WHAT ARE WE EXPLORING?
Private collaboration via Zoom through a process rooted in Michael Chekhov’s psychophysical technique. We will explore your artistic needs. Our work may encompass Chekhov fundamentals, character work, monologues, performance or audition coaching, growing as an artist, or any other type of material you’re interested in diving into. This is open to artists of all types interested in incorporating the Chekhov Technique into their practice, or those looking to deepen their existing Chekhov practice. This technique has proven beneficial in my work with actors, performance artists, storytellers, improvisers, directors, visual artists, playwrights, writers, and even a professional wrestler! I’ve worked with students, working professionals, and successfully coached grad school applicants for The URTAs.

WHEN DO WE EXPLORE?
Private Coaching Sessions are offered daily between 12:30pm-10pm Eastern Time.

WHERE DO WE EXPLORE?
Via Zoom. You will be sent a link and details at least 24 hours prior to our first meeting.

WHO IS THIS FOR?
This exploration is for artists ages 18 and up interested in expanding their psychophysical practice, imaginative capacities, and embodying that imagination with ease and a sense of play; for the artist curious about what is true for them in this moment rather than what might be perceived as “right” or “wrong.” Since this is being offered through Zoom, participants may be from anywhere in the world. Classes are given in English.

THAT'S ME! WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
I should bring myself to a decently lit, quiet space where I’m able to make full-bodied movements and turn off the exterior world for an hour. A water bottle and writing implements might benefit, as well. Dress comfortably for movement. My computer or phone should be capable of attending a Zoom meeting and all notification alarms should be turned off.

WHAT IS MY INVESTMENT?
$60.00 for single 60 minute sessions
$220.00 for a package of four 60 minute sessions (Save $20 on this four-session package)
If you’re interested in longer sessions, e-mail michaelchekhovcenter@gmail.com to inquire.

TELL ME ABOUT MICHAEL CHEKHOV CENTER CLEVELAND!
Michael Chekhov Center Cleveland is committed to the art of the actor through explorations of the psychophysical processes illuminated by Michael Chekhov. Through educational offerings for Northeast Ohio artists, we explore what it means when the actor is the theatre.

HOW IS THE CHEKHOV TECHNIQUE APPROACHED?
The Michael Chekhov Technique is a holistic, psychophysical 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 concentration, movement, 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.

WHO LEADS THE SESSIONS?
RAY CASPIO creates beautifully grotesque characters whose comedic allure invites you into their queer realities where they unpack American culture and scrutinize the multifaceted manners in which we relate to each other. Ray’s work recognizes the immediacy and impermanence of performance by embracing theatre as a living event. Those in the space matter. The work becomes as alive as we are: consciously existing in that moment when we all gather to play. Ray is a performance artist, teaching artist, and the Founder of Michael Chekhov Center Cleveland. They have created pieces spanning theatre, cabaret, installation, web, and personal storytelling, and served as performer-creator in numerous devised works, originating over 30 roles. Ray’s creations have been performed at BorderLight International Theatre + Fringe Festival, Playhouse Square, Cleveland Public Theatre, Theater Ninjas (Associate Artistic Director 2012-2015), and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Caspio appeared on Best of Theatre lists for Cleveland Scene (2014 & 2017) and WCPN/NPR’s The Sound of Applause (2014, for the conception and performance of the immersive cabaret exploration of gender, sexuality, and marriage equality, TingleTangle). Caspio has taught for Playhouse Square, Disney Musicals-in-Schools, Cleveland Play House Theatre Academy, MetroHealth Arts in Medicine, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. They are trained in Bouffon (Giovanni Fusetti), Eccentric Performance (Avner Eisenberg & Julie Goell), the Alba Method, and Improv & Sketch Writing (Second City Chicago). Ray studies 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. Ray is a member of MICHA. Caspio founded Michael Chekhov Center Cleveland in 2018 after a decade exploring the technique to share their understanding of Chekhov’s principles with Northeast Ohio artists. Ray received a 2016 Creative Workforce Fellowship.