Chekhov I – Psychology of Movement
CLASS OVERVIEW
Chekhov I of our Truthful Acting Conservatory Program introduces the actor to the psycho-physical process and how physical movement can help drive creativity.
During this semester, we will be exploring the many aspects of physicality, and students will be asked to conduct physical-type exercises - both during class and for homework.
- Late Teens & Adults - Must be 16 years or older to enroll
- Prerequisite: Completion of Master Meisner Program preferred
- Begins: TBD
- Class Length: 28 classes / Twice per week
- Class Days: TBD
- Class Times: TBD
- Tuition (in-studio): $1,095 for 28 classes (98 total class hours - less than $40 per class)
- Tuition Note: Only $273.75 to register - Payment plans available for balance. Please go to our Tuition Page for details.
- Tuition (online only): $795 for 28 classes (live online via Zoom)
CLASS DETAILS
This semester will be focused on developing an increased sensitivity to the urges and energies that move us both as human beings and as artists. Through specific and repeated use of concentration, imagination, and physical movement, we will begin to explore and to develop an awareness of the limitless creative potential of your own Creative Individuality. Utilizing the tools of the Michael Chekhov acting technique, our vision is for you to begin to reconnect with universal human truths, to your own unique creative imagery, and to begin to envision, employ and embody them in your artistic expressions.
BREAKDOWN OF SEMESTER
Psycho-Physical Exercises (PPE's): Specific, concentrated, imaginative physical movement that is engaged energetically. These movements, when properly executed, awaken in the actor a creative state. They stir the Trinity of the Psychology—Thinking, Feeling and Willing.
Emotional Tools: The Three Sister Sensations (Falling, Floating, and Balancing), Qualities and Sensations, Atmospheres (Overall and Personal) and The Four Brothers of Art (Feelings of Beauty, Ease, Entirety, and Form) are the emotional tools of the Chekhov technique.
Characterization: Imaginary Body, Imaginary Centers, and Thinking, Feeling and Willing forces. These tools create powerful transformations and allow us to create beings whom are completely unique and archetypally recognizable without being stereotypes.
Psychological Gesture: Considered by many to be the grand achievement of the technique, this is to Chekhov what Extreme Circumstance is to Meisner in terms of its importance and versatility. It is a movement, that when powerfully executed, can awaken the psychology, desires, objective and will of the character. It can be used in many ways, and we will explore many possibilities.
Monologues: Each student will work on a Spoon River monologue and its presentation.
HOMEWORK
This class will be intensive in nature and will require homework. Students will be required to complete at-home skill assignments to better understand the audition process. Because of the rapid progression of the work in this class, attendance is of the utmost importance.
SIX PILLARS OF ACTING
Chekhov I will focus heavily on the Physical and Psychological aspects of the work, as we develop the skills and confidence needed for characterization. In addition, we will also apply the Emotional layer as we discover how emotions are tied to physicality.