This workshop runs from early December until late January with a two-week holiday break in the middle. During the break, students will be able to do preproduction work for their Final Film. This program follows the 6-Week Filmmaking Workshop curriculum.
In acknowledgment of the importance of the film actor’s job, and in support of the skills required to do
the job brilliantly, the New York Film Academy is proud to offer its special Holiday Acting for Film Workshop.
The workshop is comprised of a two-week portion followed by a four-week portion, with a two-week break from
Dec. 19 to Jan. 2. The first three weeks concentrate on the foundations of acting, using training techniques
rooted in the theatre, but which are applicable to screen acting. Students participate in a wide array of core
classes that introduce them to finding the actor within, while simultaneously training their instrument to do
the kind of technical, emotional, and physical work necessary for film acting.
In the second portion of the workshop, the core classes continue as the students’ focus intensifies on applying
the techniques they have learned to more elaborate scene work, on-camera exercises, and film shoots — all
designed to develop and hone their screen-acting ability. At several points in both portions of the workshop,
each student performs in video shoots. In addition, a variety of classes are given in order to broaden students’
knowledge of acting techniques, the film business, and many different film crafts.
No significant prior experience or knowledge is assumed. The program brings everyone to the same level very
quickly, beginning with the fundamentals while also filling the inevitable gaps in the understanding of those
with some prior experience.
STUDENT BODY
The Holiday Acting for Film Workshop attracts students from all over the world with backgrounds and experiences
that are as varied as the countries from which they originate. Each class is limited to an average of 12 students.
The compressed length of the course and the focused level of study require commitment and intensive collaboration.
The experience is physically and emotionally demanding, but always rewarding. Graduates of the six-week Holiday
Acting for Film Workshop often choose to continue their intensive studies by enrolling in our popular
1-Year Conservatory Acting Program.
Students learn the basics of film acting: calibrating performances based upon shot size and angle, hitting marks, emotional and physical continuity, and strength and imagination in acting choices. Students are assigned scenes from produced screenplays, which are then shot with a crew and edited together.
Monologues
These sessions develop the student’s understanding of the delivery of the monologue: a technique that can be applied to everything from auditions to stage readings to film work. Screenplays oftentimes incorporate monologues into their dramatic structures—but more importantly actors must learn the self-discipline to work individually, without relying on a scene partner for inspiration. Skills focused on include: choosing monologues that are truthful, meaningful, and revealing; performing script analysis on monologues; staging and directing oneself; and developing both outer and inner focal points.
Voice and Movement
An actor’s body is his or her instrument—it must be tuned to perform expertly whenever and however needed. In addition to expanding body flexibility and developing the actor's ability to relax and tense when needed, movement sessions focus on breaking down inhibitions, building ensemble spirit, and providing the necessary tools to bring physical dimension to all roles. A primary tool for the actor is an expressive and free voice. Therefore, the actor’s voice must train to be heard (through volume adjustments), understood (through articulation) and also felt (through expression). Students gain insight into the power of how to nurture and control their voices by exercising various resonators and muscles, enabling them to release emotional impulses. In addition to breath work, voice sessions focus on singing, relaxation, phrasing, and posture as a way of nurturing the actor's instrument. Using text, students learn to identify key words, and learn how to link intention with the voice and speak clearly and powerfully through the end of a line.
Improvisation
The ability to improvise can never be underestimated when it comes to acting, especially on camera where there is usually very little rehearsal. Whether in comedy or drama, actors improvise well when they are fully engaged, listening to their partners, and releasing their inhibitions about failing. Through games and exercises, students learn how to let their imaginations run wild, how to play well with others, and how to live “in the moment”—free from anticipating or planning what to do next.
Audition Technique
Acting is as much of a business as it is a craft. In addition to training, successful actors must develop strong marketing skills in order to build a career. These sessions focus on such topics as feeling comfortable at cold readings, preparing a resume, choosing a headshot photographer, and developing a career strategy. Additionally, actors will have the opportunity to get live auditioning experience both in class and during an open casting call with directors from the NYFA Filmmaking program.
Film Craft: Directing and Editing
In this series of classes, students will learn directing and editing from the actor’s perspective. Learning the roles of the players on a film set dramatically increases the actor’s ability to collaborate with the filmmakers in developing dynamic performances.
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1-800-611-FILM | 1-212-674-4300 
