*MICHAEL CHEKHOV TECHNIQUE : FOUNDATION* *Oct. 6-Nov. 24, Sunday Nights* *WHAT ARE WE EXPLORING?* In this eight week, 18 hour offering, you will penetrate the fundamental principles of Michael Chekhov’s psychophysical approach to performance to deepen the sensitivity and imaginative interplay of your body and psychology in the present moment. Improvisational solo and ensemble sessions will cover principles such as creative concentration, imagination, The Four Brothers, Qualities of Movement, Imaginary Centers, Imaginary Body, Atmosphere, Space, Expanding & Contracting, and Psychological Gesture. This foundational offering is an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to the Chekhov work or deepen your understanding of the work as a practitioner. *WHEN DO WE EXPLORE?* Sundays: October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24 6:30-8:45pm Eight meetings, 18 hours of exploration *WHERE DO WE EXPLORE?* Art On Madison 14203 Madison Avenue Lakewood, OH 44107 *WHERE DO I PARK?* Free street parking is available on Madison and nearby side streets. *WHO IS THIS FOR?* This exploration is for a maximum of 8 performer-artists, ages 18 and up, interested in expanding their imaginative capabilities and embodying that imagination with ease and a sense of play; for the performer-artist curious about what is true for them in this moment rather than what might be perceived as “right” or “wrong.” *THAT'S ME! WHAT SHOULD I BRING?* Memorize 2-3 minutes of text you’ve never worked with before that you would enjoy exploring. Avoid making choices with the text. Wear clothing and shoes you are comfortable moving in since we discover experientially with full-bodied movement. Bring a water bottle, notebook, and a writing instrument. *WHERE DO I REGISTER?* http://www.raycaspio.com/michael-chekhov-center-cleveland-classes/foundation *WHAT IS MY INVESTMENT?* $185.00 if paid in full at time of registration. Or, two installment payments of $95.00. Installment 1 is due at registration. Installment 2 is due through online payment, check, or money order by start of class, October 20th. This discounted rate is made possible by the generosity of Art On Madison. *ANY OTHER DETAILS ABOUT MY INVESTMENT?* Full refunds available until September 20th. If you need to cancel for any reason after September 20th, 75% of your investment will be refunded. Minimum class size is 3, maximum is 8. In the event that this offering is canceled by Michael Chekhov Center Cleveland prior to the first session, you will receive a full refund. *I’M AN LGBTQ ARTIST AND WANT TO JOIN YOU, BUT FIND MYSELF NEEDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. CAN YOU HELP?* Absolutely! MC3 is a safe space for you to explore and work. If you’re interested in any of our class offerings and find yourself in extreme need of financial assistance, please open a discussion by e-mailing Ray Caspio (me!) at michaelchekhovcenter (at) gmail (dot) com detailing your situation and proposed need, and we’ll find a solution together! I’ve been there. I get it. And I want to make sure this technique is accessible to you. This offer is for LGBTQ-identifying artists only and must be received for consideration by September 20th. *TELL ME ABOUT MICHAEL CHEKHOV CENTER CLEVELAND!* Michael Chekhov Center Cleveland is committed to the art of the actor through explorations of the psychophysical processes illuminated by Michael Chekhov. Through educational offerings for artists and performances within the community, we explore what it means when the actor is the theatre. *HOW IS THE CHEKHOV TECHNIQUE APPROACHED?* The Michael Chekhov Technique is a holistic, psychophysical approach to performance that synthesizes the actor's body and psychology. You discover how the magic of your movement, in tandem with your imagination and feeling life, has the ability to enliven the spaces within yourself and the spaces around you. Solo and ensemble explorations in concentration, movement, atmosphere, and gesture increase your flexibility, honesty, joy, and ease as a performing artist. You learn to free your body as a conduit for the soul of your character. Your Creative Individuality is supported and nourished, and your artistic work becomes more inspired. *WHO LEADS THE SESSIONS?* RAY CASPIO creates beautifully grotesque characters whose comedic allure invites you into their queer realities where they unpack American culture and scrutinize the multifaceted manners in which we relate to each other. Ray’s work recognizes the immediacy and impermanence of performance by embracing theatre as a living event. Those in the space matter. The work becomes as alive as we are: consciously existing in that moment when we all gather to play. Ray is a performance artist, teaching artist, and the Founder of Michael Chekhov Center Cleveland. They have created pieces spanning theatre, cabaret, installation, web, and personal storytelling, and served as performer-creator in numerous devised works, originating over 30 roles. Ray’s creations have been performed at BorderLight International Theatre + Fringe Festival, Playhouse Square, Cleveland Public Theatre, Theater Ninjas (Associate Artistic Director 2012-2015), and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Caspio appeared on Best of Theatre lists for Cleveland Scene (2014 & 2017) and WCPN/NPR’s The Sound of Applause (2014, for the conception and performance of the immersive cabaret exploration of gender, sexuality, and marriage equality, TingleTangle). Caspio has taught for Playhouse Square, Disney Musicals-in-Schools, Cleveland Play House Theatre Academy, MetroHealth Arts in Medicine, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. They are trained in Bouffon, Eccentric Performance, the Alba Method, and Improv & Sketch Writing (Second City Chicago). Ray studies with master teachers of the Michael Chekhov technique at the Michael Chekhov School, Hudson, NY, and the international faculty of MICHA, the Michael Chekhov Association. Caspio founded Michael Chekhov Center Cleveland after a decade exploring the technique to share their understanding of Chekhov’s principles with Northeast Ohio artists. Ray received a 2016 Creative Workforce Fellowship. *QUESTIONS?* Contact Ray Caspio Founder & Artistic Director, Michael Chekhov Center Cleveland michaelchekhovcenter [at] gmail [dot] com