Acting the Michael Chekhov Way

Rooted in Chekhov's Guiding Principles and Laws of Composition, Acting the Michael Chekhov Way: A Playbook for Healthy, Sequential Training offers a step-by-step pathway for actors, directors, and teachers with an emphasis on the health and wellbeing of the performer. Developed over 30 years within the National Michael Chekhov Association's renowned certification training, this clear, accessible training sequence for Michael Chekhov's techniques is designed to support artists at every level. The chapters build logically and functionally, layering in benefits for artistic and personal growth. Central to the approach is the Chart of Inspired Action, created by Chekhov for his student and estate executrix, Mala Powers, who co-founded this pedagogy with Dalton and Professor Wil Kilroy. In these pages, Dalton introduces SynthAnalysis(TM), a groundbreaking synthesis of Stanislavsky's analysis and Chekhov's methods, bridging theory and practice tested through decades of global application. She also shares anecdotal insights from her 45-year acting/stunt career and draws on Chekhov's esoteric inspirations-elements often absent in most books and teachings on Chekhov. The book presents mystical concepts like the goblet in playful, functional ways, empowering artists to use them as imaginative metaphors and explore their deeper potential. A helpful tool for both solo and classroom use, Acting the Michael Chekhov Way will speak directly to the actor and their teachers, guiding them on a transformative journey into the heart of inspired action and creative freedom. The book includes access to detailed discussions, additional activities, downloadable templates, and suggested syllabi and tips for instructors, available at resourcecentre.routledge.com/books/9781032844480.

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.

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(TM) for the Part-Composition 20. Love, Laughter and the MC Way Hereafter