Course Syllabus

THEA 2233 Acting for the Camera

Course Description

Curious how film actors captivate audiences? In this course, you'll learn essential techniques for on-camera acting, from hitting your mark to understanding screenwriting, production, and the actor's relationship with the camera. Building on previous acting experience, this class introduces students to the tools, terminology, and foundational practices of screen acting. This course is repeatable for credit.

Justification

This course responds to the unique need of the Theatre Department to develop competent and qualified performers in acting for the camera. A similar course is taught at many other institutions in the State.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students learn how film and television have evolved over time and how technology continues to shape acting, production, and industry practices. They explore how history, culture, and society influence the way films are made—and how media in turn affects beliefs, behaviors, and daily life. Students also compare global production styles and research actors from different eras and cultures to understand their artistic and cultural impact. Overall, the focus is on connecting on-camera performance to its historical and cultural context.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students are expected to apply their knowledge of on-camera production by using industry terminology and following protocols on set. They will practice safe, effective acting techniques and analyze scripts for cultural, social, and emotional meaning. Students also evaluate films, TV shows, and other productions, focusing on technical aspects like genre, style, and character. They learn about the various roles in film production (e.g., director, producer, cinematographer) and demonstrate responsibility and creativity as an actor on set.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Students learn to prepare for on-camera acting by using effective warm-up techniques and applying physical and vocal skills like diction, inflection, and projection. They familiarize themselves with industry terminology and concepts, such as framing, backlighting, and master shots. They also analyze dramatic structure and genre in various media, and understand the differences in acting techniques for film, TV, commercials, and other forms of production. Additionally, students gain knowledge about film equipment and practice skills like memorization and cold reading for performance.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. Students are expected to use a variety of tools to solve acting challenges, including psychology to address emotional complexities, film language to solve continuity and visual storytelling issues, and theatre techniques to enhance physical presence. They must also apply technological and media literacy to overcome technical constraints on set, and use writing and dramaturgy to address narrative and character development. Additionally, students should create performances that resonate ethically and culturally with modern audiences, and collaborate effectively with others to navigate ensemble dynamics and on-set relationships.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate their development through projects focused on work such as: living moment-to-moment, showing versus telling, and the second circle work, each of which may culminate with open or scripted scene performances. Students will demonstrate their development through projects focused on work such as: living moment-to-moment, showing versus telling, and the second circle work, each of which may culminate with open or scripted scene performances.
2. APPRECIATE: Apply artistic concepts and ideas drawn from traditions of artistic creation and theory to better engage with, analyze and understand a creative work. Students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of an actor's relationship to the camera, ownership and connection to a role, and attitude through class exercises, warm-ups, and reflective work following screen performances.
3. CONNECT: Examine connections between art and society and articulate how the arts are a historical and cultural phenomenon.  Students will demonstrate this through written critiques of film, class discussions, and self-evaluations of scene and monologue work. The topics of these written investigations/critique may include research into the social and historical aspects of the film, an actor's approach/training, interviews and unused takes, and/or how the roles of PR, awards, and various elements unrelated to acting shape the perception of a performance.

Course Content

This course is designed to familiarize the student with screen acting and how it differs in process and practice from the work of the stage. It concentrates on the student's understanding and implementation of skills associated with acting for the camera such as internal life, relaxation, listening, concentration and spontaneity as well as a foundational understanding of film terminology, the behind-the-camera environment, screenplay analysis, shot structure and lists, production process, blocking, business, auditions, rehearsal, and reactions through scene and monologue work.