What Others Say about the NMCA Chekhov Experience

The Michael Chekhov work reawakened my sense of the power and possibility of transformation in acting.  At a time when the actor is asked so often to simply "be yourself," these techniques embrace imagination, invention, physicality, freedom, confidence, and JOY, all of which enhance and expand one's performance and cast-ability.  What a gift!  Lisa Dalton presents the work with mastery, passion, respect and a clear sense of how to apply it to getting the job AND doing it well.

Gail Cronauer

Theatre Faculty, Collin College, Plano TX

 
The Michael Chekhov Institute is one of these exceptional and transformational moments in one's life.
I remember that the 7 days were incredibly intense, and filled with discoveries and realizations that I have kept in my heart forever.

Lisa Dalton is an exceptionally talented teacher. I have never met anyone else who could so accurately identify and clear the blocks in the way to your highest performance. She has a gift and can clearly see what your personal issues are; and is also able to give you the tools to overcome them, yet doing this with joy and fun.

Wil Kilroy is also a joy to work with, and a caring, compassionate and centered person who will give you complete support, guidance and encouragement in your self-discovery.

The Michael Chekhov Theatre Institute is an amazing program and I highly recommend it to any actor, but especially to professional actors who want to recharge their inspiration and reach their highest potential.

Don't hesitate. Sign up today!

Emmanuelle Chaulet
Adjunct Theatre Faculty University of Southern Maine
Author, A BALANCING ACT, the development of Energize! a holistic approach to acting.
Director, Starlight Acting Institute

  One of the most helpful parts of your Chekhov programs has been the idea of "Practice - Observe - Apply" of one technique or tool each day from the circle of inspired acting and the other concepts of Michael Chekhov.  Too often we try to teach it all at once and get lost in a maze of confusion.  One tool or technique each day is easy to handle and as Chekhov said, "One tool leads to all the others." 

We've had a great year with Chekhov.  The Music Man is getting rave reviews by all who saw it.  We have two more performances this week.  I'll send you some pictures.

Harold Burnett,

Theater Dept. Chair, Eagle Hill School, MA

Hey Lisa!
This is Angelica...the Mexican girl with a thick accent who was pregnant when I went to Maine in 2007...

After my training with you guys I became so aware of my entire body and the use of it. Like I told you back then, I could finally feel and sense the emotions going thru my body and finally acknowledge and realize the changes my body went thru in each of the wonderful exercises we did. After that tanning at Maine, I can tell you my life has changed personally and professionally. I am aware of my body and mind as a person and what I project to others and also what my character -body and mind- is and how it projects to the given circumstances.

The best gift I could ever have had as an actor is the gift that M. Chekhov's legacy gave us: "be aware of your body, use it, shape it, use your energy and imagination and can achieve many things personally and professionally."

Chekhov training changed my life radically. I love the technique in all aspects and I am always encouraging fellow actors to try it. It has helped me to over come even some personal issues. Chekhov was a genius...May his soul always be warding us actors!

Love,
Angelica, Actor, AZ

To whom it may concern:
 
I have known Lisa Dalton for over a decade and I see her as a mentor, a colleague and a friend.
 
We first met when I was teaching acting and used some Michael Chekhov technique in my work, but felt that I needed more in-depth training myself. Lisa was recommended and I took her workshop. It was fabulous, just the thing to stimulate my own creativity as well as the creativity of the others in the class.
 
Lisa and I continued our relationship and decided to team teach a weekend workshop. The results were spectacular and many of the students said that it was the most inspiring work they'd done in their careers. That happened because Lisa came in fully prepared, adapted to the eclectic mix of students and was able to respond to dozens of artists in ways that brought the work to them so that they could each understand and integrate the techniques.
 
Since that time, whenever I have felt the need to jump start my own creativity I have taken other workshops with Lisa. It always works. Lisa knows her Chekhov and is an inspiring teacher.
 
Sincerely,
Joel Asher
 Emmy Award Winning Producer, DGA Director, Noted LA Acting Coach.
 

"Lisa Dalton is a gifted teacher who combines equal flourishes of rigor, humor, compassion and intuitive insight. Her knowledge of, and dedication to the Michael Chekhov approach is unsurpassed. I highly recommend the Institute...it was a profound experience for me which echoes in all areas of my life." 
Sean Casey Leclaire  
Keynote Speaker, Author, Life/Executive Coach 
 

The Michael Chekhov taught by Lisa Dalton and Wil Kilroy helped to redefine my techniques and totally expand my performance horizons, making each moment come alive!

Jacqueline McCall

 N. Texas Screen Actors Guild Board of Directors

Co-producer with Pluma Pictures

"The Chekhov work is vital as it gently forces actors to connect to impulse, discovery, and expression in a more dynamic and truthful way. Having worked with both Lisa and Wil for over 10 years, I know of nobody else who teaches the technique with greater knowledge, passion, and joy. You will leave their workshops and classes prepared, deeply satisfied, and full of light."

My Introduction to the Techniques of Michael Chekhov course at Virginia Commonwealth University went so well I am teaching it twice next year, which I am thrilled about.

-Josh Chenard
MFA Candidate/Adjunct Faculty Virginia Commonwealth University
Chekhov Certified 2004

Thanks for six fabulous, gruelingly marvelous Chekhovian days that opened doors to previously unexperienced depths of creative action and understanding and gave me the tools to get back there time and again.

Gloria Stafford, Actor/Dance Teacher for the Handicapped.

Austin TX

The Chekhov Technique has absolutely shown me a new world of acting possibilities, but what I really consider to be priceless about my training is how the technique has touched me in my everyday life. Chekhov gives you tools to unlock the beauty and vitality of every moment and every person. Chekhov reminds us how to love.
 
Josh Heard
Actor, Ft Worth TX

"The Chekhov workshop provided me with acting teaching skills

that I use repeatedly. My students find the work really accessible.

The skills taught are great for directing as well as acting."

Nancy Saklad

Assistant Professor of Performance

SUNY New Paltz, NY

  PS I am being published in the Voice and Speech Review with an article called: A Focus on Fusion: The Symbiotic Vocal-Physical Relationship of Chekhov and Fitzmaurice.

 
Before I became associated with Lisa and her teaching, I really did not think about who the character was or how the character's whole being would react in a given situation.  Now I feel that my whole body becomes the character and every gesture adds to the believability of the character.
 
Dan Nolen, Jr.  Actor/Director