Discover Acting from Coursera

Are you curious about the world of acting? On our ‘Discover Acting’ course, you will be guided through some of the basics of actor training and explore how these could unlock the talent and potential within you.

If you want to learn about how actors work through getting up and giving it a go then this course is for you. This course places you at the centre of the learning experience through engagement with a range of practical exercises, workbook activities and video content. Discover Acting is perfect for anyone wanting to take that first step in acting. 

This is an introductory course. You don’t need any previous experience or prior knowledge. You should have curiosity and enthusiasm, an interest in acting and a desire to gain a deeper understanding of the acting process. As the course is practical in nature, the deepest learning will occur in those that physically engage with the exercises introduced in the videos.

This course has been developed and is led by practitioners from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

What's inside

Syllabus

Who am I, what is an actor and what is acting?

In week one we’ll focus on the key concepts of the course: What is an actor? What is acting? What do you offer that’s unique as an actor? We will also explore the notion of subjectivity and what makes certain acting choices effective. We'll look at the relationship between body, voice and imagination. In these early stages of the course you'll be invited to watch, listen and read about acting; before we act, we need to think about acting. As the course progresses you'll develop a technique that enables you to experiment with these ideas in practice.

Using your instrument as a tool for performance; integrating your mind, body, voice and imagination

Key concepts: The interconnected role of the actor’s instrument: body, voice and mind. Building awareness of your own body, physical & vocal habits, and how this is affected by internal and external factors. Start to develop an awareness of the relationship between physical release, alignment, breath and why that is important for the actor. Questions to ask in order to establish the given circumstance and how changing the answer changes the playing.

Exploring the text

Key concepts: Text analysis/diagnostic, given circumstances, objectives, caps, tactics, physical externals.

Adding detail to your performance

Key concepts: Practical preparation for a performance. Performing and reflecting effectively on your performance. Reflect on the learning so far and next steps.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Developed by the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, a renowned drama school

Focuses on foundational acting skills, making it suitable for beginners

Utilizes practical exercises, workbook activities, and video content for immersive learning

Taught by James Palm, experienced actor and Royal Central School of Speech and Drama instructor

Course is self-paced and allows for flexible learning

Provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of acting

Career center

Learners who complete Discover Acting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Actor

As an Actor, you bring characters to life on stage or screen. The skills you learn in the Discover Acting course, such as embodying characters, interpreting scripts, and using your instrument as a tool for performance, will serve you well in this career. The course's focus on exploring the text and adding detail to your performance will help you develop the skills necessary to create believable and engaging portrayals.

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Drama Teacher

As a Drama Teacher, you inspire and guide students in the art of acting. The Discover Acting course will provide you with valuable insights into the fundamentals of actor training, which you can share with your students. The course's emphasis on practical exercises and workbook activities will give you a wealth of teaching materials to utilize in your classroom. Additionally, the course's exploration of the relationship between body, voice, and imagination will help you understand how to effectively teach students to use their instruments as tools for performance.

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Acting Coach

As an Acting Coach, you help actors develop their skills and prepare for roles. The Discover Acting course will give you a solid foundation in the principles of actor training, which you can use to guide your clients. The course's emphasis on exploring the text and adding detail to your performance will help you teach actors how to create nuanced and believable characters.

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Casting Director

As a Casting Director, you are responsible for finding the right actors for roles in films, television shows, and plays. The Discover Acting course will help you develop a discerning eye for talent and an understanding of what makes a great performance. The course's emphasis on practical exercises and workbook activities will give you the opportunity to assess actors' skills and potential.

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Television Director

As a Television Director, you create compelling content for the small screen. The Discover Acting course will provide you with a solid understanding of the actor's craft, which will inform your work as a director. The course's emphasis on using your instrument as a tool for performance will help you guide actors to give memorable and engaging performances.

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Theatre Director

As a Theatre Director, you bring plays to life on stage. The Discover Acting course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the actor's craft, which will inform your work as a director. The course's emphasis on exploring the text and adding detail to your performance will help you create productions that are both engaging and meaningful.

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Film Director

As a Film Director, you translate scripts into engaging and visually compelling films. The Discover Acting course will help you develop a deep understanding of the actor's process, which will inform your work as a director. The course's emphasis on using your instrument as a tool for performance will help you guide actors to give powerful and nuanced performances.

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Screenwriter

As a Screenwriter, you create the stories and characters that come to life on screen. The Discover Acting course will help you develop a deep understanding of the actor's process, which will inform your writing. The course's emphasis on exploring the text and adding detail to your performance will help you create characters that are both believable and engaging.

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Playwright

As a Playwright, you create the stories and characters that come to life on stage. The Discover Acting course will help you develop a deep understanding of the actor's process, which will inform your writing. The course's emphasis on exploring the text and adding detail to your performance will help you create characters that are both believable and engaging.

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Novelist

As a Novelist, you create fictional worlds and characters that captivate readers. The Discover Acting course may be useful in helping you develop a deeper understanding of human nature and motivation, which can inform your writing. The course's emphasis on exploring the text and adding detail to your performance will help you create characters that are both believable and engaging.

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Psychologist

As a Psychologist, you help people understand and cope with mental health issues. The Discover Acting course may be useful in helping you develop a deeper understanding of human behavior and emotions, which can inform your work as a psychologist. The course's emphasis on exploring the text and adding detail to your performance will help you communicate effectively with clients and build rapport.

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Teacher

As a Teacher, you educate and inspire students in a variety of subjects. The Discover Acting course may be useful in helping you develop a deeper understanding of how people learn and communicate, which can inform your teaching methods. The course's emphasis on exploring the text and adding detail to your performance will help you create engaging and memorable lessons.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, you gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. The Discover Acting course may be useful in helping you develop a deeper understanding of human behavior and motivations, which can inform your reporting. The course's emphasis on exploring the text and adding detail to your performance will help you communicate effectively with sources and audiences.

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Politician

As a Politician, you represent the interests of your constituents and make decisions that affect the lives of many. The Discover Acting course may be useful in helping you develop a deeper understanding of human behavior and motivations, which can inform your decision-making. The course's emphasis on exploring the text and adding detail to your performance will help you communicate effectively with constituents and build support for your policies.

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Social Worker

As a Social Worker, you help people navigate challenges and improve their well-being. The Discover Acting course may be useful in helping you develop a deeper understanding of human behavior and emotions, which can inform your work as a social worker. The course's emphasis on exploring the text and adding detail to your performance will help you communicate effectively with clients and build rapport.

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Discover Acting

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