Online teaching statement from instructor David Deblinger:
“Teaching this course fits well with doing it remotely, especially since the ZOOM platform has the ability to record with the microphone and camera in each computer, phone or pad. Each student will learn how to create self-tapes. These are often how professional actors audition nowadays. Taking this course from home will also add to our exploration of the importance of intimacy and immediacy on film, as they are guided to do detailed, honest, layered work under the watchful eye of the lens.
We will employ exercises inspired by the work of Uta Hagen, Sanford Meisner, Jerzy Grotowski and some exercises developed by Mr. Deblinger that utilize personal meaning to help color physical and vocal behavior in an authentic and expressive way. Participants will work on script excerpts from film and television projects focusing on creating a personal connection with the circumstance, the relationship and breaking down the text into units of action that are as active as possible.
The ZOOM platform also allows a scene partner to only look at the person with whom they are speaking. During the scene, they will be led to choose an option called HIDE SELF VIEW, so they can act with their partner without watching their own performance. We will also be able to quickly watch great youtube clips, transfer documents and if we all agree, have the entire class recorded as well. We will also identify the distinct language, rhythm and aesthetic of particular projects. But above all we will focus on three tenets: “Acting is doing.” “The gasoline for doing is meaning.” “The importance of being present and, ‘in the moment’””