Michael Chekhov

Michael Chekhov was a Russian-American actor, director, and teacher who is best known for developing the Chekhov Technique, a psycho-physical approach to acting.

The Chekhov Technique is a psycho-physical approach to acting that focuses on the actor's inner life, imagination, and physicality. It emphasizes the use of imagination, creative visualization, and impulse work to bring truth and authenticity to a performance.

Michael Chekhov's work has had a significant impact on the field of acting. His innovative approach to acting, which combines the physical and the psychological, has influenced countless actors and directors all over the world. His teachings have been widely adopted in acting schools and training programs, and his techniques continue to be used by actors to this day.

Some key concepts of the Chekhov Technique include the use of physicality, imaginative work, psychological gesture, atmosphere, and radiating centers. These concepts are meant to help the actor tap into their creative resources, access their emotions, and fully embody the character they are portraying.

The Chekhov Technique is taught in various acting schools, theater programs, and workshops around the world. The Michael Chekhov Studio, located in New York City, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Chekhov's work and offers classes, workshops, and intensives for actors and theater practitioners. Additionally, many Chekhov Technique practitioners and teachers offer classes and workshops both in person and online.