Master Classes in the Michael Chekhov Technique by Micha, The Michael Chekhov Association;

Short description:

The DVDs present an unprecedented level of access to the practice of the Chekhov technique with filmed work shops by world-renowned Chekhov experts demonstrating his approach to actor-training to expand students understanding of his writings

Long description:

A set of three DVDs professionally produced to a high broadcast quality presents an unprecedented level of access to the practice of the Chekhov technique. This collection provides six hours of filmed workshops by world-renowned Chekhov experts demonstrating his approach to actor-training, including:

• exercises in body awareness


• 'the four brothers' – Ease, Form, Beauty, and sense of the whole


• qualities of movement - molding, floating, flying and radiating


• psychological gestures


• imagining a different physical body of a character.

The DVD's bring to life all the essential elements of the Michael Chekhov technique in a way which is clear, engaging, practical and dynamic. It is a unique and essential training tool for all teachers, students, actors and directors and a copy should be in every library in every institution.

Produced by the Michael Chekhov Association, the classes feature many of the world’s leading practitioners and teachers of the Michael Chekhov Technique, including teachers Ragnar Freidank, Joanna Merlin, Lenard Petit, Ted Pugh and Fern Sloan with actors Dawn Arnold, Bethany Caputo, Jessica Cerullo, John Capalbo, Anne Gottleib, Hugh O'Gorman and Mel Shrawder.  The classes are followed by a panel discussion with Jack Colvin, Joanna Merlin and Mala Powers.

'An extraordinary living sampler ... accessible and compelling ... this collection should reside in the library of every forward looking, professional or academic training program for actors.' – Lavinia Hart, Head of MFA Acting, Wayne State University, USA

'An invaluable and rich contribution to the study and research of Michael Chekhov's approach to actor training and performance ... a fascinating resource for many drama teachers.' – Martin Sharp, TV/theatre director, ex-lecturer in Performing Arts, University of Brighton, and co-founder of the Michael Chekhov Centre UK

'Indispensable for actors and acting teachers alike. There is nothing like this available on the market to help illuminate Chekhov's own writing.' – Hugh O'Gorman, Head of Acting, California State University, USA

'These DVDs really show how the Michael Chekhov technique works in practice ... these DVDs are just wonderful!' – Ulrich Meyer-Horsch, Artistic Director, Hamburg, Germany

'These DVDs, with their talented teachers and responsive, inquisitive students are an immeasurably creative tool for teaching and learning, getting closer to the actor’s art and serving as a legacy for the seminal work of Michael Chekhov.' – Zelda Fichandler, Tisch School of the Arts, New York, USA

Table of Contents:

Introduction: Teacher Conversation  1. Waking up the Instrument  2. Feeling of Ease, Form, Beauty, and Sense of the Whole  3. Expanding, Contracting  4. Qualities of Movement I  5. Qualities of Movement II  6. Radiating and Receiving  7. Psychological Gesture  8. Imaginary Centers  9. Sensations (Falling, Floating and Balancing)  10. Imaginary Body  11. Atmosphere  12. Ghost Exercise. Remembering Micheal Chekhov. Actor Conversation