Actor, Author, Teacher
Lisa Dalton brings the transformative Michael Chekhov approach to the stage and screen as an actor, to the page as an author and to actors, directors, and teachers worldwide through dynamic workshops, masterclasses, and professional certification programs.
Unlock your fullest artistic potential with training that's as bold and spirited as your ambition. Get your copy of Acting the Michael Chekhov Way today.
Train With a Living Master of the Chekhov Method
Free your artistic soul with the Michael Chekhov acting technique – a powerful, body-centered approach that awakens imagination, deepens emotional truth, and elevates performance to new heights. Led by master teacher, author, and performer Lisa Dalton, our programs serve professional actors, academic instructors, graduate students, and directors across the USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
1-on-1 Coaching With Lisa
Where warmth meets rigor. Get tailored guidance that blends creative insight with real-world strategy for your performance, career, and life goals.
What You Will Find Here
Actor
Lisa Dalton is a versatile actor, teacher, and director with 35+ years of experience in film, television, and stage. Her career spans national tours, Hollywood films, TV appearances, commercial work, and award-winning directing, alongside coaching and industry leadership roles.
Author
Lisa Dalton’s book, Acting the Michael Chekhov Way: A Playbook for Healthy Sequential Training, provides a clear, step-by-step guide to the Chekhov technique. Designed for actors, teachers, and directors, it blends decades of practical experience with imaginative tools, promoting artistic growth, performance health, and creative freedom.
Michael Chekhov Teacher
Dive into immersive, hands-on Michael Chekhov workshops designed for actors, directors, teachers, and designers at every stage. Our training embraces the comprehensive Chart of Inspired Action, including Psychological Gesture, atmosphere, imagination, and character work – core tools that bring authenticity and power to your performances.
Merchanidise
Show your pride in the Chekhov community with exclusive National Michael Chekhov Association merchandise! From bold t-shirts to fun novelty items, our gear celebrates the artistry, imagination, and spirit of this transformative technique. Perfect for workshops, rehearsals, or everyday wear that sparks conversations about the craft you love.
Meet Lisa Dalton
Over 50 years as a professional actor, Lisa Dalton has a talent for characters of different intelligences, occupations, levels of authority and emotional availability. Born with a fair complexion, invisible eyebrows and lashes and an “average” bone structure, a touch of make up and shift in hairstyle combined with her acting skill render her sometimes unrecognizable from role to role. Her fortes span vulnerable victims to intimidating villains, judicious heroes, devastating divas and loving caregivers. She easily slides from tragedy to comedy, on camera or stage.
Lisa is a natural-born storyteller and loves sharing her life lessons and zany adventures in books, blogs. and vlogs, with topics serving as "beach and bathroom" readers to tightly structured text books on acting, directing, and script analysis.
As founder of the National Michael Chekhov Association (NMCA), she trains and certifies teachers and performers worldwide, combining rigorous technique with warmth, creativity, and real-world insight.
Join Us for Transformative Events Worldwide
From intimate masterclasses in Reykjavik to week-long certification intensives in New Mexico, our events bring the Michael Chekhov technique to life in inspiring locations around the globe. Past participants have transformed their practice in Berlin studios, Brussels theatres, and across Texas – and our upcoming 2026 calendar promises even more opportunities to train, connect, and grow with master teachers and fellow artists.
Insights, Techniques & Stories from the Stage
Explore articles on the Chekhov method, acting tips, performance psychology, and behind-the-scenes stories from working professionals. Our blog is a resource for curious artists and lifelong learners.
Your Michael Chekhov Questions, Answered
New to the Chekhov method? Wondering about certification or class formats? We've gathered answers to the most common questions from actors, teachers, and directors.
Questions and Comments
Have questions about workshops, certifications, or scheduling? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out today and take the first step toward transforming your performance.
See What Clients are Saying
Routledge Critics' Review
"Acting the Michael Chekhov way is a simply masterful step by step introduction to the many wonderful tools of the Michael Chekhov technique. A game changer in the classroom, this detailed textbook not only offers a clear scaffolding from abstract physical exploration through to direct application into scene work, it also offers actors a beautiful philosophy on self-guidance, self-assessment and autonomy. This healthy and positive approach to actor training (a hallmark of Chekhov's work long ignored) is a welcome antidote to the many problematic approaches to actor training that exist today. Equally perfect for personal study or in the classroom, this marvelous text provides endless opportunities for exploration, growth and the expansion of artistic discoveries for years to come."
Anjalee Deshpande Hutchinson, Chair, Dept of Theatre and Dance Bucknell University Author of Acting Exercises for Non-Traditional Staging: Michael Chekhov Reimagined
"In Acting the Michael Chekhov Way, Dalton lays out an easy to follow progression through the entire Chekhov cannon that culminates with the SART, a stunningly efficient process we used in Small Town Boys. Rehearsing the climactic moments does more than unite all the elements of a show, Lisa’s approach gives an actor the rhythmic soul of the performance. Ms. Dalton is a brilliant teacher and director!"
Sean Casey Leclaire, Playwright/Actor/Leadership Coach
A New Look at The Timeless Contributions of a Seasoned Genius
The Michael Chekhov method for training actors has been around for a long time but has been sadly neglected in favor of more superficial methods that focus on the" perform a monologue and then brace for criticism" technique. Lisa Dalton's new book is a comprehensive treatment of a technique that includes the metaphysical and mystical principles that make Chekhov's perspective to training unique. Here the actor's relationships to different areas of his experience are clearly illustrated with follow- up exercises and insights. Such relationships (to audience, to atmosphere, to characters) are examined from both physical and metaphysical standpoints. It is a system that can be practiced to some degree without a teacher's presence. It is instruction that cannot be outdated.
Daisy - 5 Stars
Excellent
Lisa Dalton is not only an extraordinary actress, but an excellent teacher of the Chekhov technique, a wonderful break from the tired, and not always successful technique of Method Acting. a must read for all students of acting.
Celeste - 5 Stars
One of the Best Books Ever Written on the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique.
This is a comprehensive exploration of the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique that looks at all the tools that are part of the technique. It is a blend of theory and practical activity which will help the actor build their acting skills as well as their health. Lisa Loving Dalton is a master teacher of the Chekhov Technique, making her one of the world's leading instructors. This is one of the best books ever written on the subject.
James Morrison - 5 Stars
Facebook Review
If you’re an actor, aspiring actor, director or filmmaker and collaborate with actors, I highly recommend Lisa’s book. So proud of you, Lisa!
Kaci
Facebook Review
Lisa, You continual amaze me with your incredible love and willingness to impart the knowledge that leads us to the truth and ability to become better, loving people and finer actors.
Jacqueline
Facebook Review
You are one of the most positive forces in my life! Thank you!
Jeanie
Facebook Review
I'm a Chekhov student, and loving it!!
Bruce
Facebook Review
Thank you for being a positive force in my life!
Kristin
Facebook Review
my guru, my teacher, my guardian angel.
Rajita