THE ART OF CHARACTERIZATION is an exceptional opportunity for actors and stage directors interested in advancing their practical knowledge and experience in a psycho-physical approach to acting based on the artistic principles left to us by one of the greatest actors of the 20th century – Michael Chekhov.
The technique was developed as a way to apply common and archetypal human conditions to the individuality of the actor. The work is imaginative rather than personal, physical rather than intellectual.
The work will focus on creating the characters of Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull” in the context of 21st century theatre. What is it that makes these characters so up-to-date, so contemporary to us in the year 2015? Main topics are “transformation“, “psychological gesture of the character,” “objectives“, “relationships,” “archetypes“, “imaginary body,” “imaginary centers“, “centers of willing-feeling-thinking”, “the character’s breath“ and “the character’s spirituality“. These topics will be explored in a very physical way and will transform your ability to understand and apply the tools of characterization when building a character within given dramatic-literary material.
“Starting point of every characterization is listening: Listening to the inner images surrounding the actor as living beings, listening to the author’s text and the given circumstances of the scene, listening to the space, listening to my artistic self as actor (Chekhov called it the “Higher Self”), listening to the audience… Michael Chekhov talked about “active waiting”. We will explore what it means to give up our “daily-life ego“ and follow the character. It’s an expedition into the unknown, an exciting adventure.“
Improvisation, rehearsal procedures, work on the text, and learning how to apply the exercises/tools when working on a character for a monologue or scene will be practiced, performed and critiqued.
Participants have an opportunity to share their artistic work at presentational showcase and symposium on the open-air theatre stage and in Chekhov’s theatre yard at The State Literary and Memorial Museum of Anton Chekhov in Melikhovo.
Only 15 participants will be selected. The final PROGRAM of educational venue for THE ART OF CHARACTERIZATION will be available two weeks before the scheduled work.
Please note that our educational venue at Chekhov International Theatre School in Melikhovo includes a residential stay at the State Literary and Memorial Museum of Anton Chekhov in the Village of Melikhovo, which is located a distance of 80 kilometers from Moscow City. We will provide full accommodations, with an opportunity to share a room among 2-3 participants, and also three meals per day: breakfast, lunch and evening dinner. Our team offers full availability – assistance during your entire residency, including all necessary translation between the languages of Russian and English, transfer from the airport to the estate of Melikhovo, and also whatever support is needed for you to obtain a visa for entry to the Russian Federation. Please note that any additional insurance, such as health and travel insurance for your visit to the Russian Federation, must be ensured and prepared before your arrival. A Continuing Education Master Course Certificate will be issued upon successful completion. We very much look forward to welcoming you soon at one of our upcoming Master Courses.
DATE:
31 AUGUST – 09 SEPTEMBER 2015 (TRAVEL DAYS ARE NOT INCLUDED)
PARTICIPATION FEE:
1.200 € (EURO)
Location: Melikhovo, Russia
Deadline: Upon your admission, you will receive a confirmation letter with detailed information about payment, along with deadlines and other practical information about your participation.
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