Acting Courses
Located in the heart of Hollywood, the Theatre of Arts acting conservatory offers a rigorous, comprehensive slate of acting classes within an accredited two-year associates degree program. Interested in pursuing an acting career? We invite you to apply or request more information today—at no cost or obligation!
Acting I
AC101, Year One (2 Credits)
The class involves a combination of theory and practice, equipping the actor with the fundamental tools to create a character. Through exercises, discussion and scene work, the actor will study and actively experience the most well-known acting theories and techniques that aid the "contemporary actor". Techniques and theories from Stanislavski, Chekhov, Strasberg, Adler, Meisner and Hagen, in addition to basic scene analysis, facilitate a thorough exploration into the actor's process. The course culminates in scene work from contemporary plays, and allows the actor to apply learned techniques throughout the creative process from the initial table read to a final performance. The main objective is to get a firm grip of the fundamentals in order to become a grounded, versatile, adaptable, and well-rounded actor.
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of Acting I, the student should be able to demonstrate:
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Knowledge base and fundamental understanding of modern/contemporary acting techniques
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Ability to break down a scene into workable beats and playable actions
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Ability to work effectively within a creative group
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Ability to offer and accept constructive criticism and analysis
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Development of a working “process” in the creation of a character
YEAR ONE
Acting II: Contemporary Scene Study
AC110, Year One (4 Credits)
A sequence of practical classes in which students will further utilize previously acquired skills in Acting I by exploring a number of stylistically diverse pieces of dramatic text. Various approaches to acting will be explored which may include but not be exclusive to the acting theories of Stanislavsky, Sanford Meisner and Stella Adler. Class work aims to expose students to various practitioners and contextualize the practical demands and requirements of specific plays. Many contrasting styles of theatre are explored and applied through scene study. Beginning with an in depth exploration of a selection of scenes from modern classics, the objective is to create a consistent understanding of the skills and craft of an actor from script and character analysis to comparative study of style and genre. All scenes will be performed in class as assigned, no public performances will occur in this course.
Prerequisites: Acting I
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students should demonstrate:
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Exploring personal expressiveness with regard to the stylistic demands in performance of a variety of dramatic material
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Research skills and application of these skills to acting
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Critical and analytical skills in relation to a range of play texts and performances
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Ability to understand and employ techniques of naturalistic acting Communication of personal discoveries/insights into content of text through characterization and execution of dramatic action
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Ability to take a systematic, orderly and logical approach to a dramatic role
Acting III: Classical Scene Study
AC120, Year One (4 Credits)
Building on the techniques and concepts learned in previous acting classes, you will be exposed to a series of emotionally and intellectually challenging material. The course is designed to take you through a more rigorous process of exploring your choices in relation to dramatic value, characterization, tone and style. Working on more complex and layered text you will be encouraged to make bold choices and explore heightened dramatic moments with courage, honesty and spontaneity. You are guided to further polish your approach to text and to develop consistency in practical application and integration of your acting, movement and vocal skills.
Prerequisite(s): Acting I, Acting II
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students should demonstrate:
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Acquisition of appropriate performance skills in relation to selected texts
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Ability to recognize and overcome acting blocks
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Sensitivity to spontaneous developments in character, in other actors’ performances and in the life of the scene in performance
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Ability to identify and fulfill the demands of a variety of dramatic text
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Ability to make bold, informed choices and execute these choices with spontaneity and truth
YEAR TWO
Acting IV: Advanced Scene Study
AC201, Year Two (2 Credits)
Combining the practical application of learned techniques with the advanced analysis of more stylistically complex and demanding text, students will work on expanding their range of intellectual, emotional and physical expression. Students will work on scenes that will require an in depth understanding of context, period, setting and dramatic style. Practical application of choices derived from research and interpretation will be analyzed and explored in order to forge a robust approach to a variety of heightened and non-naturalistic text. Students are expected to acknowledge and develop a sustainable, practical and effective actor’s process in dealing with a range of diverse material.
Prerequisite(s): Acting I, Acting II, Acting III
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students should demonstrate:
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Ability to select from and apply a range of skills and approaches in a coherent manner
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Command of selected technical elements associated with the acting styles of a variety of periods
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Understanding of the physical, emotional, technical and stylistic requirements of heightened text
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Further development of acquirable performance skills: command of the present moment; energy; dramatic and theatrical relationships with other characters/performers
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Ability to understand complex material and own it
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Ability to maintain a high level of performance presence
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Ability to use voice and body effectively in communicating complex material