ABSTRACT
Performing a role in any style piece is intimidating. Actors must tackle challenging text, honor the rules of the given style, and deal with the rigors of wigs, corsets, swords, and skulls, all while keeping the character rooted in the style and layering in their own truthful creativity. This chapter examines how to apply one of Michael Chekhov’s lesser-known principles, Leading Center, and re-frames Super Objectives in that context to help actors deliver both text and style while creating vibrant, dynamic, and authentic characterizations. Throughout the chapter, examples will be given utilizing Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Molière’s Imaginary Invalid.
