1. Dan Hendrock’s Teaching Philosophy
As an acting teacher, it is my intention that my students develop into artists who work in theater
and film, classical and contemporary. It is my personal mission that each student will acquire a way
of working that not only prepares them for the whole of their careers, but will push each individual
actor to challenge themselves to grow as an artist through technique, inspiration and imagination. I
specialize mostly in the Michael Chekhov Technique, in which I have earned my teaching
certification through the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium. I find this approach to acting to
be wildly imaginative, extremely physically inspiring, freeing, and most importantly, fun! I have a
passion for developing where Michael Chekhov left off and through collaboration with my students,
and myself we continuously make discoveries, proving that the technique continues to grow just as
we continue to grow as artists.
Other than strictly using the Michael Chekhov technique, I employ an eclectic approach to my
teaching. Using Stanislavsky as a base, I employ the tools and approaches of many teachers
including, but not limited to, Sandford Meisner, Lee Strasberg, Laban, Kristin Linklater, Arthur
Lesaac, Roy Hart, LeCoq, Grotowski, along with ones I have developed myself. I find that most
approaches share common goals and impart the same meaning, they just language it differently. I
practice communicating to my students using as much diversity in language as possible. I pride
myself in creating a disciplined and nurturing space where I work tirelessly and rigorously with each
actor. I expect my students to be on time, ready to work, and above all, prepared. I make it clear that
I expect them to participate even when they are not being coached, respond to and support their
fellow actors work with constructive criticism and positive feedback, as well as providing a "spy
back" section at the end of every class. I am very "hands on" and active with each of my students,
constantly challenging them to move forward. I find that maintaining an environment of "play" and
"fun" loosens one's inhibitions and from this, nothing short of magic is created.
I measure a student's growth by their willingness to boldly take risks, use the tools of the actor, and
embrace the process. Talent, for me, lies in passion and commitment. In the words of Stanislavsky,
all you can do is pray to God you have it. Ultimately, talent is worthless without the appropriate
work. My classes have served my students well. Many of my students have gone on to work
professionally, trusting in themselves as artists and the tools that they have worked so hard to collect.
My teaching is and will always be a work in progress. I will always continue to expand my approach
as a teacher, an actor and above all an artist.