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Transforming Actor Training: Michael Chekhov's Psycho-Physical Technique

Wion, Brenda
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1208278580

Abstract Details

2008, Master of Arts, University of Akron, Theatre Arts.
This thesis documents the work of Bren Wion, Director of Theatre for Copley High School in Ohio, in transforming actor training at her school. It begins with details of how the state certified theatre teachers in the past and the dissatisfaction with this type of method. The advantage of college training is discussed as well as the benefit of studying the works of great acting masters. Part of this research examines a Russian theatre timeline and explores the influence of Russian artists on transforming actor training and directing. A special focus on Michael Chekhov examines this actor/acting coach's role in establishing a new way of training actors on stage and in film. It also describes how Chekhov's work can be transformational for actors, directors, and individuals who study his unique method. The main purpose of this work is to document the changes a director grows through when yearning to be skilled in the theatre craft and examining Chekhov's technique as a logical stepping stone to create a production with a "spark." Reviews of past plays performed and the differences Chekhov-based directing provided are given. Talented teens, a dedicate theatre staff, and new exercises/concepts brought a production to life at a higher level than most Copley community members had ever seen before. This production of Steel Magnolias promotes the benefits of Chekhov's ideas today and suggests the great potential of his work and others for tomorrow. This paper is organized in a chronological sequence. The first chapter discusses the state certification process and the desire and need for change in theatre teaching/directing preparation. Chapter II examines the Russian timeline and influence in theatre. Chapter III then examines Michael Chekhov's vocabulary and exercises giving definitions and suggested activities. The next chapter discusses two plays that were screened by the International Thespian Society and the subsequent state invitation for Steel Magnolias. The final chapter provides a summary of the research and explores how Chekhov's technique will be advantageous beyond stage performances in our country's near future. It is concluded that Chekhov's work is beneficial and life-changing on stage and in life.
James Slowiak (Advisor)
110 p.
Theater
actor training; Michael Chekhov; psycho-physical; Steiner; metaphysical; Russian actor training; Russian theatre

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wion, B. (2008). Transforming Actor Training: Michael Chekhov's Psycho-Physical Technique [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1208278580

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wion, Brenda. Transforming Actor Training: Michael Chekhov's Psycho-Physical Technique. 2008. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1208278580.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wion, Brenda. "Transforming Actor Training: Michael Chekhov's Psycho-Physical Technique." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1208278580

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1208278580
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© 2008, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.