Introduction to Movement Qualities
With Gretchen Egolf and Sian Clarke
Explore the imaginative acting technique of Michael Chekhov in this dynamic series of weekly workshops focused on Movement Qualities.
Led by actor and teacher Gretchen Egolf (LAMDA, RCSSD) and performer-maker Sian Clarke (ArtsEd, East 15), these sessions introduce Chekhov’s core physical tools before applying them to character and text from a play.
Practical, playful and welcoming, the classes are open to complete beginners, experienced performers, and anyone interested in exploring creativity through movement and imagination.
The course runs across two Wednesday evening blocks.
Course Information
Dates
Part 1: Wednesday 15 April, 22 April, 29 April, 6 May 2026
Part 2: Wednesday 3 June, 10 June, 17 June 2026
Time
7.00–9.00pm
Access
This studio is accessible. Please contact us in advance if you have specific access requirements.
Price
Full price £105
Concession £84
(All events are for participants over the age of 18)
Pay It Forward & Supported Places
If you’re able, you can choose our Pay It Forward option and purchase a place for someone who may not otherwise be able to attend. Your contribution helps us open these workshops to a wider community of artists and creatives.
We also offer two full scholarship places. If cost is a barrier to participation, please email The Chekhov Collective Team to enquire.
About the Workshops
The first four sessions, led by Gretchen Egolf, introduce the Movement Qualities that sit at the heart of the Chekhov technique, using practical exercises to develop imagination, physical awareness, and expressive range.
The final three sessions, led by Sian Clarke, apply these tools to character development and text from a selected play, offering participants the opportunity to bring the work into performance.
Sessions are supportive, focused and adaptable to the needs of the group. Comfortable clothing suitable for movement is recommended.
Note: although this is traditionally an acting technique, these sessions are very open to anyone wanting to tap into their creativity.
The Practitioners
Gretchen Egolfis an actor, teacher, and director. She has taught and directed regularly at LAMDA, Central School of Speech and Drama, Rose Bruford, RADA, and Goldsmiths, as well as Brunel, Arts Ed, East 15, ALRA, and in independent practice, as well as with The Chekhov Collective UK. In her teaching, Gretchen’s foundation is in the Michael Chekhov approach, having studied with Michael Chekhov Association (MICHA), and Michael Chekhov NYC, UK, and Europe. As an actor, Gretchen trained at Juilliard and has performed for over 30 years in theatre, film, and television, in America and the UK. She has appeared on and off Broadway, in and off West End, and in many regional theatres across the US. Her screen work is extensive, mostly in American television.
Sian Clarkeblends performance art and comedy to create genre pushing, provocative work. She uses Chekhov's notions of playfulness and polarity within her work to challenge spectators to explore their own thoughts, ideas and preconceptions. Sian has worked as a performer, writer and dramaturg across live art, theatre, comedy and film. She uses a blend of all elements of Chekhov Technique but is particularly drawn to movement qualities and imaginary centres for both creating and performing.Her previous show The Sian Clarke Experience received an array of 4 and 5 star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2020. She has been performing her solo work across the U.K since 2017. Sian project, iCON was an experimental theatre piece exploring turning 30 and feeling obsolete, existentialism and community. This project, in partnership with The Chekhov Collective, brought three tailored performance and writing workshops to over 30’s, alongside a panel discussion looking at the impact of ageism in the arts.