The Art of the Actor Workshops
The Michael Chekhov Acting Technique
“The beauty of his approach is that he offers a direct route to the actor’s creativity by the simplest means.” Simon Callow in his forward to Chekhov’s book, To The Actor.
We are Chicago’s resource for the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique.
The Michael Chekhov Acting Technique allows us to move and be moved by the imagination. Exploring the essential elements of character, we find ever new goals for our acting as we discover more of our expressive selves.
Classes and Weekend Intensive Workshops
Our Weekend Workshops and Classes in Chicago offer actors, theatre teachers, theatre professionals a focused, in-depth time to explore creatively and develop their art. Our workshops are taught by Dawn Arnold, Michael Chekhov Association (MICHA) Master Teacher. These workshops continue and augment training done through MICHA or can prepare students to participate in MICHA workshops.
Each Workshop covers essential concepts of Chekhov’s Technique for both new and continuing students. Training in Chekhov’s concepts is developed in a layering process of skills as they are repeated in a journey of workshop experiences. Several concepts are chosen to orient each workshop which is specially designed for the experience and needs of the participants. Create your own program by combining weekend workshops and classes.
CPDU Credit for Teachers
Thanks to the Illinois Theatre Association, for partnering with us at Chekhov Studio Chicago to be the certified CPDU provider. Now teachers can get professional development credit for any workshop or class they take in the Studio throughout the year.
Workshop venue: 2135 W. Wilson, Chicago, IL 60625 Directions
One Day Intensive: Introduction to Michael Chekhov Acting Technique
Saturday, May 11, 2013 10-4 PM w/lunch break
A beginning workshop for actors, singing actors, directors, music theatre directors, and theatre teachers new to the Chekhov Technique or a refresher for actors and teachers who want to continue to expand their grasp of the essentials of the technique. We will take an overview of the technique as found in Chekhov’s book, To the Actor, applying our work to characters and ensemble exercises. Be ready to move and explore.
Fee: $85/ $65 Studio Members*
Questions? Ready to register? Scroll down for registration information.
Professional Development
Moving Through Performance: Rehearsing with the Michael Chekhov Technique
May 21-25, 2013
Tuesday – Saturday, 10-4PM with lunch break
Performance Saturday, 2:30 PM Free event
A five day Intensive for those who have had exposure to Chekhov’s technique before and want to take it into rehearsal. We know that many students of the Chekhov Technique long for opportunities to work with fellow Chekhov practitioners and apply the technique to the rehearsal process. So we are creating a real rehearsal/ performance environment to do just that. Stakes are raised – there will be a public performance to get us in gear! Our workshop culminates in a performance of selections from Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters.
Warm-ups each morning will be followed with rehearsals that bring the guidance of the Chekhov Technique into the process. Rehearsals are scheduled from 10am-4pm each day, with time in the morning and late afternoons for participants to work on lines, develop character, and process the work of the rehearsals. On Saturday afternoon, we open our doors to interested audience to perform what we have created.
The workshop is lead by Dawn Arnold, Artistic Director of Moving Dock Theatre Company and Michael Chekhov Technique Teacher with Alicia Hall assisting with warm-ups.
Summer Weekend Intensive Workshops
June 21 & 22, 2013
August 9 & 10, 2013
Friday 7-10 PM and Saturday 10-4 PM w/lunch break
Weekend Intensive Workshops train actors, theatre teachers, and directors in the method of the Chekhov Technique. Each weekend workshop is centered on essential concepts covered in Michael Chekhov’s book, To The Actor. Students find that after a weekend workshop this book is very accessible and becomes an invaluable aid towards their further study.
In each Weekend Intensive includes work on the ‘actor’s body’, characterization, and exploration of the gem of the technique; the ‘Psychological Gesture’. This is the dynamic secret that ignites the inner life of your scenes. The workshop also includes an overview of other essentials of the technique that bring out your vital energies and imaginative characters for Theatre or Film. This workshop is a solid foundation for further study and a fresh experience for continuing students of the Chekhov method.
Fee: $125 for Non-members, $90 for Studio Members* Scroll down this page for registration information.
Summer Training in the Chekhov Acting Technique
Six Week Scene Study – the Actor, the Character, and the Scene
1st Summer Session: Tuesdays, May 28 - July 2 7-9:30 PM
2nd Summer Session: Tuesdays, July 16- August 20 7-9:30 PM
For new and continuing students of the Chekhov Technique.
The Six Week Class is training in the principles of the technique as found in Chekhov’s book, To The Actor, seeing how the technique works in a practical way for theatre and film.
Each session includes training of the ‘actor’s body’, characterization with imaginative improvisational exploration using Chekhov’s guiding points of focus (Leading Questions), and work on solo or partnered scenes. Partnered scenes will be chosen from scripts that interest the participants.
The Chekhov approach to acting is also a dynamic approach to rehearsing. We will explore how to rehearse using the tools of the technique. As we work in an ensemble format, you will be working on your character and scene in each class. There will be time for each actor to perform individually during the course of the explorations. Scenes will be worked in class every session and performed in progress for the class.
Actors should think of these studio classes as a way to prepare, a place to experiment, and a dedicated environment for the development of their art. These classes may be repeated for ongoing study.
Class fee: $240 / $180 for Studio Members* Scroll down this page for registration information.
DROP-IN VISTORS RSVP info@movingdock.org
Drop-in actors may participate in actor-body work and character work and observe scene work.
Fee: $40/ $30 Studio Members*
Actors visiting the Monday evening class on a drop-in basis should contact us at info@movingdock.org at least 24 hours before the class and should also cancel at least 24 hours before. Please be respectful.
*New! Chekhov Studio Chicago Membership
Dedicate yourself to your professional development and support the Studio that makes these opportunities available to you all at the same time with a Chekhov Studio Chicago Membership. Our weekend workshops, classes, and our drop-in option for continuing students of the Studio make it easy to work on your craft before, during, and after film and theatre productions. Buy a Member Class Card for one year and enjoy discounted workshop fees for every workshop you take.
Download more information here: CHEKHOV STUDIO CHICAGO MEMBERSHIP CLASS CARD *
HOW TO REGISTER
1) E-mail us with any questions you may have at info@movingdock.org
2) Fill out and return this WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FORM 2012-13
3) Pay fee. You may pay the entire fee (check or money order made out to The Moving Dock Theatre Company) via mail to our address on the registration form or pay online via PayPal. Or pay $35 (or special deposit as specified in the workshop information) non-refundable deposit to hold your place and bring the remainder to the first day of the workshop. Please add $3 for online payments. Pay Plans for Classes are made by individual agreement. Please contact the Studio. Drop Policy: If you need to drop the class prior to the beginning of the class (with 48 hours notice) the tuition minus the non-refundable deposit will be refunded. After the class has begun, the non-refundable deposit and your paid tuition will remain on account with the Studio for one year and carry over to any other class or workshop you wish to take.
Bring Chekhov Studio Chicago’s Workshops to you
Have you seen our workshops on the Arts and Education Exchange? Our Art of the Actor workshops in the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique and creative process are available to schools (high school, college, university) and theatre companies through our Guest Workshops and Residencies.