About
Sydney Theatre School is proud to offer this engaging, short certificate course, which has been uniquely designed for those interested in exploring acting for the camera. Over ten weeks, students are taught the creative and practical skills required to analyse and breakdown a script, deliver a truthful performance and make interesting, dramatic choices before the camera.
The Certificate of Screen Acting aims to introduce students to the basic skills and techniques in acting for the camera and to explore the similarities and differences between stage and screen performance. Students are exposed to the various challenges facing an actor working in film and television and the course aims to demystify the screen-acting process, enabling actors to feel more confident and relaxed on camera.
The course comprises three ten-week modules (one evening per week for three hours); each module can be undertaken at any time, with no obligation to complete more than one module. A Certificate of Attainment will be awarded after the completion of all three modules.
Who can benefit from this course?
The course is ideal for people who have stage acting experience but who may never have worked on camera; or those who wish to develop and/or maintain their skills in this area.
Course pre-requisites.
There are no pre-requisites for this course; however, prior stage-acting training and/or experience is desirable. Please note that no audition is required for this course.
Course Fees
The course fees are $550 (inc GST) per 10 week term. The full amount is payable in advance before the start of the first class.
Applications
Applications for The Certificate of Screen Acting are now open for 2013. Expressions of interest are now being taken and a start date will be announced when there are sufficient numbers. All applicants with an interest in the course should submit an on-line application form. For further information, please contact the School directly.
| Module | Commences |
Attendance Times | Course Length | Location | Accreditation |
| Introduction | TBA. Please contact the school | Every Monday 6.30pm – 9.30pm | 10 Weeks | Chippendale, Sydney | Certificate of Screen Acting on completion of Advanced Module |
| Intermediate | TBA. Please contact the school | Every Wednesday 6.30pm – 9.30pm | 10 Weeks | Chippendale, Sydney | Certificate of Screen Acting on completion of Advanced Module |
| Advanced | TBA. Please contact the school | Every Friday 6.30pm – 9.30pm | 10 Weeks | Chippendale, Sydney | Certificate of Screen Acting on completion of Advanced Module |
Stanislavskian method, physical method, playing reaction, close-up, medium and long shots, acting on and off camera, objectifying non-existent events, ‘doing less’ than on stage, blocking, hitting marks, use of expressive objects, concentration, use of voice, movement and gesture, using and developing ideas, awareness of how to read, interpret and analyse scripts/screenplays are just some of the subjects explored within this module.
| Weekly Module | Description |
| Week 1 | An introduction to the technical requirements of the camera. Eye line, blocking, vocal flexibility, simple do’s and don’ts, screen framing, set etiquette, relaxation techniques, getting comfortable in front of the camera, and preparing for your scene or audition. |
| Week 2 | Concentration and Energy Levels. A series of exercises to help you maintain focus while on set, in the audition room, or in rehearsal. We will also cover the different energy levels needed for the range of on camera work – the differences needed between film, television, and commercials with several genres within each. |
| Week 3 | The Television Commercial. Using a range of scripts from commercials we will see how to perform in a range of different styles. From the presenter or spokesperson type to the natural lifestyle type or the comedy or sitcom type. |
| Week 4 & 5 | Television and Film Drama – breaking down scripts into “playable” intentions and clear, concise emotional “truths”. Clarifying the thought process, using visualization techniques, listening, and pursuing clear intentions and objectives will bring these scripts to life. |
| Week 6 | Comedy. Demystifying the acting style, pace, and timing needed for great comedy acting. Using scripts from sitcoms we will look at how to act truthfully but with a sense of play and innocence that leads to great humour. |
| Week 7 & 8 | Auditioning – a series of tips and techniques on how to land jobs in film, television, and commercial. How to adapt your performance for the particular genre you are applying for. We will cover what exactly the casting directors are looking for and how best to show your strengths as an actor. |
| Week 9 & 10 | Scene performance, analysis and feedback utilising scripts from various Australian and overseas films and television programs. |
| Intermediate Module | Duration | 10 Weeks | Listening and response, taking direction, creative flexibility and generosity, use of different rehearsal exercises and techniques, group interaction, experiment and risk, engagement with role, character decisions, extension and refinement, learning and memorising, sustained spontaneity. |
| Advanced Module | Duration | 10 Weeks | Characterisation, stillness, focus, dynamics, pace, energy, rhythm, analysis of ‘type’, consistent use of props, repeating movement, look for different camera angle/shots, continuity, retakes, control of business in short takes, working out of sequence, style and genre analysis, performance signs, audition skills, casting processes, industry knowledge. |
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to use the ‘Contact Us‘ page. We look forward to receiving your application.Apply NOW
Sydney Theatre School is a Registered Training Organisation approved by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to deliver training, assessment and qualifications and a member of ACPET.