DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/3A75-MS31
Defense Date
2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Theatre
First Advisor
Barry Bell
Abstract
Referred to by Constantin Stanislavski as “My most brilliant pupil,” Michael Chekhov’s approach to acting is founded in an understanding of the artist as a whole being whose thoughts, feelings, desires, voice, and physical body are intimately interwoven. The Michael Chekhov technique trains these aspects jointly while encouraging the actor to fully explore and utilize his or her unlimited, rich, and fertile imagination. I have seen the powerful benefits of this technique as an actor (which I have been utilizing for 13 years) and as a teacher and director (for almost 10 years). In my thesis, I will firstly describe the technique, its principles, tools, and philosophies. I will then delve into the application of the technique in the classroom (utilizing information gathered during my Introduction to the Techniques of Michael Chekhov course taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, Spring 2009, Fall 2009, and Spring 2010), and on the stage (utilizing information gathered during the two VCU Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre productions I directed of And Sometimes We Just Listen to Each Other Breathe in Spring 2009, and La Bête in Fall of 2009).
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
May 2010