Improve Audition and Acting Skills for Film
In NYFA’s 6-Week Summer Acting Camp, aspiring actors pursue their interest in performing on-camera. Offered in New York and Los Angeles during the summer, this acting for film camp challenges and inspires students aged 14-17 to develop their talent and build their confidence as actors. No experience is required to attend.
Program Description6-Week Acting for Film Program
The 6-Week Acting for Film Program is an immersive two-part training experience designed to help teen actors build a strong foundation in screen acting and elevate their craft through continued practice, more complex work, and professional-grade portfolio materials. The program is divided into two consecutive 3-week sessions—Level 1 and Level 2—each focused on developing essential skills, practical experience, and confidence on camera.
In Level 1, students receive comprehensive instruction in acting fundamentals for the screen, including monologue and scene work, audition techniques, improvisation, and the business of acting. Through a blend of structured lessons and practical filming projects, students begin to understand how to adapt their performance for the camera and gain hands-on experience both in front of and behind the scenes.
In Level 2, students continue their training with a new group of Level 1 peers but work under a more advanced instructional track. Instructors are aware of returning students and differentiate the experience through more demanding monologues and scenes, individualized coaching, and greater emphasis on emotional depth, character development, and technical proficiency. Level 2 students are also eligible to be auditioned for roles in dialogue-based films created by filmmaking students, if those films are produced during that session.
In addition to new filmed scene and monologue material, Level 2 students receive a professional headshot session, adding a vital component to their acting portfolio.
Core SubjectsStudents will engage in an extended curriculum that covers essential aspects of screen acting, including:
- Monologue – Students will work on an assigned monologue, perfecting their delivery, emotional depth, and physicality with their instructor’s guidance. The monologue will be professionally filmed and edited, providing a high-quality performance piece for their acting portfolio.
- Acting for Film – With additional time to refine their skills, students will explore advanced techniques for on-camera acting, including adjusting performances for different shot sizes, maintaining emotional continuity, and working with camera movement.
- Scene Study – This expanded course allows students to analyze and develop multiple scenes, deepening their understanding of character relationships, emotional arcs, and the nuances of performance in a cinematic context.
- Audition Technique – In this extended course, students will refine their cold reading and self-taping skills, learning advanced techniques for on-camera auditions while gaining insights into the professional casting process.
- Voice & Movement – A more in-depth exploration of physical and vocal techniques will help students develop a greater command of their instrument, ensuring their performances are both expressive and authentic.
- Improvisation – Through an extended series of exercises and scene work, students will strengthen their ability to think quickly, trust their instincts, and adapt to different performance scenarios.
- The Business of Acting – With additional time to prepare for the industry, students will receive comprehensive training on self-marketing, networking, headshots, resumes, and securing auditions. They will leave with a solid understanding of how to navigate the professional acting world.
Final Projects
By the end of the program, students will have professionally filmed and edited versions of:
- Two Monologues – Two high-quality, professionally shot and edited monologues, of basic and advanced complexity, providing students with a crucial portfolio piece to showcase their acting ability.
- Two Scenes – Two fully produced scenes, of basic and advanced complexity, performed with a partner, shot with professional-level cinematography and direction to highlight the students’ skills in a collaborative storytelling environment.
- Professional Headshots – As part of their industry preparation, students will receive a professional headshot session, ensuring they leave with high-quality images essential for casting and representation.
Collaboration with Filmmaking Students
A major highlight of the 6-Week Acting for Film Program is the opportunity to be cast in one or two films produced by students from the 3-Week Filmmaking, 3-Week Filmmaking II, and 6-Week Filmmaking Programs. These projects provide hands-on experience in a professional-style set environment:
- Non-Dialogue Film – A visually driven short film where students will focus on physical expression, emotional subtlety, and storytelling without spoken words, emphasizing the power of non-verbal performance.
- Dialogue Film – A short film featuring scripted dialogue, allowing students to practice delivering lines naturally, reacting authentically, and working closely with filmmakers to bring a fully developed character to life on screen.
By participating in these projects, students will gain real set experience, enhance their screen presence, and build a strong foundation for future professional work.
The 6-Week Acting for Film Program is the ultimate training experience for teen actors seeking in-depth instruction, professional-grade materials, and hands-on collaboration with filmmakers. With more time to explore, refine, and apply their skills, students will emerge with the tools, confidence, and portfolio pieces necessary to take their next steps in the world of film acting.
In the Los Angeles campus, one of these projects will be shot in the backlot of Universal Studios, in all other campuses these projects might be shot on outdoor locations around that city.
To learn more about NYFA’s teen summer camps, see the NYFA Camp Brochure.
Why a Two-Level Structure?
This unique model allows students to experience the full breadth of our curriculum while reinforcing skills through continued practice and higher-level challenges. The second 3-week session is not a repeat, but rather an evolution of their work—focused on mastery, deeper performance, and readiness for more professional environments. By remaining in the program for the full six weeks, students benefit from:
- A broader and deeper skill set
- Multiple performance-based portfolio pieces
- Increased confidence and on-camera comfort
- Eligibility for casting in student dialogue films
- A professional headshot session
- More individualized instruction and feedback
6-Week Acting for Film Summer Camp for Teens I
| Location | Program Start Date and End Date | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | June 29, 2025 – August 9, 2025 | Tuition:$ 6,225 Program Duration: 6-Weeks |
| Los Angeles | June 29, 2025 – August 9, 2025 | Tuition:$ 6,225 Program Duration: 6-Weeks |