1st Edition
Acting the Michael Chekhov Way A Playbook for Healthy, Sequential Training
Part 1: Preparation: Welcome & Online Resources 0. Introduction to Foundational Concepts 1. Preparing Your Imagination, Your Body, and the Ensemble Part 2: Psycho-Physical Bodybuilding for Actors 2. Expanding/Contracting 3. Qualities/Kinds of Movement 4. Archetypal Gestures Part 3: Emotional Life for Actors . Three Sister Sensations of Equilibrium 6. Qualities and Sensations 7. Atmospheres: Overall and Personal 8. The Four Brothers of Art Part 4: Aesthetics 9. Ensemble 10. Truth 11. Style Part 5: Transformation: Characterization & Gesture 12. Transformational Characterization: Ideal Self, Centers, Imaginary Body, Trinity of Psychology: Thinking, Feeling, Willing. 13. Radiating and Receiving Radiance 14. Rhythm and Tempo 15. Focal Points of Concentration 16. Objectives “What for?” 17. Psychological Gesture 18. Improvisation/Jewelry Part 6: Putting It ALL Together 19. SynthAnalysis™ for the Part-Composition 20. Love, Laughter and the MC Way Hereafter
Biography
Lisa Loving Dalton has made profound contributions to the performing arts through her extensive work with the Michael Chekhov technique. As president and co-founder of the National Michael Chekhov Association (1993), and Certifying Master Teacher, she has been instrumental in advancing Chekhov’s methods globally. Her ground-breaking documentary From Russia to Hollywood and the creation of the Chekhov.net video archive underscore her dedication to preserving and promoting Chekhov’s legacy. Applying Chekhov over her rich and diverse 45-year career as a film and stage director, actor, and stuntwoman deeply informs this innovative pedagogy.
"Acting the Michael Chekhov way is a simply masterful step by step introduction to the many wonderful tools of the Michael Chekhov technique. A game changer in the classroom, this detailed textbook not only offers a clear scaffolding from abstract physical exploration through to direct application into scene work, it also offers actors a beautiful philosophy on self-guidance, self-assessment and autonomy. This healthy and positive approach to actor training (a hallmark of Chekhov's work long ignored) is a welcome antidote to the many problematic approaches to actor training that exist today. Equally perfect for personal study or in the classroom, this marvelous text provides endless opportunities for exploration, growth and the expansion of artistic discoveries for years to come."
Anjalee Deshpande Hutchinson, Chair, Dept of Theatre and Dance Bucknell University Author of Acting Exercises for Non-Traditional Staging: Michael Chekhov Reimagined
"In Acting the Michael Chekhov Way, Dalton lays out an easy to follow progression through the entire Chekhov cannon that culminates with the SART, a stunningly efficient process we used in Small Town Boys. Rehearsing the climactic moments does more than unite all the elements of a show, Lisa’s approach gives an actor the rhythmic soul of the performance. Ms. Dalton is a brilliant teacher and director!"
Sean Casey Leclaire, Playwright/Actor/Leadership
