The Art of the Actor
Training in 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. Our Weekend Workshops and classes in Chicago offer film/theatre actors, singers, and theatre teachers training in the Chekhov Technique.
These workshops continue and augment training done through MICHA (the Michael Chekhov Association) or can prepare students to participate in international MICHA events. Each workshop is specially designed for the experience and needs of new and continuing students.
The Michael Chekhov Acting Technique allows us to move and be moved by the imagination. Exploring the essential elements of the art of the actor and character, we find ever new goals for our acting as we discover more of our expressive selves.
Our workshops are taught by Dawn Arnold, Michael Chekhov Association (MICHA) Master Teacher, assisted by members of our Studio who also are studying with MICHA.
Workshop venue: 2135 W. Wilson, Chicago, IL 60625 Directions
WINTER 2014 INTENSIVES AND CLASSES
FREE WORKSHOP
February 15, 2014
Saturday 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
You are invited to visit us to learn about the Chekhov Technique – how it works and why we love it.
You don’t have to be an actor, singer, or theatre teacher to come. There will be actual workshop for you to participate or observe, demonstrations, and discussion.
Our special art form is workshops – the art that breathes life into performance. We welcome anyone from our community who would like to find out more about our artistic mission and see what it is we do in our many workshops.
Want to come? RSVP at info@movingdock.org
UPCOMING CLASSES
Six Week Class – Acting with the Chekhov Technique
February 25 – April 1, 2014
Tuesday Evenings 7-9:30 PM
The effective tools of the Chekhov Technique make developing characters and scene study an engaged and creative process. Chekhov Technique gets us out of our heads, up on our feet, acting in a whole bodied way. This six week class is a great way to begin studying Chekhov Technique. It is also good for teachers who would like to find fresh approaches to the art of the actor.
In this class we will approach a play as though going into rehearsal, taking time to explore the essentials of the technique as tools to our work on developing characters and working on beats and scenes. Actors will work both individually and in ensemble with movement exploration, improvisation, and study of their character, seeing how the different tools of the Chekhov Technique help us navigate our work on the play.
The play for this class will be Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters. We will use the Michael Frayn translation. You can find this in libraries or online. Try this link for available copies - Amazon.
Workshop fee: $240 / $180 for Studio Members*
Weekend Intensive Workshop
Michael Chekhov Acting Technique – Tools for the Actor
February 21 & 22, 2014
Friday 7-10 PM
Saturday 10-4 with lunch break - eight hours of concentrated training
“You have to teach yourself to act but Michael Chekhov will give you the necessary tools – and for me, Psychological Gesture and Centers are extremely valuable They work like a charm. I’ve used them all along and still do.” – Clint Eastwood
Weekend Workshops are a good way to begin your study of the Chekhov Technique – a two day immersion in an atmosphere focused on artistic creativity and development. Our weekend workshops train actors, theatre teachers and directors in the method of the Chekhov Technique. Participants work as actors in an active, very focused way. Each weekend workshop is centered on several concepts covered in Michael Chekhov’s book, To The Actor.
In each Weekend Intensive we will prepare your ‘actor’s body’ and work with the gem of the technique; the ‘Psychological Gesture’. This is the dynamic secret that ignites the inner life of your scenes. Find out how to use this technique for Theatre or Film. This workshop also includes an overview of other essentials of the technique that bring out your vital energies and imaginative characters. We will look at how these tools that work so well for developing characters can give you a more confident presence for auditions and interviews. If you decide to continue training in the Chekhov Technique, this workshop will be a solid foundation for further study. If you already are a “Chekhov” actor, this Intensive will give you new understanding of this remarkable approach.
Workshop fee: $125/ $90 for Studio Members*
PRIVATE COACHING
Get your materials together with Acting Coach Dawn Arnold prior to the start of the classes. Choose and cut the piece, analyze the play and gather ideas about the character so that you are ready to dive in a explore in class.
In person or via Skype or Google+. More info click here.
*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.