ABSTRACT

Improvisation the Michael Chekhov Way: Active Exploration of Acting Techniques provides readers with dozens of improvisational exercises based on the acting techniques of Michael Chekhov.

The book features key exercises that will help the actor explore improvisation and expand their imagination through the technique. Exercises that have been successfully taught for decades via the intensive trainings from the National Michael Chekhov Association are now clearly laid out in this book, along with information on how these performance-based techniques can be applied to a script and even provide life benefits. Guidance on how to use the exercises both in a group setting and as an individual is provided, as well as tools for lesson plans for up to a year of  actor training. These step-by-step exercises will allow readers to expand their range of expression, discover the joy of creating unique characters, improve stage presence and presentation skills, and find new, creative ways to look at life.

Improvisation the Michael Chekhov Way is written to be used by individual actors and practitioners as well as in group settings such as acting or improvisation courses, and to benefit anyone wishing to enhance their creativity and imagination.

chapter |3 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|16 pages

Expansion/Contraction

The Pulse of Life

chapter 2|14 pages

The Four Brothers of Art

Ease, Beauty, Form, and Wholeness/Entirety

chapter 3|12 pages

Qualities of Movement

Molding, Flowing, Flying, and Radiating

chapter 4|12 pages

Archetypal Gestures

chapter 5|14 pages

Radiating and Receiving

chapter 6|12 pages

The Three Sister Sensations

Balancing, Falling, Floating

chapter 7|12 pages

Qualities and Sensations

chapter 8|12 pages

Moveable Centers

chapter 9|12 pages

The Imaginary Body

chapter 10|12 pages

Costume Characters

chapter 11|12 pages

Thinking, Feeling, and Willing

The Trinity of the Psychology

chapter 12|16 pages

Atmospheres

chapter 13|12 pages

Tempo and Rhythm

chapter 14|14 pages

Focal Points

chapter 15|13 pages

Psychological Gesture