The Film Connection ACTING MENTORSHIP CURRICULUM

ACTING SCHOOL ALTERNATIVE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM  – WEEKS 1-8

CRAFT OF ACTING: COLD READING (Eight classes)

Lesson concepts to be explored through the practice of “cold reading” – bringing to life material with only 10-15 minutes of preparation:  Acceptance, Imagination, Action, Listening, Mentality, Distractions

The actor’s journey begins with the formation of a strong foundation upon which a creative life can be built.  Progressing from open scripts to television and into plays, the actor will have the opportunity to discover how they travel from disbelief to belief.  Like an
athlete, the actor will begin to see their heart and mind as muscles that require daily exercise in order for strength and support. 

Some questions that will be answered include:

• “How do I begin to believe?
• “What do empathy and judgment have to do with my work?”
• “How do I relate to something I’ve never been through personally?”
• “What is the most effective way to read a script for the first time?”
• “What are the major distractions I’ll face as an actor and how do I deal with them?”
• “What is my job when ‘action’ is called?”
  

Written assignments:

In each of weeks one through four, the actor will choose a chapter from James Allen’s As a Man Thinketh on which to write a 2-4 page paper on it’s relationship to the work of an actor.

In the fifth through eighth weeks, the actor will choose two themes inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet to explore in two 3-5 page papers drawing parallels between Rilke’s experience as a poet and their own artistic journey.


CAREER COACHING:  GETTING STARTED (Two meetings)

Business Basics for the Professional Actor: Knowledge breeds confidence. Confidence breeds success. It’s OK to be “green” in the business… as long as you don’t seem like it.

• Headshots:  What is a headshot, process of selecting a photographer, what to look for, why are they needed, when are they used, costs
• Resume:  What is a resume, what to put on a resume, formats
• Internet Marketing: Online submission resources, personal websites
• Demo reels:  What is a demo reel, what should be included on it, how long should it be, when to use, costs
• Agents:  What is an agent, why do actors need one, how do actors get one, the different types of agents and commissions/ fees charged
• Managers:  What is a manager, why do actors need one, how do actors get one, commissions/fees charged and contract issues
• Unions:  Screen Actors Guild, AFTRA and Equity; when & why they started, who they represent, how to join, costs involved, what do they do, how do they help actors, current status of contracts
  

Assignment: 

1. Students must meet with at least 3 headshot photographers of their choosing and write pro-con sheets on each
   
2. Students must prepare a draft version of their resume
3. Students must familiarize themselves with internet resources and write a one page paper on those that struck them as most valuable.
   

Introducing Yourself to the Industry: They can’t hire you if they don’t know you exist.

• Resume:  Review/revise information and format prepared draft
• Headshots: Help students choose photographer, prepare for headshot session (ie: discuss  types of photos that actor will need, discuss how the actor sees themselves vs. how the casting environment may see them and reconcile any disconnects
• Auditioning: Discuss process of auditioning for film, television, theater, commercials and soaps: what to expect; on camera vs. off camera; asking questions;following up, pre-reads vs. reading for the casting director vs. “going to producers” vs. network tests
• Student Films: Graduate vs. undergrad, sync vs. non-sync, different types of film, digital, union approved schools, how to submit for films, what to expect, student directed scenes, questions to ask
  

Assignment: 

1. Students to make appointment with photographer and have headshots taken
2. Student must finalize resume
   

ACTING SCHOOL ALTERNATIVE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM – WEEKS 9-16

CRAFT OF ACTING: MONOLOGUE (Eight Classes)

Lesson concepts to be explored through the use of monologues: Archetypes, Life Issues, Homework (Attention), Doubt/Truth, Character, Sensitivity/Vulnerability, Public Opinion, Call Back (2nd Opportunity).

Once the actor has a basic understanding of the muscles necessary for truthful belief in fictional circumstances, he/she will be given the opportunity to exercise those muscles at home with their first assignment.   Additionally, they will explore the concept of the “call back” and discover what it takes to strengthen and expand that muscle of belief.  Some questions that will be
answered include:

• “What is a ‘call back’?”
• “How do I most effectively use my time at home?”
• “How do I become more sensitive or vulnerable?”
• “What do doubt and truth have to do with my work?
• “What does it mean to explore character?”
• “What are the major life issues?”
• “What are archetypes?
• “How do I deal with public opinion?”

Written assignments:

From weeks nine through sixteen, the actor will investigate the concept of character archetypes and universal life issues using Carol Pearson’s Awakening the Heroes Within.  Each week, the actor will pick a different archetype or life issue relating to the role he/she is working on in private coaching sessions and turn in a written assignment related to the subjects being explored.

Note: The instructor reserves the right to utilize other respected texts, films and works as necessary.


CAREER COACHING: TAKING ACTION (One meeting)

Daily Responsibilities of a Professional Actor; Goal Setting: Ninety percent of an actor’s job is getting a job.

• Headshots: Look at pictures taken and help actors choose photos, discuss printing process, postcards
• Day to day responsibilities: How to submit yourself, how to promote yourself, reminders to casting directors, thank you notes, open mike nights, one person shows, additional online resources, magazines, books, networking/support groups
• Goal setting:  Importance of defining a plan of action 
• 
  

Assignment:

1. Students must get headshots printed
2. Students must put together headshots and resumes
3. Students must purchase most current books with Agent and Manager listings
4. Students must choose 10 agents and 10 managers to who they’d like to submit
   

ACTING SCHOOL ALTERNATIVE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM - Weeks 17-24

CRAFT OF ACTING: SCENE STUDY (Eight classes)

Lesson concepts to be explored through scene work: Acting With a Partner, Places, Movement, Taking Direction, Between Takes

The actor will be cast in a part and have the opportunity to put their newly learned principles into practice.  As in a professional situation, he/she will be required to prepare fully at home and come to the “set” ready to play.  He/she will then work with another actor provided by the studio.  Some of the questions that will be answered include:

• “What do I do when the director calls, ‘places’?”
• “How do I translate a directors staging into spontaneous movement?”
• “How do I translate direction quickly and effectively?”
• “How can I help myself between takes when a director is unavailable?”
  

Written assignments:

Weekly written assignments will continue as the actor keeps a journal written in the first person as the character he/she is playing.  This exercise will strengthen the actor’s facility at thinking imaginatively within the framework of circumstances, events and issues given to them by a writer.


CAREER COACHING:  LAUNCHING YOUR CAREER (Two meetings)

• Representation and Working: No successful person is an island in Hollywood. Get yourself a team. 
  
• Submitting to agents: Help students construct personalized cover letter for mailings, go over agents and managers list, discuss power of making connections and having referrals 
  
• Meeting with agents and managers:  What to expect from a meeting, how to prepare, what to expect from an agent /manager, what is expected from actors, what do the terms “hip pocketed” and “boutique” mean
• Working:  Discuss different types of acting roles and pay associated with each, discuss table reads, set procedures and protocol
  

Assignment:

1. Students to mail headshot, resume and cover letter to 10 agents
2. Mail headshot, resume and cover letter to 10 managers
   

Continuing Education:

Getting your foot in the door is one thing. Getting it to open is another. 

Additional training:

Discuss different types of classes available to the actor both through this school and beyond; avoiding scams and non-constructive environments

Casting director workshops:

Discuss what they are, what purpose they serve, costs, membership process, are they right for you, skills required

Final questions