Ivana Chubbuck

Ivana Chubbuck is the founder and director of the Ivana Chubbuck Studio and creator of the cutting edge and widely adopted Chubbuck Technique, which has been used in Oscar winning and nominated performances. In her own words, “The difference between the Chubbuck Technique and those developed in the past is that I teach actors how to use their emotions not as an end result, but as a way to empower a goal.  My technique teaches actors how to win.” 

Essentially, The Chubbuck Technique takes the very same pain, insecurities, issues and fears that usually cause self-destructive behaviors and instead uses the very same issues as a powerful fuel to overcome, resolve, learn, evolve and create catharsis for the characters in the script. Thereby the Chubbuck Technique philosophy creates a dynamic journey for the actor, writer, director and ultimately the audience. The underbelly of the Chubbuck Technique is to find a way to “win” in spite of and because of the pain.  

There are 26 ongoing classes (12 in-studio and 14 online geared toward international students) ranging from introductory to master level classes. The Studio maintains a focus on producing and nurturing actors, writers, and directors in a rigorous professional environment. It is our mission to empower our students with the tools to become successful and to make empowered and proactive choices in their work. 

Some of the actors Ivana has worked with during her 35-plus year career include Academy Award winners and nominees:

Charlize Theron James Franco Halle Berry
Brad Pitt Jake Gyllenhaal Jon Voigt
Sylvester Stallone Elisabeth Shue Djimon Honsou
Terrence Howard Catherine Keener Jared Leto

Ivana’s students are well represented at the Academy Awards, Emmys, Tonys, Critics’ Choice, and many other international movie, television, and theater awards. Her work with Judith Light on Broadway garnered Ms. Light two consecutive Tony Award wins, the first time in the history of the Tonys that has ever happened. She has also worked with:

Jim Carrey Gerard Butler David Boreanaz
Chris Pine Gal Gadot Shia LeBeouf
Meg Ryan Judith Light Jessica Alba
Eva Mendes Craig Robinson Kate Walsh
Damon Wayans Kate Bosworth Marcia Cross
Isla Fisher Liv Tyler Mary J Blige
Simu Liu America Ferrera Sienna Miller
Kat Graham David Spade Ali Larter
Aubrey Plaza Beyoncé Knowles Meagan Good
Ian Somerhalder Rob Schneider Eliza Dushku
Malin Akerman Pink Common
Poppy Montgomery Mary Elizabeth Winstead Amy Smart
Eriq LaSalle Carrie-Anne Moss Emilia Clarke
Patricia Velasquez Neil Flynn Jennifer Beals
Katja Herbers Garry Shandling Matthew Perry
Amy Brenneman Jessica Biel Travis Fimmel
David Ayer Tasha Smith Emily Deschanel
Mia Goth Ivanna Sakhno Maria Gabriela De Faria

…and a host of many others. In addition to working with actors, Ivana works with Hollywood’s premiere directors and writer/producers.

Ivana Chubbuck is the author of the best-selling book The Power of the Actor, published by a division of Penguin Books (Gotham). The book has been translated into 20 languages.  

Globally, there are Accredited Chubbuck Technique teachers and schools in countries including: Russia, Japan, England, Philippines, Brazil, Columbia, Uruguay, Argentina, Canada, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Estonia, Israel, Romania, Australia, Germany, Austria, Italy, China, Indonesia, Romania, Ukraine, France, Belgium, Spain, Poland, and more. 

Ivana often holds seminars and workshops internationally, and has been a guest teacher at the prestigious Beijing Film Academy, China’s Dome Academy, and The Juilliard School.  

She has been given the high honor of being called this century’s Stanislavsky by the Russian press and actors’ community. Ivana was also honored by The Russian International Film Festival with a lifetime achievement award for her contributions to the film industry alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, William Friedkin, and Francis Ford Coppola.