A special guest teacher, Heida Reed, leads this first session, offering insight from her own professional network and streaming acting experience.  Focus is on giving students an initial experience with auditions, where they perform in front of student casting directors and directors. The class provides immediate feedback and offers a video lesson covering the history of film acting styles to give participants foundational knowledge.

This week provides detailed feedback on auditioning techniques. This session focuses on refining tips, practice, and expectations for students' auditions. Students are introduced to the Meisner Technique—a core acting methodology—further building their skill set,and encouraging natural responses in performance. Students continue auditioning, and the roles rotate among casting directors and directors to give everyone diverse experiences.

After a 2-week winter break for the holidays, students will continue refining their audition performances with new role assignments, while rotating casting director and director roles among classmates. The ongoing focus on live feedback and role preparation prepares participants for deeper challenges in the coming weeks.

[No classes on Saturday, December 21st and Saturday, December 28th]

 The focus shifts toward monologue performance. Students receive feedback on auditions, followed by an introduction to monologues, where they are expected to prepare and perform. They also engage in peer and instructor reviews, fostering a collaborative environment for self-improvement. A video lesson on working on a film set is included, offering practical knowledge for real-world acting scenarios.

Students face their first callback announcements. They perform their monologues again for feedback and continue scene work with partners. The scene partner exercises push students to engage dynamically with another actor, reinforcing the importance of chemistry and interaction on set. The video lesson for this week, "Acting is Reacting," builds on this theme.

Focuses entirely on scene work. Students work closely with their partners on assigned scenes, practicing the techniques learned throughout the course. Feedback is provided during live performances, and students are encouraged to return to their monologues and incorporate new techniques. The video lesson, "Prepping for the Role," helps students internalize how to deeply understand and prepare for their characters.

Further scene work on the sound stage. Students are required to review their recorded scenes and critique their own performances, encouraging self-awareness and growth. The video lesson, "Agents & Managers," provides practical career advice on how to navigate the business side of acting.

The course culminates in an on-camera performance in a studio setting, allowing students to showcase everything they’ve learned. They film their final scenes with professional feedback, preparing for the scene premiere at the end of the week. This session offers a comprehensive wrap-up of the skills and knowledge gained throughout the bootcamp, ensuring students are well-prepared for future auditions and roles.

No prior acting experience is necessary. This program is designed for aspiring actors with little to no experience. We'll teach you the skills in the program to bring your characters to life on camera!

No, you don't have to already know which scene you'd like to rehearse and film.  Your instructor will help you choose a scene that best fits you.  That said, if you already have a scene in mind, then you are welcome to use it.

Roughly 6 hours per week. 

10am - 2pm on Saturdays either via zoom or in person on campus in San Francisco (4 hours).

Virtually online at your own pace (2-3 hours).

The program is designed to be highly interactive and supportive, while also allowing time to move at your own pace. 4 hours per week every Saturday is spent with your instructor and peers, with virtual course materials online and rehearsal time to hone your knowledge as you move through the program.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a PDF digital certificate. The digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile. The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program is completed.

 

 

The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page. We offer a discount when you pay in full, and we also offer a payment plan noted at the top of this program web page. You can pay online with a valid credit card or debit.

We offer a 7 day money-back guarantee. If the bootcamp is not what you expected after the first week, let us know and you will receive a full refund!

You can email us at workshops@sanfranciscofilmschool.edu or call us directly at (415) 824-7000.