Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


kent1240242619.pdf (1.31 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

A “Spyback” on Three Years of Graduate Training

Cook, Laura E.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1240242619

Abstract Details

2009, MFA, Kent State University, College of the Arts / School of Theatre and Dance.
My MFA thesis project investigates the evolution of my acting process during my three years of graduate school. Specifically, it examines how I have developed a truthful and specific characterization by using the Michael Chekhov Technique coupled with Stanislavski’s Method of Physical Actions. Prior to beginning the MFA Acting program at Kent State University, my training as an actor was a mixture of various Stanislavski-based methods. My personal process, which was somewhat general, used the technique of analyzing the script with action verbs and using my voice and body to create a character as truthful as possible. I used this approach when working on my first thesis role, Goldie Smith in The Diviners. During my second year of graduate training, I started to learn the Michael Chekhov Technique. This approach taught me the importance of incorporating the concepts of Archetype, Action and Quality, Psychological Gesture, Imaginary Body, and Rhythm into my process. I used this technique when working on my second thesis role, Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown: The Musical. Creating a strong character based in the archetype of Femme-Fatale and incorporating Psychological Gesture helped me to realize fully the melodramatic style of the musical. I pushed the limits of these gestures to create dynamic physical tableaus and strong comedic moments. As I apply the Chekhov technique to my third and final thesis role of Olga Prozorov in Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters, an understanding of Michael Chekhov’s methods is synthesizing into a solid acting technique for me. For example, the technique of Imaginary Body has enabled me to create a character vastly different than myself. Olga embodies the archetype of Mother, and her overall physical score and vocal presence are much softer than the characters I normally portray on stage. Through this creative work and my documentation of it, I will continue to use these tools in a myriad of ways as I audition and work as a professional actor.
Charles Richie (Committee Chair)
Mark Monday (Committee Member)
Terri Kent (Committee Member)
95 p.
Theater
Michael Chekhov; Stanislavski; Three Sisters; Urinetown; The Diviners

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Cook, L. E. (2009). A “Spyback” on Three Years of Graduate Training [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1240242619

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Cook, Laura. A “Spyback” on Three Years of Graduate Training. 2009. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1240242619.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Cook, Laura. "A “Spyback” on Three Years of Graduate Training." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1240242619

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1240242619
769
© 2009, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.