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.
"All true artists bear within themselves a deeply rooted and often unconscious desire for transformation."
Michael Chekhov
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 and The Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium. He also holds a Certificate of Completion from MICHA, The International Michael Chekhov Association.
For more information about Jeff, please feel free to go to his website at .
AVAILABLE CLASSES
Coming Soon
STAY TUNED FOR AN EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
Due to COVID 19, all in-person classes are temporarily paused. However, exciting things are being planned for when we can resume, so stay tuned and don't forget to sign up for our mailing list to be the first to be notified about the exciting things we have in store.
Also, you can always sign up for online private coaching at a very reasonable rate. See below for details!
ONLINE PRIVATE COACHING
Whether you need help with the big audition or would like to explore a scene with a group of friends, let Jeff Thomakos help you achieve greater success by booking a private session. Jeff is a master director and teacher with decades of experience helping actors achieve their goals.
Bookings are by the hour and are flexible. Get a package of 3 or 5 for greater discounts.
