THTR 63A: FILM & TELEVISION ACTING WORKSHOP
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Units: | 4 |
| Hours: | 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | THTR 20A; this course is included in the Acting family of activity courses. |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Student Learning Outcomes
- A successful student will recognize and adjust stage movement and voice modulation as they pertain to film and television acting.
- A successful student will become familiar with the basic types of film and television production formats the actor will encounter and how to function within them.
- A successful student will understand and develop skills for the casting process as it pertains to all forms of media production.
Description
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
A. Recognize the actor's place in the film and television production scheme, from union affiliations and business practices to performance and work.
B. Analyze and demonstrate an understanding of‚"typing" for the camera, including appropriate wardrobe selections.
C. Demonstrate a familiarity of the processes by which actors are interviewed, auditioned, cast and utilized for all forms of media production.
D. Recognize and apply body and facial movement, and voice modulation as they pertain to camera acting styles.
E. Demonstrate skills in the practice and performance of script work for the camera, and the subsequent critiquing of the work, including self evaluation.
F. Demonstrate an understanding of playing to camera shot size, camera angle, and continuity of takes.
G. Utilize contemporary acting methodologies to enable a performance-ready shoot.
H. Present skilled performances for local professionals, casting and talent agents.
Course Content
A. The business: headshots/resumes, agents, unions, auditions, work (Lec)
B. Analyzing and promoting your "type" (Lec)
1. Identify multiple prominent types and qualities of self and others (Lab)
C. Camera acting vs. stage acting (Lec)
1. Translate monologues and scene work to appropriate camera performance (Lab)
D. Listening and reacting on camera (Lec)
1. Utilize script exercises to practice effective listening and reacting on camera (Lab)
E. Scene work/active choices, specificity (Lec)
1. Rehearse and perform assigned scene work (Lab)
F. Shooting, shot size, eye-lines, continuity (Lec)
1. Incorporate adjustments for a variety of camera angles and positioning, and the use of properties into prepared scene work (Lab)
G. Camera-ready scene work‚ working without rehearsal (Lec)
1. Utilize "Trigger Approach" or comparable methodologies for effective script analysis and subsequent performance-ready scene work (Lab)
H. Camera workshops with guest artists (Lec)
1. Perform monologues and/or assigned cold reading for guest professionals (Lab)
Lab Content
A. Rehearsal of monologues in groups, and one-on-one with a coach.
B. Rehearsal of scenes with partners.
C. Group and individual work on script analysis exercises.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
B. Adequate video equipment for taping and playback of in-class exercises and scene work, including camera, tripod, monitor, and blank video tapes.
C. Qualified Teaching Assistant for tutorial and technical support, including running camera, playback and editing of student work.
Method(s) of Evaluation
A. Prepared marketing materials
B. Cooperative learning assignments
C. Presentations/performance of videotaped projects--prepared monologues, scenes, and various sides and commercial copy
D. Written work/script analysis
E. Participation and critique
Method(s) of Instruction
A. Lecture presentations and classroom discussion outlining the business side of film and television acting careers.
B. Group analysis, discussion and presentations, monitored by instructor.
C. Individual presentation of assigned exercises and prepared work, followed by in-class discussion and evaluation.
D. Videotaped performance reviewed and critiqued by class and instructor.
E. Practice exercises on-camera intended for self-evaluation comfort and adjustments, guided by instructor.
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Barr, Tony. Acting for the Camera. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 2012.
Bialy, Sharon. How to Audition on Camera. Thomaston, ME: Cadent Publishing, 2012.
White, Daniel L. Acting for Film and Television. 2nd ed. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
A. Reading of assigned textbooks and scripts.
B. Script analysis of assigned plays.