Class Overview: Have you ever gotten your sides or your script and not sure where to begin? Don’t know how to break down a script and mine it for clues and possibilities? Have you learned various tools of the Michael Chekhov technique but are not sure how to integrate them? This 4-day weekend workshop will explore the journey from receiving your script to performance. We will start with script analysis of the scene, to embodied exploration and then performance. Using your imagination and body, we will explore your character's desires, fears and personal history. Gestures for the objective of your character will be explored as well as learning how to radiate these needs and desires to your partner. We will also look at arc of the scene using polarity and triplicity as well as atmosphere. We'll end the workshop with a performance of the scenes. Best for those with some knowledge in the technique or acting experience. Michael Chekhov is the nephew of Anton Chekhov and is considered one of Russia’s greatest actors. He developed his acting technique from his early years with Stanislavsky and his tireless search for an alternative to the over analytical approach to acting. His refusal to exploit the actor’s personal feelings in his art ultimately separated him from Stanislavsky’s teachings. He believed there should be a clear differentiation between the actor as a person and the actor as an artist. He encouraged actors to use their imagination, and to embody ideas, feelings and actions rather than analyzing with the dry intellect. This embodied analysis allows for a more dynamic exploration while honouring creative individuality.

Instructor: Lionel Walsh is an actor and director and teaches acting and improvisation in the BFA programme at University of Windsor, where is the Director of the Inspired Acting Lab, which explores new exercises in Fantastic Realism. Lionel is a Certified Teacher of the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique (Michael Chekhov Association) and is a member of the International Michael Chekhov Studio Co-op of Independent Studios from around the world. He has also trained at the Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia. He is a founding Co-Artistic Director of the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium and is co-founder of Michael Chekhov Canada. Lionel is a recipient of the University of Windsor Alumni Award for Distinguished Contribution to University Teaching and the Excellence in Mentoring Award. Rena Polley is an actor and teacher. She has worked in theatre, television and film for over thirty years. Rena originally studied with Uta Hagen and Herbert Berghof in New York City. She has been studying with master teachers from the Michael Chekhov Association for over twenty years and has her Teacher Certificate in the technique. She sat on the board of The Michael Chekhov Association and is a member of the International Michael Chekhov Studio Co-op of Independent Studios from around the world. Rena has taught at George Brown College and the Canadian Film Centre. Rena is co-founder of Michael Chekhov Canada and is the Artistic Director of  The Chekhov Collective theatre company inspired by the principles of Michael Chekhov.