Application of the Michael Chekhov Technique to Shakespeare's Sonnets

In this review of Application of the Michael Chekhov Technique to Shakespeare's Sonnets, Soliloquies and Monologues, the bottom line is clear: this book is for actors and teachers who want a direct, practical path to applying Michael Chekhov's approach to Shakespeare. The reviewer found the book most valuable for its clear definitions of Technique elements and its chapter-by-chapter application across sonnets, comedies, tragedies, histories and romances, making it a working manual rather than a purely theoretical text. It is recommended for those seeking rehearsal tools and audition material grounded in a single, coherent method.

Key Features

• Comprehensive definitions: The opening chapter lays out the key aspects of the Michael Chekhov Technique so readers can adopt a consistent vocabulary for practice.
• Structured coverage: Five chapters apply the Technique to distinct Shakespearean forms, giving targeted exercises for sonnets, comedies, tragedies, histories and romances.
• Practical exercises: The book emphasizes exercises and rehearsal techniques that actors can use directly in preparation and classroom work.
• Audition-ready material: A wide range of pieces from Shakespeare are presented as usable audition excerpts.
• Method-to-practice path: The text maps theory into concrete steps so performers can bring their own artistic life into Shakespearean text.

Who It's For

This volume is best for classically trained actors, drama students and teachers who already value the Michael Chekhov Technique and want concrete ways to apply it to Shakespeare. Those preparing monologues and sonnets for auditions will find a practical selection of pieces and rehearsals approaches that translate directly to performance.

Readers seeking a general history of Chekhov or a broad survey of multiple acting methods should look elsewhere; this book is intentionally specific and focused on applying a single technique to Shakespeare rather than comparing approaches.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear chapter organization that moves from definitions to applied work across Shakespearean genres.
• Practical rehearsal exercises make the Technique accessible to working actors and teachers.
• Good selection of sonnets and monologues suitable for auditions and class excerpts.
• Emphasizes personal artistic development within Shakespeare's language.

Cons

• Focused approach means readers wanting comparative method analysis will find limited material on other acting techniques.

Specifications

Title	Application of the Michael Chekhov Technique to Shakespeare's Sonnets, Soliloquies and Monologues
Author/Brand	Mark Monday
Primary focus	Applying the Michael Chekhov Technique to Shakespeare
Content structure	One definitions chapter plus five chapters by Shakespearean form
Includes	Exercises, rehearsal techniques and audition material
Suitable for	Actors, teachers, audition preparation

Our Verdict

For actors and teachers committed to the Michael Chekhov approach, this book is a practical, well-organized resource that turns theory into rehearsal-ready work for Shakespeare. Its genre-by-genre application and useful exercises make it good value for performers who want specific, transferable techniques and audition material rooted in a single coherent method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include exercises?
Yes, it offers a range of exercises and rehearsal techniques tied to the Michael Chekhov Technique throughout the chapters.

Which Shakespeare works are covered?
The book addresses sonnets and a broad selection of pieces from comedies, tragedies, histories and romances.

Is it suitable for beginners?
It is most useful for actors or students familiar with basic acting concepts; complete beginners may want an introductory text on the Technique first.