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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"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 www.jeffthomakos.com.

AVAILABLE CLASSES

(Winter 2018)

INTRODUCTION TO THE MICHAEL CHEKHOV TECHNIQUE

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Join us for this fun, informative, high-energy introduction to the Michael Chekhov Technique. In this class, you will learn the basics and philosophy behind this approach which seeks to free the actor's creative individuality and to find quick and efficient methods of getting the actor to the emotional truth he or she aspires to. Additionally, we will be learning easy and fast ways to create compelling characterizations.

Classes will be held at Jordan Mac Studios, 444 W. Maple Rd, Ste. E, Troy, Mi 48084 on Tuesdays from 7:30pm to 9:30pm beginning on October 30th and running through December 19. Cost is $350 per 8-Week Session

This class is a pre-requisite to the rest of the program. 234on

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.

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