Learn Introductory Film Acting at NYFA
The 8-Week Acting for Film Workshop is a full-time intensive workshop that takes students through the principles of acting for film and scene study. Students also gain experience in monologues, voice and movement, improvisation, and audition technique throughout the course, strengthening their skills in front of the camera.
Workshop DescriptionWorkshop Name: 8-Week Acting for Film Workshop
In this hands-on program, students create short, filmed scenes where they can flex their acting skills while learning the business of acting and film craft. Monologues, voice and movement, and improvisation serve as support classes. Students also learn cold reading techniques. Many workshop graduates enroll in longer, intensive acting NYFA acting programs, such as the 1-Year Acting for Film Certificate.
NYFA also offers the possibility to learn acting for film from anywhere through a variety of online acting for film workshops.
To learn more about the 8-week acting workshop, see NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.
CLASS DETAILS
Acting for Film
Acting for Film provides students with an environment to get comfortable acting in front of the camera. The primary emphasis of the class is the practice of the subtlety and nuance of film acting including learning to adjust the performance for specific shot size, finding the arc of the character, and learning to maintain the integrity of the script while shooting out of sequence. Film set terminology and etiquette are also addressed. Students participate in Production Workshops with film students. In the Production Workshop, students experience on-set shoots in collaboration with student filmmakers. Students are introduced to a first-hand experience in set etiquette, shooting out of sequence, and understanding the actor’s role in a shoot.
Scene Study
Students learn to analyze scripts and break them down into units or “beats”. They develop a grounding in establishing a character based on their own experiences and imagination. Students will incorporate all of the disparate disciplines learned in all other areas of study in an in-class, filmed scene presentation. Scheduled rehearsals average five hours per week.
Acting Technique
Students will practice the tools necessary to hone and focus their acting skills when they do not have a scene partner on which to rely. Students will work on monologues from theatre and film sources that will help them learn how to command attention at auditions and professional performances. Exercises will be taped for in-class critique.
Voice & Movement
Students learn to access the natural voice through relaxation exercises designed to improve alignment and alleviate habitual tension. They will also experiment with different ways of becoming physically “present” in their work. Elements of various approaches will be taught to help the students find expression and freedom within the physical instrument.
Monologues
Students will work on assigned and chosen monologues to practice text analysis, and character creation skills learned thus far. Students will understand the structure and particular elements that make a successful monologue and prepare pieces to be audition ready.
Special Topics
Students will have the opportunity to attend special lectures, which illuminate current topics in the Industry and Craft. These lectures will be announced in advance and rotate on a seasonal basis.
TIMES AND BREAKDOWN BY WEEK
These are intensive, full-time Monday through Friday programs that typically run in three x 3hr sessions from morning to evening. There are breaks in between sessions. Students will need to anticipate extra time outside of class to complete assignments, projects, and exercises. Daily class times may vary, and there may be occasional Saturday classes. Request information to learn more.
PROGRAM & SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
This course requires the following software and equipment:
- External hard drive (generally costs $30-$200)
- An SD Card
The eight-week acting classes are available at NYFA’s campuses in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Florence, as well as Australia.
Students in this dynamic workshop will work on various projects, including an open casting call with directors from the NYFA Filmmaking program and a production workshop. To learn more, visit our projects page .
Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.