chekhov studio chicago

“The beauty of his approach is that he offers a direct route to the actor’s creativity by the simplest means.” - Simon Callow in his forward to Chekhov’s book, To The Actor.

Chekhov Studio Chicago offers classes and workshops in the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique to film/theatre actors, singers, theatre directors, and theatre teachers. The Michael Chekhov Acting Technique allows us to move and be moved by the imagination. Through Chekhov’s psychophysical exercises we develop our acting instrument. Through Chekhov’s effective tools for characterization, we are able to inhabit the imaginary characters we play with truth and spontaneous freedom. In this exploration of the art of the actor, we find ever new goals for our acting as we discover more of our expressive selves.

“As soon as we begin to develop our bodies, voices, and emotions, we begin to get our professional actor’s technique, and as soon as we have our technique, we can start the creative process - and what will it be?” - Michael Chekhov.

Training in the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique begins with classes that are designed for the actor new to the Chekhov Technique and continues with classes for those actors seeking to gain mastery as they take it into their acting life.

In-person classes and workshops

IN-PERSON CHEKHOV STUDY

"The actor's profession is such that the actor cannot count on being alone on the stage. As a rule he is one of a group of people - an ensemble - the members of which must find the right connection with each other in order to establish a constant harmony among themselves."

“If we have certain visions about the future theatre, and I think we have. then it seems to me that we have to visualize. first of all. what the actor will be like.”

Michael Chekhov

In-person CHEKHOV STUDY

LOOK WHAT'S NEW! SATURDAY SHOPS!

MEETING THE CHEKHOV TECHNIQUE - SATURDAY SHOP

FOCUS - GIVING AND RECEIVING

December 2, 2023

Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM (with lunch break)

Are you new to Chekhov Technique? Here's an opportunity to experience the ideas and tools of Michael Chekhov’s approach to the art of the actor.

The focus will be on the most important thing an actor does: giving and receiving. Working with tools of the Chekhov Technique, we will find our acting choices in a way that brings the body and mind together as a harmonious whole. Actors will not need prepared material - we will work with our imaginations to create improvised scenes. Come curious and ready to engage!

"That is art: to give all you have. And what have you?

Your life - nothing more. " Michael Chekhov

These workshops are for actors, theatre directors, and theatre teachers who are new to the Chekhov Technique as well as those continuing their Chekhov journey.

SATURDAY SHOP FEE:

$85 (plus $5 processing fee)

Workshop Venue:

Chekhov Studio Chicago @ Christian Community Church

2135 W Wilson Chicago, Il 60625

THREE DAY INTENSIVES

THE WAY OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL GESTURE

September 28, 29, 30, 2023

Thursday 7-9:30 PM

Friday 7-9:30 PM

Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM

“The Psychological Gesture stirs our will power, gives it a definite direction, awakens feelings, and gives us a condensed version of the character.”

Michael Chekhov

The Actor prepares. Focus on the gem of the Chekhov Technique, the Psychological Gesture, Chekhov's brilliant tool for grasping the character, awakening the inner life, and expressing the character’s intentions. This training will set you up for working with your wise actor-body in the Chekhov way.

This workshop is a good way to start for those new to Chekhov and a focused review for those continuing their journey towards mastery.

KEYS TO CHARACTER

October 26, 27, 28, 2023

Thursday 7-9:30 PM

Friday 7-9:30 PM

Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM

“We have to imagine by doing with our whole being - this is the actor's imagination.”

Michael Chekhov

Chekhov Technique offers keys, or tools, to not only discover the character, but transform ourselves into character. We will explore these tools, going deep into the character, working with some of their text. and creating solo scenes to perform.

NOTE: These workshops cover some of the same ideas as the online classes but will be unique in their in-person formats. For information about the online classes, click here:

ONLINE STUDIO

Workshop Venue:

Chekhov Studio Chicago @ Christian Community Church

2135 W Wilson Chicago, Il 60625

WORKSHOP FEES:

Three Day Intensive Workshop fee:

$185 plus $5 processing fee

15% discount for signing up for 2 or all 3 workshops

CHEKHOV STUDIO CHICAGO MEMBERSHIP

Dedicate yourself to your professional development and support the Studio that makes these opportunities available to you all at the same time with a Chekhov Studio Chicago Membership. Buy a Member Class Card for one year ($100) and enjoy discounted workshop fees for every workshop you take during that year.

How To Sign Up For Classes

CHEKHOV STUDIO CHICAGO MEMBERSHIP

Fill out the form using the button below and the studio will contact you to complete your registration. You will be sent an invoice to process online.