How can understanding the fundamentals of cinematography and the production process impact your work as a videographer and actor?

In the first unit, students will learn the aspects of the production process: pre, production, and post and how this process is integral within cinematic arts. 

In this class, will explore the the five major genres of cinematography and will focus predominantly on Video Art, Documentary, and Music Video filmmaking this quarter. Students will have the opportunity to perform the roles of director, actor, technician and videographer for various films throughout the quarter. At the end of every filmmaking cycle, students will develop their critique skills by discussing their own work as well as their peers'. 

Throughout the quarter, students will have the chance to learn various acting techniques studying theatre practitioners such as Arthur Lessac, Stanford Meisner and Michael Chekhov. These theorists will supply the students with a tool box of acting techniques to enhance their characters and daily work in our class. 

In Unit 1, students will: 

1. Develop a series of films to demonstrate their cinematography skills. 

2. Study and demonstrate their understanding of various theatre practitioners through performances of monologues and scene work. 

Understanding Cinematography:

In the Theatre & Film unit, students will embark on a creative journey by producing their very own documentary film, centered around a personally meaningful topic. This endeavor involves comprehensive phases, including research, conducting interviews, and script development during the pre-production stage. Following this, students will capture their documentary through filming, utilizing a combination of A and B roll footage in the production process. In the final step, students will edit their work, incorporating subtitles to enhance the post-production quality.

To enrich their skills and encourage collaboration, students will engage in collaborative small-group projects, focusing on narrative and silent films. These projects will not only further hone their cinematography skills but also promote effective teamwork and communication. This concentrated effort on cinematography will emphasize the subtleties that distinguish stage and film acting.

The culmination of this course will see students presenting their Narrative Film and Silent Film projects, serving as the final assessment of their creative and technical growth in the world of theatre and film.

Stage Acting:

In the Theatre & Film unit, students will focus on cultivating their stage acting proficiency by engaging in scene acting exercises. These carefully crafted scenes will not only be developed but also presented before their fellow students, forming an audience of peers. Throughout the duration of the unit, summative data will be systematically gathered, encompassing the entire process. This data collection will occur during rehearsal sessions, small group workshops, and one-on-one conferences with the director. The ultimate evaluation will take place during the scene work performance, providing a comprehensive assessment of the students' growth in stage acting.

In Unit 2, students will: 

1. Develop a series of films to demonstrate their cinematography skills: Silent Film, Narrative Film, and Documentary Film  

2. Study and demonstrate their understanding of acting techniques through performances of scene work. 

Ensemble Acting: 

This acting unit delves into ensemble-based acting with a specific focus on one-act plays, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of collaborative theatrical performance. Participants will explore character development, scene analysis, and cohesive ensemble dynamics through the study of selected one-act plays. The curriculum emphasizes the synthesis of individual artistic contributions within the ensemble, fostering skills in mutual trust, active listening, and responsive adaptation to fellow actors.

The course structure includes ensemble-building exercises, improvisational workshops, and collaborative scene work to develop a collective approach to storytelling. Through active participation in the rehearsal and performance of one-act plays, students will gain practical experience in the challenges and rewards of ensemble-based acting. Formative assessments and constructive feedback sessions will guide the honing of individual and collective acting skills, culminating in a public presentation of one-act plays that showcases students' proficiency in collaborative performance. This unit provides a rich exploration of ensemble-based acting, equipping students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills for success in theatrical endeavors.

In Unit 3, students will: 

1. Explore ensemble-based acting principles in one-act plays, refining interpretative skills.

2. Engage in ensemble exercises and collaborative scene work, students will apply skills in the rehearsal and performance of one-act plays, showcasing their collaborative prowess in a public presentation.

Advanced Ensemble Acting : 

This course offers a deep exploration into ensemble-based acting, focusing specifically on the intricate dynamics of one-act plays. Students will engage in a comprehensive study of collaborative theatrical performance, delving into character development, scene analysis, and the cohesive dynamics of ensemble acting. Through the examination of the selected one-act play, participants will learn to synthesize individual artistic contributions within the ensemble, cultivating skills in mutual trust, active listening, and responsive adaptation to fellow actors.

The curriculum is designed to foster a collective approach to storytelling, incorporating ensemble-building exercises, improvisational workshops, and collaborative scene work. By actively participating in the rehearsal and performance of a one-act play, students will gain hands-on experience in navigating the challenges and rewards of ensemble-based acting. Formative assessments and constructive feedback sessions will guide students in refining both their individual and collective acting abilities.

The culmination of the course will be a public presentation of their one-act play, showcasing students' proficiency in collaborative performance. This unit provides a nuanced exploration of ensemble-based acting, equipping students with both the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary for success in theatrical endeavors.

In Unit 4, students will: 

1. Ensemble-building exercises: Students will engage in various activities designed to foster a sense of cohesion and trust among ensemble members. These exercises may include group improvisations, team-building games, and other collaborative activities aimed at strengthening the ensemble bond.

2. Rehearsal and performance of the one-act play: Students will actively participate in the rehearsal process for the selected one-act play. This involves scene work, character development, blocking, and refining performances through feedback and practice. The culmination of the unit will be a public presentation of the one-act play, where students will showcase their proficiency in ensemble-based acting.