Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Eff Term	Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	05/06/2025
Top Code	100700 - Dramatic Arts
Units	3 Total Units (Lecture Units 2.25;  Lab/Other Units 0.5)
Hours	72 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 45; Lab Hours 27)
Total Outside of Class Hours	90
Total Student Learning Hours	162
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S)
Local General Education (GE)	Area 3 Arts and Humanities (GC)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)	CSU C1 Arts (C1)

Course Description

This course introduces the special techniques of acting for the motion picture and television cameras. Areas of study include development of basic on-camera acting techniques for film, video, and television. Students will participate in on-camera class exercises and improvisations, prepare memorized scenes, and critique film, video, and television acting techniques both orally and in writing. Emphasis will be placed on the audition process for commercials and TV/film along with the understanding of the various camera angles, shots, positions, and actor behaviors unique to acting before a camera. Transfer Credit: A.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Perform the basic techniques of acting for the camera for film, video, television, digital, and online presentations.
2. Rehearse material to be presented on camera.
3. Define the general history of acting for the camera and its current trends, terminology, and\\nrequirements for film, video, television, digital, and online presentations.
4. Analyze live or recorded acting performances.
5. Perform in a fully produced situation comedy, procedural drama, or commercial working with a technical crew, director, and producer.

Course Objectives

• Use skills for effective on-camera auditions including self-taping techniques
• Practice working with camera framing, blocking, lighting, and other technical elements.
• Analyze scripts to build authentic characters and maintain emotional continuity during multiple takes and different shot sizes.

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Lecture Content

1.  Introduction
   1. Terminology and vocabulary
2. Exercises
   1. Relaxation
   2. Sense and environment exercises
   3. Basic vocal techniques and warm-ups
   4. Improvisation for the camera
   5. Character and characterization
3. Theories and techniques for using the camera
   1. Finding your role and your character for the camera
   2. Memorization methods
   3. Studying the part
   4. Acting for commercials
   5. Acting for film
   6. Acting for television
   7. Basic improvisation techniques
   8. Cold readings
   9. Movement with the camera
   10. Acting with the head-on camera
   11. Emotion and rhythm with the camera
4. The actor’s relations with the film industry
   1. The business of acting for the camera
   2. The actor’s support personnel
   3. The audition
   4. Resume and headshots 

Lab Content

1. Techniques
   1. Rehearsal
   2. Recording of assigned scenes and monologues
   3. Working with the camera within particular performance parameters
2. Specific acting for the camera techniques
   1. Film
   2. Video
   3. Television
   4. Online
   5. Digital
   6. Commercials
3. Working with staff and crew
   1. Director
   2. Producer
   3. Assistant directors
   4. Cinematographers
   5. Other personnel
   6. Crew

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

-

Reading Assignments

A. Textbook B. Websites C. Trade publications

Writing Assignments

A. Homework assignments B. Written and oral critiques of acting for the camera scenes and monologues C. Analysis and critiques of acting for the camera visual materials (video, DVD, internet, digital)

Out-of-class Assignments

Resume and headshot

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

90

Methods of Student Evaluation

• Midterm Exam
• Final Exam
• Short Quizzes
• Written Assignments
• Essay Examinations
• Objective Examinations
• Report
• Projects (Individual/Group)
• Problem Solving Exercises
• Oral Presentations
• Skills Demonstration

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

A. Evaluation and discussion of class presentations B. Critiques of acting for the camera scenes and monologues C. Evaluation of a student's performance of a filmed scene

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

A. Skill demonstration of basic proficiency in acting for the camera B. Homework assignments C. Written and oral critiques of acting for the camera scenes and monologues D. Written critiques of live theatrical productions E. Analysis and critiques of acting for the camera visual materials (video, DVD, internet)

Resources Subscreen

• Textbook: Reinking, Cathy.. How to book acting jobs 3.0: Through the Eyes of a Casting Director - Across All Platforms (Classic). Bowker (2019).
• Other: . . ().
• Other: . . ().
• Other: . . ().

Eligible Discipline(s)

• Drama/theater Arts: Master’s degree or Master of Fine Arts in drama/theater arts/performance OR bachelor’s degree or Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama/theater/performance AND master’s degree in comparative literature, English, communication studies, speech, literature, or humanities OR the equivalent. Master's degree required.