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Unit

Acting for the Camera

Created by Ruthie Tutterow

4 lessons acting

The purpose of this unit is for students to know the differences and practice skills for film versus stage acting. They should also know the basic vocabulary of acting for the camera. It will also be helpful for them to get practice in editing. By seeing both sides of the camera, they will gain valuable experience in seeing what works from both the producing and acting side. Students will be able to see and reflect on their work.

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The overview lays out the lesson plan outline, materials provided, technology needs, and assessment overview for the unit.
  1. 1
    Lesson 1
    Differences Between Stage Acting and Film Acting & Vocabulary
    Students will be able to identify some of the major differences between acting for the stage and the camera. They will also be introduced to terms used on film sets and for acting for the camera and be ready to use those terms in upcoming projects.
  2. 2
    Lesson 2
    Exercises in Acting for the Camera
    Students will watch some of a workshop in acting for the camera and do some exercises that help them practice some of the differences between stage acting and film acting.
  3. 3
    Lesson 3
    Finding Your Quality
    After discussing their favorite actors, students will record themselves having a conversation. Then they will transcribe their conversation and perform it as a script. These “scenes” will be recorded. Students will then be assigned to describe the “quality” of a fellow student.
  4. 4
    Lesson 4
    Commercials
    Students will act in and direct a commercial. They will break a script down into shots to “cover” the script. They will also format a script into video and audio. Actors will need to hit marks, make a point concisely, and hit the time format of the commercial. They should also use the acting techniques for film as much as possible.

Standards Addressed

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