How to Get Into Character Without Focusing On the Past ~ Using Chekhov Technique ~ Blog No. 10

Hello Creative Performers,

Let's take a moment of silence for legendary vocalist/feminist, Sinead O'Connor, who's memorial service was held on Tuesday, 08/08/2023. She was a passionate, brilliant, and brave soul, who struggled with a traumatic life, a radical hysterectomy, and borderline personality disorder.

Did you know that, according to Billboard Magazine, a whopping 73% of musicians struggle with mental illness? It's a sobering reminder of the challenges that can come with a creative life.

Sorry for not blogging last week, as I needed a mental health break after a pretty traumatic incident in Atlanta, where I could have gotten shot!* ​ (Thank God, I'll be moving to a suburb!) 

Speaking of safety, if you're dealing with mental health issues or past traumas, yourself, it's good to know that some acting techniques like Stanislavski, Adler, Meissner, and Method all rely heavily on recalling memories to get into character. But, that can be a minefield if it triggers you or affects your acting ability!

Now, these four renowned acting techniques are used by many celebrated actors around the world. However, they may or may not be most helpful to you ~ and your needs.

If you could use an alternative, there is another way ~ Chekhov Technique.

Award-winning actors such as, Johnny Depp, Jack Nicholson, Clint Eastwood, Helen Hunt, Anthony Hopkins ~ and one my mentors, T'Keyah Crystal Keymah (In Living Color) ~ use Chekhov Technique, which was developed by Michael Chekhov (a relative of playwright, Anton Chekhov). ​

Chekhov Technique, is an acting approach that focuses on imagination, psychological gesture, and the use of the actor's body and energy.

Here are 10 Chekhov Technique exercises to help an actor make better choices to get into character:

1. Psychological Gesture: Create a physical gesture that symbolizes the character's inner essence. This move becomes your emotional key to access the character's emotions and intentions.
2. Imaginary Body: Imagine the character's physical features, such as height, weight, and posture, to transform your own body and movement.
3. Imaginary Centers: Locate and focus on different centers of energy within the body to express various emotions and intentions.
4. Qualities of Movement: Explore how the character moves and use qualities of movement (light, heavy, flowing) to express their personality and emotional states.
5. Imaginary Radiating: Imagine that your character radiates energy beyond your physical body, affecting the space, and other characters around you.
6. Sensory Awareness: Develop a heightened awareness of your senses and use all 5 senses to enrich your character's inner life.
7. Atmosphere: Create an atmosphere that supports the character's emotional state, the mood of the scene, or the overall tone of the performance.
8. Imaginary Objects: Improvise interactions with imaginary objects as the character, considering weight, texture, and purpose.
9. Archetypal Images:  Tap into universal emotions by channeling archetypal images and behaviors.
10. Inner Monologue: Create inner monologue for the character, allowing thoughts and emotions to flow freely during the scene or on a journal page.

Don't forget, dear reader, that your creative journey as a performer thrives best in a safe and creative environment that keeps your mental health and unique needs in mind. Take care of yourself, advocate for your mental and physical health, and remember to stay safe out there!

* The last 48-hours have been TRANSFORMATIONAL, and I am grateful to be doing much better!

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The Holistic Voice Coach Blog
by Karen. Lyu
https://www..holisticvoicecoach.com/blog
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