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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

New York Film Academy | Evaluated Learning Experience

ACT104 Four-Week Acting for Film Workshop

Length: 
Version 1:145 hours (4 weeks). Version 2:108 hours (4 weeks).
Location: 
New York Film Academy, 17 Battery Place, New York, NY.
Dates: 

Version 1: September 2007 - July 2014. Version 2: August 2014 - December 2019.

Instructional delivery format: 
Traditional classroom model
Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss the basics of acting technique and an approach to performing scenes for the camera and live performance; recognize the differences in performance levels between live performance and camera performance; break a scene down into beats, assign an action to each beat, create an emotional arc, establish an objective, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles to achieving the objective; identify and use given circumstances and subtext and their application to the playing of a scene; put into use the basic elements of listening and agreement and act freely through the use of improvisation skills; realize and begin to practice the integration of voice and body into performance through an awareness of the use of breath and body alignment; apply learning to voice-over text; utilize the essential skills of monologues for performing in contrasting pieces; analyze a scene for the purpose of cold reading and define the essential elements for effective delivery of it in the absence of the complete narrative; safely execute staged punches, falls, and rolls; create a resume, compose a cover letter, and recognize what makes a good headshot for actors; fit into a film shoot by knowing how the mechanics of film affect the choices the actor makes in approaching text. Version 2: Students will be able to: discuss a film as a visual medium; break a scene down into beats and assign an action to each beat and create an emotional arc; establish an objective and develop strategies to overcome obstacles to achieving the objective; play an action; modulate a performance to fit the framing of shots, from establishing to close-up; put to use dramatic action, observation, and characterization through scene work; apply text analysis to scripted material; prepare two contrasting monologues; connect the body and voice to scripted material; increase flexibility through body awareness (yoga and pilates exercises); refine listening skills and ensemble playing through improvisation; recognize the essential choices needed for effective execution of cold readings; demonstrate effective use of physical and emotional life; and examine the role of the director with an emphasis on how this role affects the choices an actor makes in performance.

Instruction: 

Version 1 and 2: Acting for film and scene study are the two principal areas of concentration in this intensive program. These areas coincide in the creation of short, filmed scenes in which students act. In addition, students are cast in original, short films shot by the filmmaking students and also perform in a final live presentation, performing their choice of either a scene or a monologue. Supporting this activity, students are also exposed to classes in acting technique, monologues, voice and movement, stage combat, audition techniques, including cold reading technique and the business of acting, and film craft, which explores the language of film and how films are made.

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1 and 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (8/07) (8/08) (8/14 revalidation). NOTE: This course overlaps in content with ACT101, ACT103, ACT107, and ACT108. The maximum amount of recommended credit for any combination of these courses is 6 semester hours. Further, these courses overlap with the One-Year Acting for Film Program. If a student progresses to the One-Year Program, only the recommended credits in the One-Year Program should apply.

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