Skip to content

Course Syllabus

THEA 2233 Acting for the Camera

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Theater Arts
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 1
  • Repeatable: Yes.
  • Prerequisites: THEA 1033
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2021
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2025
  • End Semester: Fall 2026
  • Optimum Class Size: 15
  • Maximum Class Size: 20

Course Description

Curious how film actors take your breath away, make your hair stand on end, or make your heart melt? In this course you can begin to learn the adjustments and practices most effective for acting in front of the camera, from hitting your mark to the foundational acting techniques, screenwriting structure, production process, internal work, and relationship to the camera.

This course is intended to introduce students to the fundamental techniques, tools, and terminology for screen acting. Expanding upon the fundamentals learned in previous acting classes, Acting for the Camera applies performance work for 'on camera.'

Justification

This course responds to the unique need of the Theatre Department to develop competent and qualified performers in acting for the camera. A similar course is taught at many other institutions in the State.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Increase appreciation of the art of acting before a camera.
  2. Expand ability to both relax and focus the body and voice.
  3. Introduce fundamental vocabulary and terminology to film, television, and the screen.
  4. Identify and develop fundamental acting skills and techniques for screen acting, building upon foundational acting work of the stage.
  5. Develop better listening, reacting, and immediacy skills.
  6. Increase self-knowledge and self-instincts in performance.
  7. Increase understanding, knowledge, and experience working within the production process.

Course Content

This course is designed to familiarize the student with screen acting and how it differs in process and practice from the work of the stage. It concentrates on the student's understanding and implementation of skills associated with acting for the camera such as internal life, relaxation, listening, concentration and spontaneity as well as a foundational understanding of film terminology, the behind-the-camera environment, screenplay analysis, shot structure and lists, production process, blocking, business, auditions, rehearsal, and reactions through scene and monologue work.This course advocates for choices which open discourse and affect positive change, while supporting rigorous cultural specificity to remove generalizations, harmful appropriation, and divisive depictions. When approaching scene work (whether assigned or student-chosen) this class advocates for conscious casting, and a sensitivity toward portrayals of all individuals.