Acting Techniques: Scene Study

Learn essential techniques that professional actors use to work with scene partners to deliver authentic and compelling performances.

The course explores how to analyze scripts to uncover the meaning of scenes and inform your performance. From there, you'll delve into essential techniques for understanding the dynamics of relationships within a scene and how to portray intentions and actions in a performance. You'll also explore how to be present in the moment, delivering dialogue and using movement to enhance the impact of your performance.

Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and work with scene partners, you'll learn to fully immerse yourself in characters and make acting choices that result in authentic performances and the best interaction possible with scene partners.

What you will learn:

✔ Analyze a script to reveal the deeper meaning of a scene
✔ Map your character’s changing emotions through a scene
✔ Use physical characterization—including your body's movements, gestures, posture, and facial expressions— to convey a character's personality, emotions, and unique traits
✔ Explore character dynamics to create believable and relatable characters
✔ Work with scene partners to create authentic and compelling performances

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What you need to participate:

• Computer or mobile device with Internet. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
• Notepad and pen or pencil

How the course works:

Interlochen Online courses are designed to be inspiring and flexible with weekly learning units that combine video segments and guided instruction that you can complete on your own schedule during the week. You will interact regularly with your teacher and peers inside the learning environment. 

You can also participate in an optional weekly hour-long video class meeting, where you can learn from the teacher and interact with your classmates in real-time. At the beginning of the course, you will complete a survey indicating your preferred times for the class meeting. The teacher will make every best effort to identify a meeting time that works for everyone. The teacher will also post recordings of the meetings and you can view them when it is convenient. 

The goal is that you walk away not only with practical skills and friendships but that you are inspired and motivated to pursue your art and realize your potential.