associate degree in occupational studies
Pathways to Plus One:
film & television performance program
Pathways to Plus One Film and Television Performance Program Features
Final Reel
Students have the opportunity to participate in the last project of senior year, the filming of Final Reel, where students film a scene that will form their initial actor's reel.
Jury
In spring of senior year, students may perform a prepared monologue for a jury of casting directors, and receive detailed feedback on their performance, presentation and castability.
Business Class
Seniors may take a full semester on the business of the industry, which can include visiting head shot photographers, agents, managers, casting directors, tax accountants, and resume advisors.
curriculum
The Pathways to Plus One Film and Television Performance Program develops the technique, discipline and business knowledge required to succeed in screen and voice-over acting.
The internship program gives students the chance to network with industry leaders while gaining real-world experience as a complement to their studio training. Possible placements include opportunities with casting directors, agents, producers, or theater companies.
1.0-3.0 Credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent.
Actors Lab III challenges the student to use his or her analytical skills to build characters in organic and truthful ways. This is a natural progression from previous Actors Lab work, with the addition of more specific skills required for filmmaking.
2.0 Credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent, THE141 and THE142.
As a continuation of Vocal and Speech II, this course provides students with an exploration and discovery of their own dialect. Students analyze and embody the International Phonetic Alphabet through Sound and Movement using Phonetic Pillows. By examining their unique speaking patterns, students inhabit their individual identity and develop dialects based on their lineage through Familiar Donor Accent Projects
3.0 Credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Film and TV Program’s Platform Year or equivalent.
Get a solid foundation in the various styles of comedy, from “Broad” to “Realistic.” Learn the practical application of the principles of character development, physical and verbal timing and point of view. Develop a comprehensive vocabulary for use in both situation comedy and sketch comedy. Apply basic acting skills to comic material. Learn key techniques for auditioning in the competitive comedy arena. Gain insight into the creation of comic material by executing a team exercise in creating an idea, pitch and script for an original situation comedy.
3.0 Credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent
A comprehensive survey of the essential skills for acting on camera; hitting marks, making entrances and exits, dealing with props, adjusting between shots, and shooting out of sequence with both physical and emotional continuity.
2.0 Credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent, THE126.
A study of the craft required, both artistically and technically, for acting on camera. Students will analyze scenes, practice continuity, learn how to deal with on-set challenges, and learn how to arrive on set fully prepared without any rehearsal.
5.0 Credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent.
Training in the business side of acting. Topics include self-promotion, personal branding, résumés, headshots, mailings, industry structure, approaching agents and casting directors, and managing finances.
1.0 Credit / Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent.
A detailed look at unique challenges faced by screen actors, including the speed of shooting a one-hour episodic; directors who block immediately; directors who improvise; conflicts between directors and actors’ instincts; and prolonged shoot days.
5.0 Credits / Prerequisites: THE259
Building on Voice and Speech I and II, this course is a deeper investigation of the vocal-physical connection. Students will refine their vocal and physical techniques through advanced exercises and apply these skills on camera.
2.0 Credits / Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent.
A continued exploration of the different types of auditions actors face. Students will practice on- and off-camera, using scenes from plays, screenplays, commercial copy and television scripts. Discussion will also cover callbacks, interviews, and evolving media such as Skype and video conferencing.
2.0 Credits / Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent, THE270.
Students will learn how to develop their acting skills specifically for radio and television commercials, as well as animation, narration, and industrials. Students will leave understanding the clear distinction between “commercial acting” and “acting in commercials.”
2.0 Credits / Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent.
Creating and distributing original web video is a great way for actors to grow their audiences. This course employs practical exercises, including the creation of original video content. Special guest speakers will explain how they have used the medium to accelerate their careers.
3.0 Credit / Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent.
Building on the skills introduced in Actors Comedy Workshop, this course includes the creation and rehearsal of original sketch material and a public performance at an outside cabaret.
1.0 Credit / Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent. Be in Good Academic Standing.
In this course, students refine their ability to stay in the moment and make spontaneous creative choices. The course will culminate in a public performance.
Credit / Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent. Be in Good Academic Standing.
An overview of comedic structure and timing, persona development, and other crucial elements of stand-up. Each student will write and perform a five-minute set, culminating in a live performance at a night club.
1.0 Credit / Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent. Be in Good Academic Standing.
A foundational course in the basics of on-camera fighting, including hand-to-hand, firearms, and found weapons, as well as the basic terminology and safety rules of the set. Students will also learn the differences in combat for stage versus combat for screen.
1.0 Credit / Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent. Be in Good Academic Standing.
This course covers the basics of the International Phonetic Alphabet and how to eliminate accents and regionalisms in order to deliver Standard American Speech. The instructor chooses additional accents to explore based on the class population.
1.0 Credit / Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent. Be in Good Academic Standing.
An introduction to professional television hosting. Students learn how to host, and acquire the skills necessary for a successful hosting audition.
1.0 Credit / Prerequisites: Successful completion of Platform Year or equivalent. Be in Good Academic Standing.
*Not all electives are offered every year
Along with these additional courses to fulfill the degree requirements
Add Film Genres and Improvisation classes to the main curriculum listed above. See these class details below.
Add the Film Genres class to the main curriculum listed above. See these class details below.
There are no additional classes needed to fulfill the degree requirements.
Perform with spontaneity and freedom through improvisational technique using body, gestures, and emotions. Use improvisation as an art form, as well as for auditioning and executing other performance disciplines. Make use of the tools of listening; being in the moment; committing to choices in working with fellow actors; use of status; and making active choices with emotional and physical connections.
2.0 Credits / Prerequisites: None
A detailed survey of film acting styles across different film genres. Students will analyze the interplay between character qualities, script content, and the choices that actors make as they synthesize the two.
3.0 Credits / Prerequisites: None