Michael Chekhov Technique

The Michael Chekhov technique is a psycho-physical approach to acting. It privileges the imagination as the actor’s source of inspiration and favours an impersonal, objective approach to characterisation. The work is intended to create a real and spontaneous connection between the actor’s physical body and psychology and prepare the actor for what Chekhov calls ‘inspired acting.’

This workshop is intended to provide actors with these tools and empower directors to use the the tools with actors who haven’t trained in the method. In the workshop participants:
a) Explore the psycho-physical exercises which form the basis of Chekhov’s work
b) Approach characterisation using imagination, qualities and atmosphere
c) Apply the work to a playtext

Sinéad Rushe is a theatre director, teacher and performer based in London. She works both as a freelance director, as artistic director of theatre company out of Inc, and as a teacher and director on BA Acting CDT, Central School of Speech and Drama, London. Her work privileges the actor and the craft of acting alongside an exploration of form and the live event. She is inspired by the methods of Michael Chekhov and Vsevolod Meyerhold (Biomechanics).

www.sineadrushe.co.uk

Michael Chekhov (1891–1955) was the nephew of Anton Chekhov and considered by Stanislavsky as his ‘most brilliant pupil.’ He was known as one of Russia’s most outstanding and innovative actors. After his exile from Russia, he worked in Germany, France and England’s Dartington Hall before settling in USA where he worked as an actor and acting coach in Hollywood.