This book unpacks the Michael Chekhov acting technique as interpreted and taught by 2 of the great American teachers - Ted Pugh and Fern Sloan - who have collectively taught the Michael Chekhov Technique for over 80 years across the world and who jointly founded the Michael Chekhov School in 2014.
The author brings Pugh's and Sloan's own interpretations of, and first-hand access to, Michael Chekhov to the reader and, through doing so, makes the Technique fluid, simple, clear and concise. We come to understand key Chekhov methods and how to implement them in the classroom, in rehearsal and in performance.
The book is structured in 6 parts (Beginning; The Michael Chekhov Tools; Classes; When in Rehearsals and Performance; Teaching; and The Michael Chekhov Discussion). It offers an in-depth study - through the breathtaking work of these 2 master teachers - of the methods that Chekhov developed to inform the actor's process and which should become central to the reader's own acting toolkit, to be used in stage craft, camera work and voice-over and teaching work.
By:
Danielle Carter
Imprint: Methuen Drama
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 218mm,
Width: 144mm,
Spine: 18mm
Weight: 400g
ISBN: 9781350320604
ISBN 10: 1350320609
Pages: 216
Publication Date: 25 June 2026
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Foreword by Joanna Merlin A Note from Ted Pugh and Fern Sloan Preface PART ONE Introduction: Origins of the Chekhov Work PART TWO The Essentials Laying the Foundation: Key Terms and Concepts Crossing the Threshold Expanding and Contracting The Actor’s Ideal Centre The Qualities of Movement The Four Brothers Radiating and Receiving The Three Physical Centres – Thinking, Feeling and Will Directions PART THREE Transformative Tools Imaginary Centres Staccato and Legato Inner and Outer Tempo Quality and Sensation Atmosphere Imaginary Body Archetype Psychological Gesture PART FOUR Putting the Tools to Use The First Read of a Play Working with Images Layering the Tools Working with Limited Time Camera Work Moments of Change Bringing the Techniques onto the Stage PART FIVE Class Exercises Expanding and Contracting - A Beginner's Class with Ted Expanding and Contracting - Advanced with Ted Opening and Closing, or Expanding and Contracting with Fern Qualities of Movement - A Beginner's Class with Fern Qualities of Movement - Advanced with Fern Four Brothers - A Beginner's Class with Ted Four Brothers - Advanced with Ted Radiating and Receiving with Fern Touch and Contact with Ted The Three Centres with Ted Directions with Bethany Caputo PART SIX Some Guidance for Teaching the Chekhov Work Wrapping Up Acknowledgements References Index
Danielle Carter is a professional actor, voice-over artist, teacher, writer and facilitator. She is the author of Racing Against Time: The Actor's Handbook for Film and Television.
