Chekhov Technique
The strength of the Michael Chekhov technique is the method’s approach to character study and play analysis which stresses strong connections between physicality, intellect and imagination. This method seeks to develop characters kinesthetically and requires collective commitment from the entire ensemble as a whole. Although some of the work is done alone, the most relevant inquiry takes place within group work during the rehearsal process. In directing and acting, I have found this kind of ensemble exploration of text to be both physically and intellectually freeing and an excellent medium for working in particular with undergraduates for whom both risk taking and thinking divergently can sometimes be major obstacles. I am certified to teach Michael Chekhov technique through the National Michael Chekhov Association.
Meisner Technique
The strength of the Sanford Meisner method is as a performance technique that offers a tangible way to connect actors onstage in vibrant and visceral ways. The technique centers on authenticity and requires a high degree of actor commitment and courage in order to fully embody a sense of truth in performance. This work is training for the event of performance and offers specific craft on high intensity scene and monologue work. In directing and acting, I have found this work extremely practical and viable in supporting the actor to achieve high caliber onstage moments as well as palpable connections to the other actors onstage. As a director of students and as an educator, I am carefully implementing this into my rehearsal process as well as my classes, offering the students this excellent opportunity for advanced performance work onstage, while still creating an atmosphere of support and alternatives should they feel this work is too difficult or uncomfortable for them to undertake as developing artists. I am certified to teach Sanford Meisner technique through the True Acting Institute.
Textbook: Acting Exercises for Non-Traditional Staging: Michael Chekhov Reimagined.
Acting Exercises for Non-Traditional Staging: Michael Chekhov Reimagined offers a new set of exercises for coaching actors when working on productions that are non-traditionally staged in arenas, thrusts, or alleys – but are equally useful in rehearsal or performance on the proscenium stage. All of the exercises are adapted from Michael Chekhov’s acting technique, but are reimagined in new and creative ways that offer innovative twists for the practitioner familiar with Chekhov, and easy accessibility for the practitioner new to Chekhov. These exercises are especially useful for directors looking for new ways to engage performers in character and play analysis that expands on the physical imagination as an entry point to the text. Exploring the methodology through a modern day lens, these exercises are energizing additions to the classroom and essential tools for more a vibrant rehearsal and performance. Link to Book on Amazon
Edited Collection: Michael Chekhov and Sanford Meisner: Collisions and Convergence in Actor Training
Michael Chekhov and Sanford Meisner: Collisions and Convergence in Actor Training offers a comprehensive analysis of the Sanford Meisner Acting Technique in comparison to the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique. This compilation reveals the connections as well as the contradictions between these two very different approaches, while highlighting meaningful bridges and offering in-depth essays from a variety of sources, including master teachers with years of experience and new and rising stars in the field. The authors provide philosophical arguments on actor training, innovative approaches to methodology, and explorations into integration, as well as practical methods of application for the classroom or rehearsal room, or scaffolded into a curriculum. Michael Chekhov and Sanford Meisner: Collisions and Convergence in Actor Training is an excellent resource for professors teaching Introductory, Intermediate or Advanced Acting Technique as well as acting program directors and department chairs seeking new, impactful research on actor training. Link to Book on Amazon
Author Essays within Collection:
• The Case for Non-Duality in Actor Training. Sanford Meisner and Michael Chekhov; Collisions and Convergence in Actor Training. Routledge, NYC. 2020
• The Case for Non-Erasure in Actor Training. Sanford Meisner and Michael Chekhov; Collisions and Convergence in Actor Training. Routledge, NYC. 2020
• Meisner in the Classroom, Chekhov in Rehearsal. Sanford Meisner and Michael Chekhov; Collisions and Convergence in Actor Training. Routledge, NYC. 2020
See Also:
Featured Author on Routledge Site
Other Published Book Chapters and Essays on Acting Technique:
• Enable. Actor Trainers on Acting by Anna McNamara. Taylor and Francis, 2024.
• Thanksgiving Stories. Improvisation the Michael Chekhov Way; Active Exploration of Acting Techniques by Wil Kilroy. Routledge, 2024.
• Psychological Gesture: Michael Chekhov Exercises on the Physicalizing the Objective. Objectives, Obstacles, and Tactics in Practice: Perspectives on Activating the Actor Edited by Valerie Clayman Pye and Hillary Haft Bucs. Routledge, 2019.
• My Hindu Connection to Michael Chekhov. Player’s Journal; Volume 2. 2008. (Do not click on name in contents, scroll down page to 4th article down.)
Current Professional Association Memberships
- Association for Theatre in Higher Education
- MICHA; Michael Chekhov International
- NMCA; National Michael Chekhov Association
- National Alliance of Acting Teachers
Certifications and Trainings
Meisner Technique
2018 Sanford Meisner Acting Technique, True Acting Institute Method Training 2 and Certification
2017 Sanford Meisner Acting Technique, True Acting Institute Method Training 1
Chekhov Technique
2021 Michael Chekhov Technique Michael Chekhov Association International Festival and Training
2016 Michael Chekhov Acting Intensive, National Michael Chekhov Institute Advanced Teacher Training
2012 Michael Chekhov Technique Teacher’s Workshop, Michael Chekhov Association International
2009 Michael Chekhov Technique Michael Chekhov Association International Festival and Training
2008 Michael Chekhov Technique Teacher’s Workshop, Michael Chekhov Association International
2007 Michael Chekhov Acting Technique, National Michael Chekhov Institute Training 2 and Teaching Certification
2006 Michael Chekhov Acting Technique, National Michael Chekhov Institute Training 1
Adishakti Technique
202? Source of Performance Energy, Adishakti Laboratory for Theatre Art Research Training (Upcoming TBA – delayed due to COVID)
Other Performance Technique Trainings
Consent Based Classroom/Rehearsal Room Practices: Theatrical Intimacy Educators Laura Rikard, Chelsea Pace.
Acting: (Sanford Meisner Technique)True Acting Institute: Larry Silverberg. (Michael Chekhov Technique) National Michael Chekhov Association: Mala Powers, Lisa Dalton, Wil Kilroy. Michael Chekhov International: Joanna Merlin, Jessica Cerullo, David Zinder, Sarah Kane, Lenard Petit. Alvina Kraus Acting Technique: Bud Beyer, David Downs. New York City Audition Technique: Bill Balzac. Kalamazoo College: Theresa Davis. London Academy of Theatre: Richard Digby Day, Michael
Winters.
Voice: London Academy of Theatre: Steward Pierce. New York City: Filip
DeStephano. Detroit, MI: Ramesh Mangulkar.
Dance: Independent Dance Teachers: Veena Argade (Bharatanatyam & Kathak), Rita Devi Mukerjaya (Kuchiputti), Stella Grey (Middle Eastern Belly Dance) and Various Ballroom and Period Dance Training.