Michael Chekhov Center Cleveland is a commitment to the art of the actor through explorations of the psychophysical processes illuminated by Michael Chekhov. Through educational offerings for artists, MC3 explores what it means when the actor is the theatre.

The Michael Chekhov Technique is a holistic, psycho-physical approach to performance that synthesizes the actor's body and psychology. You discover how the magic of your movement, in tandem with your imagination and feeling life, has the ability to enliven the spaces within yourself and the spaces around you. Solo and ensemble explorations in movement, concentration, atmosphere, and gesture increase your flexibility, honesty, joy, and ease as a performing artist. You learn to free your body as a conduit for the soul of your character. Your Creative Individuality is supported and nourished, and your artistic work becomes more inspired.

I’ve practiced the Chekhov technique since I was first introduced to it through the Qualities of Movement in an acting class in 2008. Chekhov immediately transformed my connection to my body and my acting. I study with master teachers of the Michael Chekhov technique at the Michael Chekhov School, Hudson, NY, and the international faculty of MICHA, the Michael Chekhov Association. I am a member of MICHA. I’ve also studied virtually with Chekhov Studio International and Chekhov Studio Chicago. I founded Michael Chekhov Center Cleveland in 2018 after a decade exploring the technique to share my understanding of Chekhov’s principles with Northeast Ohio performing artists.

I believe performance is an exercise in spirit and a means of service to illuminate and challenge societal norms with daring honesty, a sense of beauty, and mischief. Every project should carry with it the potential to lift and transform the veils of perception, Self, identity, society, and beliefs for artists and audiences. 

I have taught for Baldwin Wallace University’s Music Theatre Program, Playhouse Square, Disney Musicals-in-Schools, Cleveland Play House Theatre Academy, MetroHealth Arts in Medicine, Planned Parenthood, the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. I teach Chekhov Technique each summer in Dobama Theatre’s Emerging Artist Program, DEAP. I’m available to lead private and workshop sessions in Chekhov technique. My process guides and celebrates the individualities of the artists involved, meeting the artist where they are and encouraging their growth. I believe in respecting the artists’ health, lives, contributions, and time. I believe an actor must be capable of complete transformation and surrender to the will of the character they are portraying. I work experientially and deeply through movement, and encourage a sense of ease, curiosity, fearlessness, risk-taking, and play in the studio, rehearsal room, performance space, and in one-on-one coaching sessions.

I’ve coached actors, performance artists, media personalities, playwrights, directors, corporate groups, and a professional wrestler. I use Chekhov technique, myself, in all aspects of my art and daily life. I am interested in working with artists dedicated to, and curious about, their growth and process. We work toward greater connection between your physical form and imaginative life. Illusive promises of commercial, materialistic, or Hollywood “success,” or the status of “New York-based” and “Los Angeles-based,” hold little value to me. This is a long-term investment in your artistry.

PRIVATE COACHING

Private coaching is $60/hour or $225 for four 60-minute sessions. Due to COVID-concerns, sessions are held on Facetime, Zoom, or outdoors in Lakewood, Ohio. Please submit the form below detailing your interest and availability. I’ll get back to you and provide payment information (through this website, Venmo, PayPal, or CashApp). I typically respond within 24-48 hours.