Today we’d like to introduce you to Marjo Riikka Makela. Marjo-Riikka is an internationally acclaimed acting coach, and the founder of Los Angeles based acting studio & creative haven, Chekhov Studio International.
Marjo-Riikka, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Starting out as an equestrian trainer and horseback riding teacher, transitioning to psychiatric nursing, and then finally coming to the arts as an actor, director, and now acting and directing coach, I’ve always wanted to learn everything I could to nourish and spread empathy in the world. Having gone through serious emotional and physical trauma, I’ve grown to understand that while suffering is a part of life, it is also possible to experience life with hope, purpose, love, and inspiration. I am inspired by the many real-life stories of people who have transformed their suffering into inspiration, and making a world a better place.
My acting and training took me all over the world — Europe, Russia, Brazil, Washington DC, and now Los Angeles. In my journey with the Michael Chekhov work, I discovered the power of connection and imagination, the power of the stories we tell to each other and to ourselves — how they effect the way we see the world, the way we see others, and how we experience life. We either expand into our lives or we contract, hide. The Michael Chekhov Technique has given me the vocabulary and opportunity to articulate my own life experience. More than that, it has taught me how I want to be in the world and how to support others to do the same: find their purpose and bliss.
Looking back at my life, I have always followed my sense of purpose, though I’ve rarely had any kind of plan. I’ve allowed life to show me my path. I discovered that I have been given a special gift for teaching acting. My higher purpose has evolved to empowering people to find their inspiration and creativity so that they can be creators of their own experience. We all have a choice, to choose our perspective of life. My driving force still to this day is to inspire, to teach, to nourish fellow human beings to find their creative powers and to increase love and compassion in the world. I truly believe that acting is not a profession of competing with other actors, but rather a vocation of sharing with fellow human beings.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve definitely had my struggles. I feel things strongly. I am a sensitive being. And, it turns out, most people are! To move through, I focus on how I exist in the world and make sure it’s aligned with my values and who I want to be. Our work as actors and creators is in the how — not just how we want to show up for our art, but how we show up for the world. As long as I follow my intuition and act with integrity, things do work out.
Growth doesn’t happen in our comfort zone, but struggling, be it financial or emotional, has never stopped me for more than a day. I never seem to have an excuse good enough not to create every day. I cannot help it, creating is like breathing for me, involuntary, necessary, and the fuller I do it, the more alive I feel.
Chekhov Studio International – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Chekhov Studio International is an oasis of creativity. It is an artistic home, safe haven, and community for creators, actors, directors, and writers. The kinds of creators that find their way to my studio are fantastic human beings and artists.
The teaching and environment are always in service of the actor, supporting and expanding their professional and artistic growth. My coaching is attuned to each actor’s individual artistic essence and needs, so that they can truly blossom. My work is grounded in both compassion and excellence. I am constantly developing myself as an actor, director, and coach. I specialize in helping actors, writers and directors overcome creative blocks, communication barriers, dry spells, and plateaus.
The Michael Chekhov technique is at the core of my approach. Chekhov taught actors how to be fully alive and inspired with one’s whole being. His technique is psychophysical, holistic, spiritual, playful, and highly creative.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is doing the work I passionately love. Giving and teaching compassion, connection, ease, and inspiration is my biggest gift to this world and I want to honor it. Teaching someone how to access their own unique strengths and how to cultivate them is a bliss for me. This happiness is the highest form of success.
Contact Info:
- Websites: michaelchekhovacting.com
- Phone: 213-509-5315
- Email: MAKELA@CHEKHOVSTUDIO.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chekhovstudiointernational/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acting.Classes.L.A/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/ChekhovActingStudio/videos
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
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