A Global Network of Certified Chekhov Experts
Our instructors have been rigorously trained and certified through the National Michael Chekhov Association (NMCA). Our faculty includes working actors, directors, stunt performers, and academic educators who bring the Chekhov method to life across stages, film sets, and classrooms worldwide.
From foundational workshops to advanced certification programs, you'll learn from teachers who embody the technique in their own artistic practice – offering you not just theory, but lived wisdom, creative courage, and practical tools you can use immediately.
Our Association’s Professional Team
NMCA is a non-profit 501C3 organization that has a rich history as theatrical professionals and enthusiasts. Our founding members and all past and current associates have played and still play a valuable role in keeping Michael Chekhov’s techniques and legacy alive. Below is information on our founders:
Lisa Dalton
President & Co-Founder
Lisa Dalton is an actor, writer, director, producer, stuntwoman, and Master Teacher of the Michael Chekhov technique. Teaching acting since 1974, Lisa began training in Michael Chekhov technique in 1980 and subsequently studied with more of Mr. Chekhov’s direct students than any other teacher today. This expansive approach to a broad set of perspectives influences the NMCA pedagogy. A partial list includes George Shdanoff, Co-Director of the Chekhov Theatre Studio, Beatrice Straight and Deirdre Hurst du Prey, Chekhov’s first English-speaking students, Mala Powers, Executrix of the Chekhov Estate and Jack Colvin, personal assistant to Chekhov. Lisa was a co-founder of the International Michael Chekhov Association in 1993 and in 1994, Lisa introduced the tool known as “Three Sister Sensations” to the Chekhov world, taught to her by Jack Colvin. In 1998 and 1999, Lisa created the first two International Michael Chekhov Workshops in America at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center in Connecticut, which gave birth to MICHA, from where she holds a Certificate of Completion. Lisa, with a deep background in physical theatre and clowning, was a founding member of Bond Street Theatre at La Mama, ETC. She has toured her solo shows across the nation and continues to perform on stage and screen. Dalton is an Amazon Best Selling Author and produced From Russia to Hollywood, a PBS documentary on Michael Chekhov.
Wil Kilroy
Vice President & Co-Founder
Wil Kilroy is New Mexico State University’s current department head and Professor of Theatre. He also serves as the American Southwest Theatre Company’s Managing Director. Wil is a Master Teacher of the Michael Chekhov technique and discovered this work when he was a young actor in New York City while studying under Blair Cutting and, later, Mala Powers. He has received the Moss Hart Award, the Outstanding Teacher-Scholar Award from the University of Southern Maine, and the Human and Civil Rights Award from the Maine Education Association. He also holds Professor Emeritus Status at the University of Southern Maine. In 2014, Wil was awarded the Kennedy Center bronze medallion for achievement in Theatre Education, and he earned two other medallions previously for work he did with the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. Wil continues professional acting and directing and is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA.
Charles Bowles
Executive Producer
In 2008, we brought in a new partner. Charlie manages our day-to-day operations, produces our Intensives, and serves as the Board of Directors’ Secretary and Treasurer. He has a BBA in Business Management and an MBA in Technology Management. For 35-years, Charlie was a manager for Verizon. He then served in Arlington, TX as the Creative Arts Theatre & School’s President of the Board of Directors and Executive Director. He’s an active member of Toastmasters International and National Association of Parliamentarians. He's written for Backstage along with Lisa Dalton and was a theater reviewer in DFW for the John Garcia Column for 7-years. He is a trained mediator, practicing arbitrator, and Registered Parliamentarian. And he's taken the NMCA Michael Chekhov Training Intensive many times.
Mala Powers
Founder Emeritus
Mala Powers, Chekhov estate executrix, co-founded NMCA with Wil and Lisa and helped form our renown pedagogy by contributing her knowledge as a personal friend, private and group class student of Mr. Chekhov. She was the only active film star (Golden Globe nominee for Roxanne, Cyrano de Bergerac, 1950) who was coached on her film and stage roles directly by Mr. Chekhov, who then went on to teach. Together with a kind of stunning grace which pervaded all she did, Mala infused into our work the missing pieces that she got privately. This information forms the link to application often absent in many trainings who offer dynamic experiences with little instruction for real use in your career. Mala continued her career as an actor, director, and in 1988 began co-teaching with Lisa Dalton in the Michael Chekhov Drama Group. In 1995, they formed the Michael Chekhov Studio, USA West with Jack Colvin. Mala passed away in 2007 yet remains with us in spirit and our association continued growing with her blessing.
How We Teach: Embodied, Imaginative, Transformative
Throughout the year, Lisa Dalton welcomes opportunities to offer classes, lectures, conference papers, and workshops internationally. As an internationally recognized teacher and author, she brings fresh perspectives, unique expertise, and diverse applications of the Michael Chekhov technique.
Embodied Learning
We believe the actor’s body and imagination are essential instruments of expression. Our teaching emphasizes psycho-physical exploration, movement and imagination, ultimately interweaving it with our signature system called SynthAnalysis™.
Imaginative Activation
The Chekhov technique awakens the artistic imagination. We create safe, playful spaces where creativity can flourish without judgment.
Individual Transformation
Every actor is unique. We tailor our guidance to meet you where you are, honoring your strengths while gently expanding your edges.
Collaborative Spirit
Great art happens in community. Our faculty fosters ensemble thinking, generous partnerships, and supportive feedback cultures.
Professional Application
We teach for the real world – auditions, rehearsals, sets, and stages. Our techniques are immediately applicable and career-enhancing.
Join Our International Learning Community
When you train with Lisa Dalton and NMCA, you're not just taking a class – you're joining a global network of artists committed to excellence, creativity, and continuous growth. Our faculty will challenge you, support you, and celebrate every breakthrough along the way.
Ready to learn from master teachers who truly understand the craft?
Connect with Our Teaching Team
Have questions about studying with a particular instructor? Interested in private coaching or institutional partnerships? Want to learn more about our certification programs?
Our faculty welcomes your inquiries and looks forward to supporting your artistic journey.