Film-Screenwriting: Exploring Drama Through Acting (Online)

This three-week program is a unique, hands-on approach to developing scripts, immersing students in the process of creating intriguing characters by writing, revising and directing in collaboration with actors. The course is intended to give writers confidence in their own personal strengths and styles, and introduce them to best practices in structure, dialogue and dramatic action. The focus is on process, and the goal is a 7 - 12 page script that students can produce on their own. The course culminates with students directing their actors in a full, filmed table reading of their own piece. Students will develop short scenes through dynamic, character-driven exercises. These scenes are researched and analyzed for story possibilities as students prepare for actors coming the following week to give life to their writing through performance. Professional actors will also join the students' creative process. Students learn to understand and direct actors, and see how the actor's experience deepens the writing. Through rehearsal and improvisation, with both an experienced acting and writing teacher, students' stories will evolve from deep knowledge of character. Collaboration is an intrinsic part of the filmmaking process and leads to lively, fast-paced improvement. In the last week, students fine-tune their scripts by working in depth with their actors, and learning how to communicate their interpretations as director/writers. Each student will direct his or her script on camera, which is recorded along with feedback. Please note: Pre-College courses may include the use of nude models. Course curriculum and faculty are subject to change.