A) Explore the Psycho-Physical Exercises Which Form the Basis of Chekhov S Work

In January 2016 Curious Monkey, supported by Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme (RTYDS) will host a very unique Theatre Monkey for directors / theatre makers working in the North East to explore the Michael Chekhov technique over a two day masterclass with director SinéadRushe.

The Michael Chekhov technique is a psycho-physical approach to acting. It privileges the imagination as the actor’s source of inspiration and favours an impersonal, objective approach to characterisation. The work is intended to create a real and spontaneous connection between the actor’s physical body and psychology and prepare the actor for what Chekhov calls ‘inspired acting.’

This workshop is intended to empower directors to use these tools with actors who haven't trained in the method. In the workshop we will:

a) Explore the psycho-physical exercises which form the basis of Chekhov’s work

b) Approach characterisation using imagination, qualities and atmosphere

c) Apply the work to theplaytextBetrayal by Harold Pinter

Workshop details:

This workshop will be limited to 12 director/ theatre makers, who are professionally working in the North East region. The workshop will take place over two days at Space Six, Floor 6, Commercial Union House, 39 Pilgrim St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6QE

Thursday 12th January 2pm-6pm

Friday 13th January 10am-4pm

Participants must commit to both days in order to secure their place on the workshop.

Please contact Toni to book and send a CV and a short paragraph (no more than 200 words) about why you would like to take part. This is so we can focus the workshop so you can get the most out of it.

Participation is free as the workshop is supported by RTYDS. RTYDS seeks out and nurtures talented theatre directors early in their careers providing exceptional professional training for the directors and artistic leaders of the future. We are particularly focused on directors who live outside London and are from communities presently under-represented in theatre. To find out more about the opportunities the scheme provides go to

Addition Information

About Michael Chekhov

Michael Chekhov (St. Petersburg, 1891 – Beverley Hills, 1955) was the nephew of Anton Chekhov and considered by Stanislavsky as his ‘most brilliant pupil.’ He was known as one of Russia’s most outstanding and innovative actors. After his exile from Russia, he worked in Germany, France and England’s Dartington Hall before settling in the USA where he worked as an actor and acting coach in Hollywood.

About SinéadRushe

SinéadRushe is a director and teacher. She teaches on the BA Acting programme at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, specialising in the Michael Chekhov Technique and Meyerhold's Biomechanics.Directing credits includeLoaded at Jacksons Lane, Gogol'sDiary of a Madmanwith Living Pictures at Sherman Cymru in Cardiff, Something or Nothingwith Guy Dartnell at The Robin Howard Dance Theatre (& tour), commissioned by Sadler's Wells andOut of Timeby Colin Dunne, performed at The Bit, Barbican, The Baryshnikov Arts Centre, New York and nominated for a 2010 Olivier Award. She is the author of The Michael Chekhov Approach to Acting: A Practitioner's Guide, (forthcoming, Methuen 2016).