Acting in Film

FILM S203 (30267) 

An intensive, full-time, hands-on workshop that is fully integrated with the Intensive Filmmaking Workshop (Film S202) which allows the student actor to solve the artistic problems and technical challenges of film acting. Students begin with exercises that acclimate them to the tenets of good acting under the pressures and demands of the filmic medium. Then, with rehearsed scene work, they learn the technical language of cinema and they participate in various filmmaking practices. Their knowledge and techniques are tested by acting in one or more of the films produced by the Intensive Filmmaking Workshop. With the Filmmaking Workshop, the students screen classic narrative masterpieces nightly in order to gain a sense of the medium's historical and aesthetic context as well as to develop a common vocabulary and point of reference with fellow collaborators. Screenings, readings, and rehearsals supplement practical application. Daily commitments include, but are not limited to: 3 hours daily of classroom instruction, 2.5 hours of nightly screenings, 1-3 hours daily reading, rehearsal and shooting sessions outside of classroom time and on weekends. Enrollment limited to 16. Due to the professional nature of the program, we are no longer accepting pre-college students.

Workshop dates: June 10 - July 19

M-TH 9:30am-12:30pm, M,W 2pm-4pm, SCREENINGS M-TH 7pm-10:00pm;
2 CREDITS

• The Acting Workshop is full-time class worth two full Yale College credits. This course simply is not possible during the Academic year.
• The Acting In Film Workshop awards two apprenticeships to Yale School of Drama MFA Acting Candidates so that student filmmakers and actors have the opportunity to work side-by-side with those dedicated to their craft.
• Immerse yourself in the unique presentation and challenging experience of acting and filmmaking while living and studying at world-renowned Yale University. Both workshops use the state-of-the-art facilities at Yale's Digital Media Center for the Arts.
• The Acting In Film Workshop, in conjunction with the Intensive Filmmaking Workshop, is a realistic program mirroring the collaborative nature of the filmmaking process.
• Watch video clips of past projects produced in the Workshops.

History of the Workshop

“The best actors make it look easy. Their technique is invisible.” – Judith Weston.

Although good acting is good acting whether it is for the stage or film, film acting requires specific considerations and techniques for the medium. Since 2003, the one-credit version of this workshop has provided students with a unique and invaluable opportunity: to learn a common language with aspiring filmmakers so that these new artists can communicate and be transparent to one another at the inception of the creative process. In the summer of 2006, Acting In Film became a full-time, two-credit workshop. It is the only program in the country whose aim is to integrate actors and filmmakers and have each experientially understand the other's process and challenges. Peggy Flood and Sandra Luckow who have professionally collaborated for the past 15 years as actor and filmmaker, respectively, designed the workshops.

Testimonials

"Peggy is an exceptional instructor. She is very understanding and made me feel very comfortable throughout the course. She helped me open myself up in front of the camera and in front of the class. She made this class a very safe environment and I felt extremely comfortable taking risks in the class."
Student evaluation

"I really enjoyed this class. It really makes you comfortable in front of the camera. The reading material was excellent. One of the best parts of the class is that you are on camera from day one. The best summer I have ever had!"
Student evaluation

"This class is so rewarding. The first few weeks are slightly overwhelming but completely worth it. Production week is fantastic! I would absolutely recommend anyone to take this class. It is fun and you will meet the nicest people."
Student evaluation

"It is a great class. It really helps with the transition to acting with film and it teaches so much about the film industry in general; auditions, filming, etc. It also gives a brief glimpse into the other sides of the filmmaking process like directing and camera work which is quite valuable." Student evaluation

"This was a terrific experience because of its intensity and I would love to do it again. The professors were simply put—phenomenal."
Student Evaluation

“The material was thorough and detailed—I really learned a lot about the technical elements of film acting.”
Student Evaluation

“The [class] helped us become more comfortable in front of the camera [and] it was a tremendous eye-opener.”
Student Evaluation

“Peggy is one of the most subtle and tender teachers in my experience. Totally great. Just great.”
Student Evaluation

“The progression of cold readings to rehearsed scenes to monologues [all] on camera, is a great means of developing comfort for the actor. It also provides a visual learning experience that can be viewed and evaluated throughout the class.”
Student Evaluation