Acting Amateur Opera: A practical exploration into the use of Michael Chekhov inspired techniques to improve the performance of an amateur opera chorus.

Abstract

This study aims to determine whether a series of drama workshops inspired by the acting techniques of Michael Chekhov can improve the performance of an amateur opera chorus. The researcher facilitated six drama workshops of approximately 30 minutes in length with amateur opera group Aria Alba- Opera for All. Workshops focused on a different aspect of Michael Chekhov technique each week; some techniques had to be covered over two weeks. The project also aimed to determine if any one aspect of Michael Chekhov technique was more effective than another. Outcomes and success of the workshops were evaluated through questionnaires given to participants, an interview with the company's artistic director and evaluation by the researcher. At the beginning and end of the workshops participants were filmed singing the chosen chorus and the reviewing of this footage enabled analysis by the researcher into the outcomes of the workshops. Feedback from participants and the Artistic director as well as the evaluation carried out by the researcher suggests that these workshops are successful in improving the performance of an amateur opera chorus. Following this research the company involved aim to continue to work with the acting techniques of Michael Chekhov and feedback suggests that these techniques could be employed by other amateur theatre groups.