Instructor:
Mr. Daniel Yurgaitis, Associate Professor of Theatre
Office: JFAC 128
Phone: 626-2563
Office Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 10-11, 2-3, or by appointment.
Office E-mail: yurgaitd@northern.edu
Home E-mail: danielyur@nvc.net

Hand Outs:
     Syllabus (PDF)

Objectives:
This course offers instruction and practice in the basics of acting for both TV and film style productions: playing to the camera, shooting out of sequence, blocking, and other production considerations. Emphasis is placed on truthful acting within the medium of the camera. The course will include live tapings of selected scenes, monologues and commercials. The business of film/TV acting will be explored. Students will also be taught the fundamentals of working the actual cameras and lights.

Text:
Secrets of Screen Acting by Patrick Tucker. (Routledge, 2nd edition, 2003)
Each student must also provide blank VHS tapes with their name clearly marked on it for each in-class assignments.

Grading:
Grading is based on individual growth and development, on individual effort, adherence to the requirements and preparedness for each project, (one minute monologue, two intermediate film projects, audition, film clip project and final filmed project). The breakdown is as follows:

1. One- Minute Monologue -- 10%
2. Two Intermediate Film Projects (10% each) -- 20%
3. Over the Shoulder Audition -- 10%
4. Film Clip Project -- 10%
5. Final Film Project -- 50%

Participation
This is a very practical course focusing on individual development. In order to register any improvement, you must work consistently, in class and out of class. The purpose of this class is to prepare students serious about learning the basics about film acting. You must be prepared to work on the first day listed below for each assignment.

Requirements

1. A One Minute Monologue: Memorization and performance of a one-minute monologue to be filmed in class on September 11th.
2. Two Filmed Scenes: Memorization, rehearsal and performance of two scene to be filmed in class: the first filming on October 2nd and 4th and the second over two classes October 30th and November 1st.
3. Over the Shoulder Commercial: Copy memorized for audition to be filmed on October 6th and 8th.
4. Film Clip Project: Each student is responsible for bringing in a moment from any commerical film no longer than five minutes in length. Each student will describe why he/she likes it and why it is a good example of film acting/directing. Additional background information should be given about the film and the director. Assignment is due on Monday, November 20nd.
5. Final Film Project: Each student is responsible for an edited final filmed project, that is six minutes in length and should demonstrate knowledge of all the shots (LS, MS, MCU and BCU) and vocal work learned over the semester. In-class studio time will be available for four classes to rehearse and film. Each student must arrange time outside of class to edit the final project, which is due on the last day of class, Monday, December 8th.

Assignments
Each student is responsible for all assignments. Failure to complete any assignment will result in a zero grade for that assignment. Missed in-class filmings will also result in a zero grade. Due to studio time constraints, no special arrangements can be made to make up missed assignments or classes.

Attendance
Daily attendance and sign-in is required. Each section meets for two course hours per week and you are allowed two absences. There are no additional absences allowed beyond those noted above, so plan your semester accordingly. These allowed absences are meant to be used for illness or other personal needs (such as weddings, doctor's appointments, etc.). Please note that this is a course that places a high value on participation and observation. Since studio time is at a premium, this is a firm and non-negotiable policy and each absence thereafter will result in your final grade average being lowered one point for each absence. This policy will be enforced.

Punctuality
Being on time for class is not only courteous it is essential. Three late entrances (5 minutes or more) into class and your final grade average will be lowered one point.

Documented Disabilities
According to the student handbook, "the Office of Disability Services at NSU is committed to assisting students with various need as mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Possible accommodations include, but are not limited to, classroom accessibility, adaptive testing, note taking services, readers, taped textbooks and tutoring services. Students who think they may have a learning disability are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as soon as possible since the professor can make no accommodation without official documentation based on a professional assessment."

Academic Freedom:
Under Board of Regents and University policy student academic performance may be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards. Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to resere vjudgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. Students who believe that an academic evaluation reflects prejudiced or capricious consideration of student opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards should contact the academic dean administratively in charge of the class to initiate a review of the evaluation.

Open Door
Please feel free to drop into my office any time during office hours; of course an appointment is best. I check e-mail several times a day, so feel free to contact me over the internet.