Learn Introductory Film Acting Skills at NYFA
This hands-on workshop provides students with a thorough foundation of acting skills with a specific focus on film acting. Classes emphasize the essential elements of the craft of acting using a variety of American acting techniques which may include Method and Meisner as starting points.
Workshop DescriptionWorkshop Name: 4-Week Acting for Film Workshop
The 4-Week Acting for Film workshop is a full immersion into the craft of acting. In conjunction with these classes, students also participate in courses designed to train the actor for the technical requirements of acting on a film set.
No significant prior experience or knowledge is assumed. This acting workshop brings everyone to the same level quickly, beginning with the fundamentals and filling the inevitable gaps in understanding of those with some prior experience. Many students who complete the 4-Week Acting for Film Workshop join longer programs, such as our 8-Week Acting for Film Workshop or the 1-Year Acting for Film Certificate, intensifying their studies and gaining more experience in front of the camera.
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 NYFA’s acting classes, 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 a Production Workshop 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 solid 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.
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 their 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 assist students in finding freedom and expression in 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, which make a successful monologue and prepare pieces to be audition ready.
Special Topics
This course offers students the opportunity to explore key acting topics. Topics covered relate to the craft and/or industry and give students current insights to apply to a career or further studies.
TIMES AND BREAKDOWN BY WEEK
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
For students that meet the application requirements, our 4-Week Acting for Film Workshop may be used as a study abroad opportunity. After successfully completing the program, students will have the option to receive a regionally accredited transcript issued from our NYFA Los Angeles bursar, offering transferability of credits. As the acceptance of transfer credits is always governed by the receiving school, NYFA makes no representation that credits awarded by NYFA will be accepted or applied toward the completion of any degree or certificate by any other postsecondary institution. Students should confirm credit policies at their institution. To learn more, please visit our study abroad page.
Students who attend this hands-on acting workshop will complete various projects and audition in an open casting call with directors from the NYFA Filmmaking program. After the casting call, short-term students will participate in a production workshop, acting in on-set shoots. To learn more, visit our acting for film projects page.
The 4-week acting classes are available at NYFA New York, Los Angeles, South Beach, Florence, and Australia. We also offer classes at our NYFA at Harvard and Paris satellite locations.
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.