Acting and Filmmaking (Secondary 1-6)

Overview

This weekly in-person course is for young people in Secondary 1- 6 who are interested in developing or learning new skills in acting for screen and making films.

You will work with experienced acting and filmmaking tutors to learn technical and creative skills and will get an insight into how a professional film shoot works. You will learn about the process of developing and rehearsing scripts and explore film in its many forms, styles and genres.

For students who are passionate about performing, they will not only learn about how to create realistic characters, work with objectives and understand the differences between acting for camera and stage, but they will also gain an insight into the filmmaking process and learn about what a film crew do behind the scenes. This will be of great benefit to their development as a screen actor, and will give them the skills to work on their own short films.

For students who are keen filmmakers and directors, this course will give a crucial insight into the acting process, which is of benefit when writing realistic dialogue and directing actors. Alongside that, you will learn all the core filmmaking skills that are required to take an idea from script to screen, and work with professional film equipment throughout your time on the course.

You will also cover ‘on set’ etiquette, the jargon used on a film set and what to expect during film and television auditions and casting calls.

By the end of this course you will have:

• Gained experience of working on a film set in front or behind the camera
• Learned about the various roles and responsibilities involved in filmmaking
• Explored the actor’s rehearsal process and how to approach character development
• Been involved in the production of a number of scenes and short films

Students will focus on working with both a monologue scene and larger group ensemble pieces from iconic films and television shows. These pieces will be developed over the term, which will culminate in the scenes being recorded in camera, with the students taking on both the performance and crew roles. For those interested in directing, they will have a chance to direct the larger group scenes, working alongside the class tutor who will offer feedback and guidance to both the performers and the director throughout the process. In the final term students will work on both scripted scenes from iconic film and television, as well as devising their own short ideas, which will be shot and edited, where possible, by the students.

This course would be an ideal place for both those with some level of practical film experience, but little experience of working with actors, and those who have never picked a camera up before. For those with some screen acting experience, you will learn more about the process of a film shoot, and for those with no experience you will have the opportunity to develop your skills as a screen actor.

• Public Sharings – 21 June 2025 (family and friends are invited to this performance)

We run a variety of different courses throughout the year, and update our programme regularly – you can find all courses by clicking here.