ABSTRACT
The rehearsal process can be compared to the making of a jigsaw: after the first look at the picture on the box, break it up into small pieces, each of which has its own place and must be joined to all the pieces around it. As rehearsals progress to the performance, each of these separate pieces must be joined together seamlessly to form the correct picture. The rehearsal process consists of three series. The first series of rehearsal process offer ways of exploring the play text and dramatic structure of a story. The second series provides practical approaches to the playing of a character. The third series, by work on breathing, phrasing and learning lines. The author uses an Act of Anton Chekhov's - the cherry orchard, his last play. Actors have to inhabit the life of the character without commenting on it; working with Chekhov texts gives vital practice in playing with uncompromising fidelity and connection.
