Michael Chekhov

Real inspired acting is never DOING, it is always HAPPENING

— Michael Chekhov

The essence of our profession is to give. What is it that we in the theater give? We give our body, voice,…

— Michael Chekhov

An actor has to burn inside with an outer ease.

— Michael Chekhov

In every well-written play the battle rages between the primary powers of Good and Evil, and it is this battle which constitutes…

— Michael Chekhov

Compassion may be called the fundamental of all good art because it alone can tell you what other beings feel and experience.…

— Michael Chekhov

This longing for knowledge makes the real artist brave. He never adheres to the first image that appears to him, because he…

— Michael Chekhov

As actors and actresses, we must rejoice in the possession of our physical faculties. We must experience joy in the use of…

— Michael Chekhov

That is art: to give all you have. And what have you? Your life - nothing more. And to give life means…

— Michael Chekhov

When you really concentrate, you will get a sense of expansion. You will feel that you are larger person than you are…

— Michael Chekhov

All true artists, bear within themselves a deeply rooted and often unconscious desire for transformation.

— Michael Chekhov

I am a creative artist. I have the ability to radiate. Lifting my arms above me, I soar above the earth. Lowering…

— Michael Chekhov

Why be narrow-minded, why cut ourselves off from any of these rich heritages when… we have the freedom to make the most…

— Michael Chekhov

You cannot keep bumping your head against reality and saying it is not there.

— Michael Chekhov

The inner life of the [imagination], and not the personal and tiny experiential resources of the actor, should be elaborated on the…

— Michael Chekhov

What is it that we in the theatre give? Instead of images on canvas or in the form of statuary or music,…

— Michael Chekhov