Acting On-Camera
Contributing Educator: Brian Avers
ACTING ON-CAMERA is a course designed to introduce and immerse students in the compelling, creative craft of acting… on camera. From exploring the core, foundational principles of presence, authenticity and ‘access-into-our-eyes’—to practical projects like preparing Self-Tapes and filming common tropes like the ‘Meet Cute’ and the ‘Walk n’ Talk’—students will learn life-valuable tools & techniques for how to tell stories and connect … through the camera. This 8-Topic course features an introduction to the “Actor-Camera dance” … including playful games & exercises that will heighten students’ awareness of how easy, confident and powerful they can be on camera… A chance to perform in filmed mini-scenes that are drawn from romantic comedies, relationship dramas, police procedurals and medical thrillers … An opportunity to prepare and edit a Self-Tape Audition, with access to a professional actor’s ‘Self-Tape Checklist’… culminating in a Watch Party to share recorded scenes with friends and family!
Lesson Plans Included: 8
Materials: Lesson Slides and Google Doc Printable Resources are included to help guide your work and support student learning.
Grade Levels: High School
Lesson Plan Topics
- WATCH, LOOK, FEEL - The Actor-Camera Dance & The Art of Being Present, Open & Full
- LISTEN & RESPOND - Staying Present & The Art of Honest Conversation
- REACTION SHOTS - The Wild, Wooly Art of Reaction Shots!
- MEET CUTES - Situation, Relationship & Playing with Fire (The Spark)
- DRAMA DUETS - Vulnerability, Depth & Playing with Pain (The Heart)
- MOUTHFULS & WALK n’ TALKS - Cops, Doctors & The Art of Urgent Expertise
- SELF-TAPES (AUDITION #1) - How to Prepare a Self-Tape Audition that “Pops”
- WATCH PARTY! - Watching footage with family & friends & What Comes Next
