THEA 211A: Camera Acting I - Beginning

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3.5
Total Contact Hours: 90
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 36
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

The practice and study of the fundamental techniques required in acting before the camera in film and television in contrast to the variance from stage work. Students will address areas of non-verbal imagination work and movement for the camera; the structure of film and television settings; marketing strategies; green screen performance and improvisation techniques. 54 lecture hours, 36 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Recognize and understand the terminology unique to acting before a camera.
  • Have a fundamental understanding of camera acting technique.
  • Possess a fundamental knowledge of how to develop and create characterizations modified for camera portrayal.
  • All activities require critical thinking. Reading assignments and written assignments alike require application of theories and concepts presented in class. This includes fundamental knowledge of "green screen" technique, movement on a set, a fundamental knowledge of the author's intent, and the differences between a stage setting and a film and television setting.

Major Course Content

  1. Introduction to the Course: Terminology
  2. Fundamentals of Acting for the Single Camera
    1. Technique and movement
    2. Non-verbal behavior
    3. Microphone/voice telephone
    4. Studying and breaking down small sections of a shooting script
    5. "Hitting Your Mark"
    6. imagination and concentration
    7. Improvisation for the camera
  3. Fundamental Audition / Interview Techniques
    1. In-class exercises
  4. Audition Techniques for Commericals
    1. In-class exercises
    2. Preparation and examination of Commercial material
  5. Introducing "Green Screen" technique
    1. Behaving authentically in imaginary circumstances

Lab Content

  1. Observing filmed performances
    1. period pieces
    2. dramatic
    3. horror
    4. comedic
  2. Film non-verbal and short monologues
  3. Various activity exercises
    1. Meisner technique
    2. Eric Morris technique
    3. Stella Adler technique

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

One - two-three page written critique on both live and filmed performances is required.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Researching film and television scripts
Researching age appropriate scenes and monologues from film and television scripts
Viewing films from a variety of genres

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab