Acting | Curriculum
Movement — Students explore the fundamentals of theatrical movement, developing physical awareness, presence, spatial relationships, and both abstract and literal approaches to performance.
Character Development — Students learn how to build multidimensional characters by exploring objectives, motivations, relationships, circumstances, physicality, voice, imagination, and point of view. They learn to make specific, truthful choices that bring characters to life.
Other Acting Fundamentals — Students develop the essential skills of acting, including emotional life, talking and listening, concentration, observation, imagination, impulse, reaction, presence, focus, and truthful behavior. Through exercises and scene work, students learn how to remain present and responsive rather than simply reciting lines.
Improv & Masks — Students develop the principles of improvisation while exploring movement, character, physical storytelling, spontaneity, collaboration, and mask performance.
Arts & Cultural History — Students discover the artists, innovators, institutions, and cultural movements that have shaped theatre, television, and film. The curriculum introduces students to a broad range of artistic voices while giving particular attention to the extraordinary contributions of African American artists and institutions.
Text Analysis & Voice — Students learn techniques for analyzing scripts, understanding character and circumstances, preparing for cold readings and rehearsals, and using voice effectively for both stage and screen.
Scene Study — Students analyze and perform scenes from classic and contemporary plays, television, and film. Through scene work, students develop listening, collaboration, character choices, memorization, rehearsal discipline, and the ability to respond truthfully in performance.
Camera vs. Stage — Students explore the distinct techniques required for performance on camera versus the theatrical stage, developing an understanding of scale, focus, timing, presence, framing, and the relationship between performer, audience, and lens.
The Business — Students are introduced to the professional world of the performing arts, including auditions, representation, professional etiquette, career pathways, college and conservatory programs, and the many opportunities that exist both in front of and behind the camera.
Performance — Students put their developing skills into practice through performance opportunities designed to build confidence, discipline, collaboration, artistic voice, and professional presence.