Certificate Program in Performing Arts

Students will learn to:

• Interpret contemporary film and stage material—pursuing character and story analysis to feed the actor’s imagination so as to make the best choices possible.
• Engage weekly in structured presentations, practicing in collaboration with directors, other actors, and writers—all designed to lead you toward an interpretation of the role best suited to the story.
• Investigate and utilize improvisation and technique exercises toward building spontaneity, specificity, and the ability to work with—and off—another actor’s behavior.
• Improvise solo and with one or more actors, in non-scripted scenarios, exploring an open, relaxed, and spontaneous approach to all performance work.
• Discuss and examine the architecture of auditions and casting calls in various markets: also, prepare and try out audition material under mock audition scenarios—additionally, you will have numerous opportunities to audition for actual projects.
• Observe the signature techniques of acting for film, experimenting with speech, language, gesture, pacing, physical blocking, objectives and levels—all this to get a clear and specific sense of your relationship to the camera, developing a distinct grasp of the difference between film and stage—and what the two disciplines share.
• Understand and appreciate the role of crewmembers responsible for production, camera, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, props, and set design.
• Develop a sense of professional etiquette to facilitate a consistently successful, harmonious approach to working with fellow actors, crew, directors, and producers.