The Actor's Bootcamp from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Acting from beginner to advanced levels
Acting warm-ups
Scene study
Character study

Acting styles and techniques
Acting for various media (film/tv, stage, commercial)
Auditioning
On-set etiquette

Acting from beginner to advanced levels
Acting warm-ups
Scene study
Character study
Acting styles and techniques
Acting for various media (film/tv, stage, commercial)
Auditioning
On-set etiquette

Syllabus

Students will understand what this course IS and ISN'T as well as what's important to know and how we're going to get to where we're going. Moreover, they'll understand the overall focus of it all.

Hello And Welcome

Get Set Up

This Is Not a Masterclass

Who Is This For?

What We're Going To Learn

What's Important To Know

What We're Going To Do

Talent vs. Skill

This is a quick overview of some things you need to focus on when shooting with a smartphone.

Here are a few Dos and Don'ts when it comes to shooting.

Your talent is a muscle and it has to be in shape for optimal use.

Vocal

Physical

Emotional

Exercise Overview

Basic acting is where it all starts. The walking, the talking, the walking AND talking. It's a rollercoaster.

Learn the Lines

Blocking

Masterclass Moment

Taking Direction

Making It Real

Putting It All Together

Body Language

Body Language - Facial Expressions

Body Language - Walking

Body Language and Facial Expressions

Scene Breakdown

Performance!!!

Scene study is where you gain an understanding of what's happening. It's place between being an observing bystander and a participant.

Scene Study Introduction

Scene Study Breakdown

Film/TV, Stage, Commercial/Industrial, this is where we learn more about all the ways acting is utilized.

Scene Study - Scene 1

Scene Study - Scene 2

Scene Study Scene - Part 1

Scene Study Scene - Part 2

This where we come to learn why the character made that choice and just who the character is.

Introduction To Character Study

The Enneagram

There are a few resources here to make character study a bit simpler.

Choices

Character Study Break Down - Part 1 - The Process

Character Study Break Down - Part 2 - The Scene

Pick 3!!!

Character Study Scene - Part 1

Character Study Scene - Part 2

Here's where we create distinctions between "method", "classical" and what I refer to as "combination" acting.

Introduction To Acting Styles

Classical Acting

Understanding Emotion Practice

Method Acting

Combination Acting

Preparing Acting Styles - Part 1

Preparing Acting Styles - Part 2

Analyze This Scene!!!

Let's Perform!!!

Introduction To Acting Media

I was having some fun once and decided to use my smartphone to capture a scene that I wrote about oatmeal. I even added some sound effects and compositional changes to make it a bit more 3 dimensional. This gives you a great idea of what it is to be "in the lens".

Film/TV

This is a scene I did MANY years ago. My acting teacher paired me with a wonderful actress and gave us a very dramatic scene from a film. The result played out a bit more soap opera than film but all of the elements are here anyway.

The hand on her face was not planned but it played quite nicely. So much so that she returned the gesture later in the scene. Even still, adding these gestures required a ton of control because we had been drilled on the confines of the performance space. Breaking the performance space or going outside of it had very dire consequences.

FYI, yes, the resolution is very different than what we are used to by today's standards. The camera person was using a pretty modern camera (for the time). What a difference 8 years makes. Crazy.

Stage

Commercial/Industrial

Some Commercial/Industrial Work

Film/TV Acting

Stage Acting

Commercial/Industrial Acting

It's a lot tougher than it sounds. Here's some Dos and Don'ts regarding auditioning.

Before the Day

On the Day

After the Day

Auditioning

Here's Your Sides...

You trained. You auditioned. You crushed it. Now you're on a set!!! Let's go over the Dos and Don'ts.

On-set Etiquette

What Would You Do?

That's it. Now, sally forth and be a star!!!

In Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers acting for various media, including film, TV, stage, and commercials, providing a broad understanding of the performance landscape

Includes practical exercises and peer evaluations, offering hands-on experience and constructive feedback

Explores character study using resources like the Enneagram, which can help actors develop nuanced and believable characters

Examines acting styles such as method and classical, which provides a foundation for making informed artistic choices

Includes a primer on auditioning, which is a crucial skill for securing roles in the entertainment industry

Discusses on-set etiquette, which is important for maintaining professionalism and building relationships in the industry

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Actor's Bootcamp with these activities:

Review Basic Acting Terminology

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with common acting terms to better understand the course content and communicate effectively with peers.

Browse courses on Acting

Show steps

Find a glossary of acting terms online or in a textbook.
Review the definitions of key terms like 'blocking,' 'motivation,' and 'subtext.'
Create flashcards or a quiz to test your understanding.

Review 'Audition' by Michael Shurtleff

Show steps

Study a guide on auditioning to improve your performance and increase your chances of success.

View Audition on Amazon

Show steps

Read selected chapters focusing on audition techniques and strategies.
Take notes on Shurtleff's key concepts and apply them to your own audition preparation.
Practice auditioning with a friend or acting coach.

Review 'Respect for Acting' by Uta Hagen

Show steps

Study a foundational text on acting to gain a deeper understanding of the craft and different approaches to performance.

View Respect for Acting on Amazon

Show steps

Read selected chapters focusing on character development and scene analysis.
Take notes on Hagen's key concepts and techniques.
Reflect on how these concepts can be applied to the course exercises.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Scene Study Practice with Peers

Show steps

Practice scene study with classmates to refine your skills and receive constructive criticism.

Show steps

Partner with a classmate and select a scene from a play or film.
Analyze the scene together, discussing the characters' objectives and motivations.
Rehearse the scene, focusing on clear communication and emotional connection.
Provide each other with feedback on your performances.

Monologue Performance Project

Show steps

Prepare and perform a monologue to apply the techniques learned in the course and receive feedback from peers.

Show steps

Select a monologue that resonates with you and aligns with your skill level.
Analyze the monologue to understand the character's motivations and objectives.
Rehearse the monologue, focusing on vocal delivery, physicality, and emotional expression.
Record your performance and share it with the class for feedback.

Character Analysis Journal

Show steps

Maintain a journal to document your character analysis process, exploring different techniques and approaches.

Show steps

Choose a character from a play, film, or TV show.
Research the character's background, motivations, and relationships.
Write journal entries exploring the character's inner life and how it informs their actions.
Reflect on how different acting styles might influence your portrayal of the character.

Create a Short Film Scene

Show steps

Write, film, and edit a short scene to apply your acting skills in a practical setting.

Show steps

Write a short scene with compelling characters and dialogue.
Gather a small crew of friends or classmates to help with filming.
Rehearse the scene with your actors, focusing on naturalistic performances.
Film the scene, paying attention to lighting, sound, and camera angles.
Edit the footage to create a polished final product.

Career center

Learners who complete The Actor's Bootcamp will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Actor

The role of an actor is to portray characters in various media, such as film, television, stage, and commercials. This requires a deep understanding of character development, scene study, and acting techniques. This course offers a foundation in acting fundamentals, including character study, scene study, and acting styles. By exploring different acting media, such as film, stage, and commercials, the course readies you for the varied demands of the acting profession. In addition, the course features practical exercises and peer evaluations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actor

Acting Coach

An acting coach works with actors to improve their skills in areas such as character development, scene study, and auditioning techniques. This requires a deep understanding of acting principles and the ability to provide personalized guidance. This course offers a comprehensive overview of acting fundamentals, from basic techniques to acting styles, and so may be useful for an acting coach. It also covers auditioning and on-set etiquette.

See salaries and explore the career path for Acting Coach

Voice Actor

A voice actor provides voices for animated characters, commercials, audiobooks, and other media. This requires a versatile vocal range, the ability to embody different characters, and a strong understanding of acting techniques. This course provides a foundation in acting, including vocal exercises and character study, and so may assist in developing the skills needed to become a voice actor. Moreover, the course includes specific modules on acting styles and techniques useful in different media.

See salaries and explore the career path for Voice Actor

Public Speaker

A public speaker delivers speeches and presentations to inform, inspire, or entertain audiences. This requires excellent communication skills, confidence, and the ability to engage with listeners. This course offers insights into acting techniques, character study, and body language, which may be useful for honing your skills as a public speaker. Furthermore, the practical exercises and peer evaluations provide opportunities to refine your stage presence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Speaker

Drama Teacher

A drama teacher educates students in the art of acting, directing, and stage production. They develop curriculum, lead rehearsals, and guide students in developing their acting skills and confidence. This course, with its emphasis on acting fundamentals, character study, and scene work, may be useful for aspiring drama teachers. It provides a solid base of knowledge in acting techniques and styles that can be imparted to students. Furthermore, the focus on practical exercises can help a drama teacher plan engaging lessons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Drama Teacher

Speech Coach

A speech coach helps individuals improve their communication skills, including public speaking, articulation, and voice projection. This role requires a strong understanding of vocal techniques and the ability to provide constructive feedback. This course emphasizes vocal exercises and acting techniques, which may be useful for a speech coach. It helps build a foundation in performance skills that can be applied to improve others' communication abilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech Coach

Casting Director

A casting director is responsible for selecting the actors who will appear in a film, television show, or play. They work closely with directors and producers to understand the needs of a project and identify talent that fits the desired roles. This course may be helpful for a casting director, providing the knowledge to assess acting abilities and techniques. By understanding character study, scene study, and auditioning, a casting director can better evaluate actors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Casting Director

Director

The director is responsible for the creative vision of a film, play, or other performance. This involves guiding actors, overseeing the technical aspects of production, and ensuring that the final product aligns with their artistic vision. This course provides valuable insights into acting techniques, character development, and scene study, which may be useful for a director. Understanding the actor's process helps directors communicate effectively and elicit the best performance from their cast. Topics such as on-set etiquette may also be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Director

Improvisational Performer

An improvisational performer creates spontaneous and unscripted scenes, often in a comedic setting. This art form requires quick thinking, collaboration, and the ability to create characters on the fly. This course touches on acting styles and techniques, which may be useful for developing the versatility needed for improvisational performance. The focus on character study may also help you to develop unique characters instantaneously.

See salaries and explore the career path for Improvisational Performer

Content Creator

A content creator develops engaging content for various platforms, such as social media, websites, and video channels. This role requires creativity, storytelling skills, and the ability to connect with an audience. This course may be useful for content creators, because it focuses on performance and character creation. The course also includes film, stage, and commercial acting, which may be useful for content creators who operate in those areas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

Screenwriter

Screenwriters craft the stories and scripts for films and television shows. They develop characters, create compelling plotlines, and write dialogue that brings the story to life. This course may be useful for screenwriters. The course's emphasis on character study and scene breakdown, may help screenwriters create more believable and engaging characters and narratives. The course also includes scenes written by the instructor.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Radio Personality

Radio personalities host radio programs, entertaining and informing listeners through conversation, interviews, and music. This role requires excellent communication skills, a charismatic personality, and the ability to connect with an audience. This course may be useful for radio personalities. The course also touches on acting media such as commercials, expanding the career options for a radio personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radio Personality

Filmmaker

Filmmakers are involved in all aspects of creating a film, from writing and directing to cinematography and editing. This multifaceted role demands a blend of artistic vision, technical expertise, and leadership skills. This course may be useful for filmmakers. The course explores acting for various media, from stage to commercial, and may help filmmakers understand the performances that must be captured. Moreover, it covers on-set etiquette.

See salaries and explore the career path for Filmmaker

Brand Ambassador

A brand ambassador represents a company or product, promoting it through personal appearances, social media, and other marketing channels. This requires excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to embody the brand's values. Taking a course may be helpful for the brand ambassador. The course includes scene study that would be applicable to commercials. Moreover, the course focuses on body language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brand Ambassador

Creative Director

A creative director leads creative teams in developing and executing marketing campaigns, advertising materials, and other visual content. This role requires a strong understanding of design principles, storytelling, and audience engagement. This course may be useful for those who work in marketing and communications. The course explores acting for various media, from stage to commercial, and may help creative directors understand the performances that must be captured.

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The Actor's Bootcamp

What's inside

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Syllabus

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Activities

Career center

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