BASES/support for the artist

Groups of up to 14 artists meet once a week via Zoom . Rather than study the Michael Chekhov technique head on, which is limited by the online format, groups broaden their creative life exploring the fundamental bases that support an artist's work and the creative process, elements such as Concentration, Imagination, Qualities, Energy/Direction, Sensations of Feeling, Thinking/Willing/Feeling, Expansion/Contraction, Polarities, Incorporation, the Feeling of Ease, Form, Beauty and a Sense of the Whole, Wonder and Surprise, among others.

Michael Chekhov Brasil's extensive ARCHIVE provides a constant source of inspiration and further enquiry, including into the philosophies behind Michael Chekhov's artistic vision. The archive  includes books in numerous languages, first editions, articles and hundreds of print and digital documents, including the entire Deirdre Hurst du Prey "The Actor is the Theatre" class transcriptions.

Although more like a collaborative study group than a typical acting workshop, BASES participants do usually work on their feet for at least part of each class, since as actors we always veer towards bringing what we're exploring into the body.

BASES sessions are designed to support, provoke, strengthen and inspire the participants' ongoing artistic practice, whether this takes place in studios, acting schools, college programmes, or professional and amateur acting work.

The groups welcome actors from all corners/backgrounds/accents and the workshop has been designed to play a permanent role in Michael Chekhov Brasil's pedagogy well beyond the Covid-19 crisis.

Important women in Michael Chekhov's professional life are honoured in the names of the groups. The Portuguese language groups currently working are: Turma Georgette, Turma Beatrice and Turma Deirdre.

English language groups may be offered in the future. If you would be interested in joining, please let us know by sending an e-mail to ensaio@michaelchekhov.com.br.