WHO WAS MICHAEL CHEKHOV

A Man of the Future

Mikhail Aleksandrovich "Michael" Chekhov (1891-1955) was a Russian actor, author, director and teacher. The nephew of the famous playwright, Anton Chekhov, he was one of the youngest members ever to be accepted into the Moscow Art Theatre under the direction and tutelage of Constantin Stanislavski.

Through the years, Chekhov became frustrated with Stanislavski's approach to characterization and began to develop his own technique using what he called a "psycho-physical" approach to the craft. He felt the actor could much more easily achieve characterization through the exploration of physical qualities of movement, atmosphere, and the objective world of imaginations.

Chekhov and his technique went on to influence many famous actors both past and present including Marilyn Monroe, Anthony Quinn, Clint Eastwood, Yul Brynner, Johnny Depp, Anthony Hopkins, Jack Nicholson, and Ben Kingsley.

Today, his technique is taught all over the world to any actor/artist interested in exploring their creative individuality and releasing an inner power and radiant quality in their characterizations. It is a technique that recognizes that within the heart of each creative artist lies the desire for TRANSFORMATION.

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YOUR TEACHER

Over 3 Decades of Professional Experience in Acting and Directing

JEFF THOMAKOS

Jeff is an actor, director, teacher and producer with professional credits all over the midwest including Minneapolis, Chicago, and Detroit.

As an actor, he has played major roles at The Purple Rose, Meadowbrook, Tipping Point, Citylit (Chicago), Detroit Rep, and The Jewish Ensemble Theatre.

He served for 4 seasons as the Artistic Director of Water Works Theatre, Michigan's oldest and largest Professional Outdoor Shakespeare Company.

He is also a seasoned on-camera actor who has shot scores of commercials, films, and industrials,

Jeff is a certified Master Teacher of the Michael Chekhov Technique through The National Michael Chekhov Association. He is also a member of The Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium and The International Michael Chekhov Association.

For more information about Jeff, please feel free to go to his website at www.jeffthomakos.com.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

What We Offer

EVENING STUDIES

Our Evening Studies is ideal for students looking to take their skills and career to a new level. Get in touch today to request application materials, schedule a tour or bring any questions to our team.

SUMMER INTENSIVE

With our Summer Intensive, students can experience Michigan Michael Chekhov Classes exactly how they want. If at any point you decide you’d like to join a different program, give us a call or drop by our administration office.