Intro to Acting - Summer Session 1

Service Description

Class Overview This class introduces truthful, emotionally connected acting for film and television. Through on-camera exercises, scripted scenes, playback review, and self-tape assignments, students learn to create authentic behavior within the technical and creative realities of screen acting. Rather than focusing on "performing" emotions, students develop specificity, responsiveness, point of view, and emotional connection that feels natural on camera. Topics Include: Script analysis and writer's intent Given circumstances, intentions, and needs Genre and tone Relationships and eyelines Active listening and reaction work Personalization and imagination Continuity and behavioral specificity Self-tape fundamentals Truthful behavior in close-up Technical elements such as framing, lighting, sound, environment, props, and wardrobe are explored as tools that support storytelling. Week 1: Presence & The Camera Focus: Presence vs. performance, simplicity, specificity, thought and behavior in close-up, tone and genre. In Class: Silent close-up exercises, listening and reaction work, playback and discussion. Homework: Behavioral self-tape. Week 2: Intentions & Relationships Focus: Writer's intent, given circumstances, objectives, relationships, point of view, and emotional connection. In Class: Scripted scene work, redirects, adjustments, playback and discussion. Homework: Self-tape assignment. Week 3: Self-Tape Storytelling Focus: Framing, lighting, sound, eyelines, props, wardrobe, continuity, and creating an environment that supports performance. In Class: Playback review, critique, adjustments, and reaction exercises. Homework: Revised self-tape. Week 4: Integration & Final Playback Focus: Combining technical and emotional work, maintaining authenticity, and developing a repeatable process for scene work and self-tapes. In Class: Final playback, alternate takes, discussion, and next steps. $175 USD / £130 GBP