Reflections on Michael Chekhov’s Acting Technique by Ragnar. Originally recorded as a contemplation for his class at the New School, NYC. [4:08]
the greatest obstacle
Joanna Merlin on auditioning. Excerpt from a recording for the Spanish edition of her book ‘Auditioning: An Actor-Friendly Guide‘. Filmed by Ragnar. [3:05]
So Others Can Rest In It Too
Podcast: In conversation with BRENT CARVER & Ragnar on the spirit of Michael Chekhov. Subscribe on Itunes to receive our podcasts. [15:43]
we would not know
Fern reflects on what role the “Dartington Ladies” played in the development of The Actors’ Ensemble. Excerpt from a longer interview. [3:37]
out of the ruins
Ted’s story of Beatrice Straight’s Studio in NYC & Michael Chekhov’s students: the “Dartington Ladies”. Excerpt from a longer interview. [3:36]
Watching Michael Chekhov
After discovering an old black & white movie, Ted and Fern are watching Michael Chekhov perform and his art come alive on the screen. [4:00]
Bernadette’s Letter
Essay by Bernadette Wintsch-Heinen from Switzerland in a live translation by Ragnar, who has a bad hair day. Fern and Ted are listening. [2:52]
origins of theater
Ted’s story of stage manager Jimmy Gelb & the invention of theater. Filmed by Gabriela Bonomo during The Actors’ Ensemble’s anniversary [1:50]
fears & demons
Broadway veteran actor and Tony Award winner Dick Latessa’s visit to the school & a conversation about conquering your fears [2:31]
your own work
At the end of the school’s inaugural year Ted Pugh is speaking about having a practice and making Michael Chekhov’s work your own. [1:20]
process-on-camera
Gabriel Rodriguez is exploring “A Brief for the Defense” (Jack Gilbert) by following inner processes in Ragnar’s On-Camera class. [2:36]
summer session
Ten actors are reflecting on their experience during the past four-week summer session at the Michael Chekhov School in Hudson, NY. [4:05]
the etheric heart
As part of MICHA’s celebration of Ted and Fern, Jessica is sharing a talk by Michael Chekhov quoting Rudolf Steiner’s teachings. [4:28]
it’s happening
Megan Callahan is singing at MICHA’s celebration of Ted and Fern for their life-long dedication to the work of Michael Chekhov. [3:17]
house and horses
Ted, Fern & Ragnar are preparing the house for the summer session, actors will be arriving shortly, horses are standing in a pasture. [1:47]
Theater of the Future
Impressions from MICHA’s “Theater of the Future” Open Space, following our 2015 Conference. Browse the complete event reports HERE. [2:00]
the wind & the rain
A song from William Shakespeare’s “12th Night” for Fern’s Birthday; sung by all participants during MICHA’s 2015 Workshop & Conference. [2:16]
filming & playing
‘Camera as Performance Space’. With Gabriel, Colleen, Dorothea, Val, Kyle, Peggy, Camille, Berda, K.D. & Ragnar. Filmed by Martin D. Anderson [2:25]
a legacy
“I felt some responsibility…” Joanna Merlin speaks about her efforts of making M. Chekhov’s work available for the future. [2:00]
casting & teaching
“I came to New York…” Joanna Merlin talks about her time as a casting agent & her beginning to teach Michael Chekhov’s work. [2:15]
freedom & technique
“to pass this on…” Joanna Merlin is reflecting on Michael Chekhov’s way of teaching and on his generous sharing of what he had discovered. [2:30]
no failure
“the moment he walked in…” Joanna Merlin describes the atmosphere of working with Michael Chekhov in his class in Los Angeles [2:41]
a difficult profession
“Are you absolutely certain?” Joanna Merlin recounts her first meeting with Michael Chekhov in Los Angeles as a young actress. [2:17]
my children
Michael Chekhov gave this speech to his first graduating students. Excerpts from Fern reading it during the spring session at the Michael Chekhov School [2:38]
family of things
Preparing for the spring session, Fern is sharing quotes by Peter Brook, Leonardo daVinci, Stanislavsky, Delsarte &Mary Oliver. [2:35]
discipline & swimming
Conversation between Fern, Ted & Ragnar in a Café in Hudson. With inspiration from Michael Howard, Phelim McDermott & Michael Chekhov. [2:43]
A Virtual Class?
Discourse about streaming Michael Chekhov Classes online. With Fern & Ragnar, filmed by Martin D. Anderson at BRIC Media Arts, Brooklyn [2:21]
a passion for theater
Ted is reading to Fern and Ragnar about Peter Brook’s “International Centre for Theatre Research” at Les Bouffes du Nord in Paris. [2:26]
Imagination / Perception
Discussing a quote by Michael Chekhov on imagination & memory. With Fern, Ted, Ragnar and a drawing from a lecture by Rudolf Steiner. [2:28]
Newsletter
Peter Tedeschi is interviewing Ted, Fern and Ragnar on Skype about the Michael Chekhov School for the Michael Chekhov Association’s (MICHA) newsletter. [2:23]
Housing in Hudson
Ted and Fern are looking at a house for actors during the spring session. Ragnar is on the phone in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. [2:34]
A Laboratory
A statement about the school by Ted. With words by Michael Chekhov and two of his original character sketches (courtesy of Joan Allen). [2:24]
The Ensemble & MICHA
At the Taconic Diner Fern, Ted & Ragnar are speaking about their connection to the Michael Chekhov Association (MICHA) & about taking your impulses seriously. [2:55]
Spiritual Practice
Fern is reading from “Threads of Time” about Toscanini and speaking about Brook, Gurdjieff, Michael Chekhov and Rudolf Steiner. [2:57]
Anthroposophy
Ted is telling a story about Paul Marshall Allen, Michael Chekhov and Anthroposophy. Outside a drop of water is hanging on a twig. [2:31]
Rudolf Steiner
Fern is reading words by Paul Marshall Allen in which he is speaking about Michael Chekhov’s relationship to Rudolf Steiner. [2:34]
breathing and laughing
Ted is reading to Fern a quote by Peter Brook. They are speaking about the audience, the performer, deep listening and silence. [2:58]
Inspiration / Goethe
Ted found this text, attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Fern is playing Schubert on the piano. Ragnar is watching leaves. [2:18]
Hudson, housing & the web
Ted, Fern & Ragnar are speaking to the community about the school’s new home at Solaris in Hudson, its website & housing for actors [2:24]
in the newspaper
An article, written by John Mason for the ‘Register Star’, read by Martin D. Anderson. Ted is sitting in a rocking chair under a tree [3:24]
‘come back around’
Music & Vocals by Séamus Maynard. Performed with Sauerkraut Seth (Bass). Benefit for The Actors’ Ensemble at the Spencertown Academy, NY. [4:47]
freedom within
Ted is reflecting on the school; Joanna is sharing what it was like to be taught by Michael Chekhov. Fern and Ragnar are listening. [2:13]
Beuys / Art
While riding the train along the Hudson, Ragnar is reading a text by Joseph Beuys, founder of the International Free University. [2:17]
limitless
After experiencing Peter Brook’s most recent show in Brooklyn, Fern is contemplating legacy, technique and her quest as an actress. [2:09]
technique & ensemble
During a drive on the turnpike with Ragnar, Ted and Fern are discussing technique, ensemble and ways of making theater. [02:26]
training / development
In speaking about the school Ted, Ragnar and Fern discuss the distinction between ‘training’ and ‘artistic development’ for the actor. [01:49]
intentions
Fern, Ragnar and Ted are speaking about the Michael Chekhov School’s intentions as they are writing a proposal for a grant application. [02:38]
finding a space
Fern’s report on a meeting with Kam and Jody from Solaris, Hudson about a work space for the school. [01:47]
a maiden voyage
Fern, Ted & Ragnar about non-profit-status, prospective students and when the school will be in session. [02:05]
why a school?
Michael Chekhov about the need to have a school, read by Ragnar from unpublished material [02:39]
michaelchekhovschool 