the audience as well as the for the actor himself."   

Michael Chekhov 

Concentration

Concentration is as vital to acting as breathing is to living, and it must become as automatic. The ability to concentrate is like a muscle that becomes more and more powerful with training and practice. This vital ability enables actors to access and harness the power of their imagination, and it plays a key role in the sensitization of the actor to recognize and respond to inner impulses and images. 

"We know we are working the right way when the things we are focusing on take us out of ourselves."  

Michael Chekhov

PsychoPhysical Exercises

One of the core tenets of the Michael Chekhov Technique is the profound connection between the body and one's psychology. In the simplest terms, your personality is reflected in the way you move your body. If you change the way you move your body, it will change your psychology. Therefore, movement is the pathway into the character's psychology.

In this technique, psychology is not limited to the mind. Rather, it encompasses the Mind (thoughts), Heart (feelings), and Will (desires), which is critical for a more profound and complete transformation into character.                

 PyschoPhysical exercises help restore your fluidity and availability to embody anything and everyone. They are designed to help you truly transform into character even when the character is nothing like you. 

The Chekhov Technique can be used for stage, television, and film. It is an excellent technique for addressing and adjusting the level of energy of your performance to the required medium.