On-Camera Acting Courses
Located in the heart of Hollywood, the Theatre of Arts drama conservatory offers a full slate of on-camera acting classes to all students enrolled in our accredited two-year acting degree program. Interested in pursuing an acting career? We invite you to apply or request free information today.
On-Camera Fundamentals
OC110, Year One, (2 Credits)
In this course students are introduced to the basic technical requirements of acting on camera. The main objective is to develop the crucial skills that are expected on a professional film/TV set. Through video recording and playback of acting exercises, students are guided through the concepts of “hitting marks,” “establishing eye lines,” and “working a frame.” Other concepts explored in class are "master shots," "coverage," and "continuity." The workshop will be conducted in a "hands-on" experiential fashion. Through a series of specifically designed exercises, students develop a greater level of comfort in front of the camera. Students are also assigned to crew positions during other students' tapings, giving an enhanced appreciation of the highly collaborative nature of film and television production.
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students should demonstrate:
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Adapting expressiveness and scale of performance to the presence of camera
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Ability to absorb quickly directors’ notes with flexibility and confidence
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Analysis of recorded work
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Understanding and applying the technical acting demands of working on set
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Ability to sustain the fundamental acting qualities of believability and spontaneity
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Understanding the roles and creative contribution of production crew and other personnel involved in the production process
YEAR ONE
YEAR TWO
On-Camera Scene Study
CT210, Year Two (2 Credits)
In this course, students learn to incorporate the work of the actor as "storyteller" with the skills developed in the On-Camera Fundamentals course. They are guided to develop a thorough process of preparing for scene work in front of the camera, engaging in the two part prep: Preparation at home focused on imagination work and belief building, and immediate scene preparation when on set (focused on the moment and the scene partner). They explore effective and efficient methods of uncovering the script. A series of scene assignments and exercises take students through a process of learning how to allow the script to reveal itself. These scenes are filmed, reviewed, and students receive continuous feedback and notes on their development throughout the course.
Prerequisite(s): On-Camera Fundamentals
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students should demonstrate:
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Employing previously acquired skills to specific demands of character and scene work
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Ability to absorb quickly directors’ notes and make adjustments to good effect
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Advanced critical analysis of recorded work
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Understanding and applying the technical acting demands of visual narrative on film
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Ability to sustain performance arch and detail throughout a recorded scene
Ability to engage the audience through creative, spontaneous and technically appropriate choices throughout a recorded scene
On-Camera Sketch Comedy
CC201, Year Two (2 Credits)
Utilizing the basic technical requirements developed in On-Camera Fundamentals course, this series of performance-based classes explores various aspects of comedy acting on camera. The main objective is to make students comfortable in auditioning for and performing comedic characters and situations for film and television. Areas explored in the course include character development, script analysis, improvisation, storytelling, type casting and unscripted versus scripted projects. In addition to observing live sitcom tapings off campus to enhance the classroom experience, there will be recording and feedback on class assignments.
Prerequisites: On-Camera Fundamentals
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students should demonstrate:
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Adapting expressiveness to the demands of comedic performance on camera
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Ability to absorb quickly directors’ notes with flexibility and confidence
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Analysis of recorded work
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Understanding and applying the technical acting demands of working on various types of comedy
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Ability to sustain the fundamental acting qualities of believability and spontaneity
On-Camera Advanced Scene Study
CC210, Year Two (2 Credits)
Building on the previous on-camera classes, students read and rehearse contemporary scenes in preparation for the production of an individual demonstration reel or DVD. Each student will learn how to prepare a short list of film scenes or monologues suitable for this purpose and examine various examples in use by successful actors in the industry.
Prerequisites: On-Camera Fundamentals
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students should demonstrate:
-
Employing previously acquired skills to specific demands of character and scene work
-
Ability to absorb quickly directors’ notes and make adjustments to good effect
-
Advanced critical analysis of recorded work
-
Understanding and applying the technical acting demands of visual narrative on film
-
Ability to sustain performance arch and detail throughout a recorded scene
-
Ability to engage the audience through creative, spontaneous and technically appropriate choices throughout a recorded scene
On-Camera Commercial
CC210, Year Two (2 Credits)
In this course, students explore all aspects of commercial acting from audition to performance in front of the camera. Using commercial copy, students learn how to slate, cold read, present a prepared audition, improvise and follow direction and perform in commercials. Students go through a number of mock auditions which are taped and analyzed for feedback by the instructor. This process will enables students to doctor areas of their work that require performance and technical improvement.
Prerequisites: On-Camera Fundamentals
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students should demonstrate:
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Sense of authority, presence and creativity in commercial performances for the camera
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Ability to communicate clearly and dynamically with an audience
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Utilizing previously acquired improvisational skills in commercial auditions
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Precision in using one's physical, vocal and creative resources in commercial work
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A confident approach to auditioning for commercials
On-Camera Demo Reel
CD410, Year Two (4 Credits)
This course provides an opportunity for students to produce a show reel that may be utilized to showcase their talent and range of abilities as an actor to the industry. The first five weeks of the semester will be focused on finalizing and rehearsing the best 1-2 minute scene for each student to film. The remainder of the semester will be "In Production,” where students work on location with high quality camera, lights, and sound equipment. These shoots are to be treated as professional productions -- using all of the tools acquired throughout the program. By the end of the semester, each student will have a 1-2 minute edited reel.
Prerequisites: All On-Camera Courses
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students should demonstrate:
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A critical understanding of one's own developmental process
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Ability to make effective choices in relation to professional needs
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Ability to select appropriate materials to illustrate research
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Ability to demonstrate creative involvement with coursework
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Ability to organize material coherently with a sense of audience
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Ability to absorb quickly directors’ notes with flexibility and adaptability
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Ability to deliver engaging and vibrant performances for the camera
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Ability to contribute creatively and appropriately as production crew