No significant prior experience or knowledge is required for this workshop, as the program brings everyone to the same level very quickly. Many graduates of the six-week acting classes enroll in more extended NYFA programs at campuses and locations worldwide, such as the 1-Year Acting for Film Certificate.

NYFA also offers the possibility to learn acting for film from anywhere through a variety of online acting for film workshops.

To learn more about the NYFA’s acting classes, see NYFA’s Course Catalog, or request more information.

Acting For Film

In this course, students learn the basics of film acting: calibrating performances based on shot size and angle, eye line, hitting marks, emotional and physical continuity, and strength and imagination in acting choices. Students are assigned scenes from produced screenplays, which are then shot and edited together. 

Monologues

This course develops 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 often incorporate monologues into their dramatic structure, but more importantly, actors must learn the self-discipline to work individually, without relying on a scene partner for inspiration. The focus of this course includes: 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 student’s ability to relax and tense when needed, movement classes 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. In voice classes, 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.

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. In this course, 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. This course focuses on cold reading techniques, key audition skills, and developing a career strategy. Additionally, students have the opportunity to get live auditioning experience in class.

Film Craft

In this series of classes, students learn directing and editing from the actor’s perspective. Learning the roles of the player on the film set dramatically increases the actor’s ability to collaborate with the filmmakers in developing dynamic performances.

No significant prior experience or knowledge is assumed. This acting workshop brings everyone to the same level quickly, beginning with the fundamentals and filling the inevitable gaps in understanding of those with some prior experience. Many students who complete the 4-Week Acting for Film Workshop join longer programs, such as our 8-Week Acting for Film Workshop or the 1-Year Acting for Film Certificate, intensifying their studies and gaining more experience in front of the camera.

NYFA also offers the possibility to learn acting for film from anywhere through a variety of online acting for film workshops.

To learn more about the NYFA’s acting classes, see NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.

Acting For Film

Acting for Film provides students with an environment to get comfortable acting in front of the camera. The primary emphasis of the class is the practice of the subtlety and nuance of film acting including learning to adjust the performance for specific shot size, finding the arc of the character, and learning to maintain the integrity of the script while shooting out of sequence. Film set terminology and etiquette are also addressed. Students participate in a Production Workshop with film students. In the Production workshop, students experience on-set shoots in collaboration with student filmmakers. Students are introduced to a first-hand experience in set etiquette, shooting out of sequence, and understanding the actor’s role in a shoot. 

Scene Study

Students learn to analyze scripts and break them down into units or “beats”. They develop a solid grounding in establishing a character based on their own experiences and imagination. Students will incorporate all of the disparate disciplines learned in all other Areas of Study in an in-class, filmed scene presentation. 

Acting Technique

Students will practice the tools necessary to hone and focus their acting skills when they do not have a scene partner on which to rely. Students will work on monologues from theatre and film sources that will help them learn how to command attention at auditions and professional performances. Exercises will be taped for in-class critique.

Voice & Movement

Students learn to access their natural voice through relaxation exercises designed to improve alignment and alleviate habitual tension. They will also experiment with different ways of becoming physically “present” in their work. Elements of various approaches will be taught to assist students in finding freedom and expression in the physical instrument. 

Monologues

Students will work on assigned and chosen monologues to practice text analysis, and character creation skills learned thus far. Students will understand the structure and particular elements, which make a successful monologue and prepare pieces to be audition ready.

Special Topics

This course offers students the opportunity to explore key acting topics. Topics covered relate to the craft and/or industry and give students current insights to apply to a career or further studies.