Acting for Film, Television or Theatre (BFA) Major Requirements
(81 credits)
Students must earn a minimum grade of "C" in those courses required in the major area in order to make satisfactory progress. If a grade of "C-" or lower is earned, the student must repeat the course.
Students in the BFA in Acting for Film, Television or Theatre program must pass the sophomore review to remain in good standing in the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| Complete all of the following courses: | ||
| THE 103 | The Authentic Instrument I: Introduction to Performance Skills | 3 |
| THE 104 | The Authentic Instrument II: Developing the Imaginative Performer | 3 |
| THE 105 | Theatre History to 1700 | 3 |
| or THE 106 | Theater History Since 1700 | |
| THE 107 | Acting I: Intro to Acting | 3 |
| THE 110 | Acting II: Scene Study | 3 |
| THE 111 | Theatre Lab (6 semesters) 1 | 0 |
| THE 115 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| THE 127 | Theatre Production | 1 |
| THE 190 | Production I (Must be completed two times) | 2 |
| THE 220 | Movement for the Actor I | 3 |
| THE 221 | Voice for the Actor 1 | 3 |
| THE 222 | Voice for the Actor 2 | 3 |
| THE 229 | Movement for the Actor II | 3 |
| THE 240 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| or FTV 238 | Screenplay Fundamentals | |
| THE 300 | Acting for the Camera | 3 |
| THE 310 | Acting III | 3 |
| THE 311 | Acting IV | 3 |
| THE 313 | Voice for the Actor 3 | 3 |
| THE 315 | Acting for the Camera 2 | 3 |
| THE 329 | Movement for the Actor III | 3 |
| THE 400 | Directing for the Stage I | 3 |
| THE 410 | Advanced Performance Workshop | 3 |
| THE 450 | NY Experience: Professional Audition Technique and the Business of Acting | 3 |
| FTV 135 | Filmmaking I | 3 |
| FTV 243 | The Actor and Filmmaker | 3 |
| FTV 343 | Actor and Filmmaker Practicum (Must be completed two times. Must be taken as a co-requirement of THE 300 and THE 315.) | 2 |
| Select one of the following options: | 7 | |
| The Co-Operative Experience | ||
Or select 7 elective credits from the approved list | ||
| Select one Film History course from the list below: | 3 | |
| Global Film History: Origins to 1960 | ||
| Global Film History: 1961 to Present | ||
| American Film History: Origins to 1960 | ||
| American Film History: 1961 to Present | ||
| Great Performances in Film | ||
| Free electives | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 87 | |
- 1
Double majors should consult their advisors to determine the most pedagogically appropriate lab to attend. Students should not register in more than one lab per semester. Students are required to complete at least three lab sections in each of their majors before graduation. Students must meet the minimum total credits of lab required by each major though some of those credits may come from a different discipline.
Academic Plan of Study
The following educational plan is provided as a sample only. Rider students who do not declare a major during their freshman year; who are in a Continuing Education Program; who change their major; or those who transfer to Rider may follow a different plan to ensure a timely graduation. Each student, with guidance from his or her academic advisor, will develop a personalized educational plan.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| THE 111 | Theatre Lab | 0 |
| THE 107 | Acting I: Intro to Acting | 3 |
| THE 103 | The Authentic Instrument I: Introduction to Performance Skills | 3 |
| THE 190 | Production I | 1 |
| THE 115 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| FTV 135 | Filmmaking I | 3 |
| General Education Credits | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| THE 111 | Theatre Lab | 0 |
| THE 110 | Acting II: Scene Study | 3 |
| THE 104 | The Authentic Instrument II: Developing the Imaginative Performer | 3 |
| THE 190 | Production I | 1 |
| THE 300 | Acting for the Camera | 3 |
| FTV 343 | Actor and Filmmaker Practicum | 1 |
| General Education Credits | 6 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| THE 111 | Theatre Lab | 0 |
| THE 310 | Acting III | 3 |
| THE 220 | Movement for the Actor I | 3 |
| THE 221 | Voice for the Actor 1 | 3 |
| THE 240 or FTV 238 |
Script Analysis or Screenplay Fundamentals |
3 |
| General Education Credits | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| THE 111 | Theatre Lab | 0 |
| THE 229 | Movement for the Actor II | 3 |
| THE 222 | Voice for the Actor 2 | 3 |
| THE 311 | Acting IV | 3 |
| General Education Credits or Free Electives | 6 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| THE 111 | Theatre Lab | 0 |
| THE 315 | Acting for the Camera 2 | 3 |
| FTV 343 | Actor and Filmmaker Practicum | 1 |
| THE 313 | Voice for the Actor 3 | 3 |
| THE 329 | Movement for the Actor III | 3 |
| THE 105 | Theatre History to 1700 | 3 |
| THE 127 | Theatre Production | 1 |
| FTV 243 | The Actor and Filmmaker | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| THE 111 | Theatre Lab | 0 |
| THE 106 | Theater History Since 1700 (Or Film History Course) | 3 |
| General Education Credits/Free Electives | 10 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| THE 450 | NY Experience: Professional Audition Technique and the Business of Acting | 3 |
| THE 410 | Advanced Performance Workshop | 3 |
| General Education Credits/Free Electives | 9 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| FTV 399 | The Co-Operative Experience (OR Approved/Restricted elective credits) | 9 |
| Free Electives | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours for Graduation | 120 | |
Courses and Descriptions
THE 103 The Authentic Instrument I: Introduction to Performance Skills 3 Credits
Through Alexander Technique and other methodologies, actors gain awareness of personal habits and begin to find their authentic, truth-telling voice and body—a dynamic and expressive instrument to serve them in any medium.
THE 104 The Authentic Instrument II: Developing the Imaginative Performer 3 Credits
Continuing from THE 103, actors explore psycho-physical techniques (e.g. Michael Chekhov, Viewpoints, Laban) to develop the actor’s imagination. The class culminates in a public presentation using the tools that have been cultivated in Authentic Instrument I & II.
Prerequisite(s): THE 103.
THE 105 Theatre History to 1700 3 Credits
The history of theater from the primitive time through the Baroque era. Examines major plays and playwrights, emphasizing the Greek, Roman, Medieval, and Elizabethan eras.This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.
THE 106 Theater History Since 1700 3 Credits
The history of theater from the Restoration to the present. Examines major plays and playwrights, emphasizing the Restoration, Romantic, and Realistic movements.This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.
THE 107 Acting I: Intro to Acting 3 Credits
Exercises and improvisations developing the fundamental prerequisites for the actor are provided. The emphasis is on vocal and physical mobility and the ability to communicate emotional states from the stage.
THE 110 Acting II: Scene Study 3 Credits
Basic acting techniques. Emphasis on the ingredients of any action: what am I doing, where, why, who am I, what is my attitude toward partner?
Prerequisite(s): THE 107.
THE 111 Theatre Lab 0 Credits
This class serves as a forum for students to cultivate practical professional skills. Through seminars, guest speakers and master classes, this lab will give the students necessary tools to enter the professional theater. Theater majors must meet the weekly attendance and participation requirements during every semester up to a total of six.
THE 115 Stagecraft 3 Credits
The theory and practice of construction and rigging of stage scenery is offered. Emphasis is on actual productions and road show set-ups. One lecture and two labs per week.
THE 127 Theatre Production 1 Credits
Students rehearse and perform roles in a play produced by the department and directed by a member of its faculty. Students may also prepare a major element of design or technology for the production. Maximum of eight credits are accepted in theatre production, band and/or choir.
THE 220 Movement for the Actor I 3 Credits
This course is an introduction to movement training methodologies, and emphasizes physical awareness and expressivity as it relates to development of character.
Prerequisite(s): THE 110, For Acting majors or by permission of the instructor.
THE 221 Voice for the Actor 1 3 Credits
Focuses on the exploration of the basic principles of vocal production and cultivating the natural expressivity of the voice. Classwork is based upon the classic progression of voice exercises of Kristin Linklater.
Prerequisite(s): THE 107 with a minimum grade of C; restricted to BFA in Acting for Film, Television and Theatre.
THE 222 Voice for the Actor 2 3 Credits
Focuses on the exploration of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and the use of the IPA in learning dialects (including Standard Neutral American) for the stage.
Prerequisite(s): THE 221; restricted to BFA in Acting for Film, Television and Theatre.
THE 229 Movement for the Actor II 3 Credits
This course is a continuation of study in movement training methodologies (Alexander Technique, Viewpoints, Laban). It will emphasize developing physical awareness and expressiveness as it relates to the development of character work. It will also continue the further cultivation of awareness of habitual psycho-physical patterns that inhibit students in their professional development.
THE 240 Script Analysis 3 Credits
This course provides students with a technique for analyzing a theatrical script in terms of its theatrical requirements and aesthetic qualities. Students will use critical research and develop the abilities to write and speak clearly about dramatic literature, the requirements of production, and the experience of performance.
Prerequisite(s): THE 107 with a minimum grade of C.
THE 300 Acting for the Camera 3 Credits
Focuses on the craft and artistry of acting in television and film. Examination of TV production and the styles needed for work in various media will be discussed. Physicalization, simplicity, listening, marking and other technical requirements will be explored. Staging involving different camera angles will be rehearsed. The emphasis of this class is on adapting the performance to the special needs of the camera.
Prerequisite(s): THE 107.
THE 310 Acting III 3 Credits
Students will study in-depth techniques for exploring characterization. They will be introduced to the “magic if” and study techniques for placing themselves in the circumstances of the characters they are portraying. They will learn the interior and exterior analysis of characters using “Adler” and “Practical Aesthetics” techniques.
THE 311 Acting IV 3 Credits
Students will learn the appropriate techniques to explore characters in the three styles of Elizabethan, Restoration, and Commedia dell’ arte theatre. Sessions will include movement, effective speech, and finding appropriate actions for each style. Students will also learn proper research techniques to understand cultural influences on plays and characters.
THE 313 Voice for the Actor 3 3 Credits
Actors continue their study of vocal progression with Kristen Linklater and the speech work of Patsy Rodenberg, Edith Skinner and Louis Colaianni to develop physical freedom, energy, and expressivity. Advanced diagnostic work of students' voice and speech habits are explored in relationship to work with contemporary, heightened, and stylized texts.
Prerequisite(s): THE 222.
THE 314 Advanced Voice and Speech for the Actor II 3 Credits
Continuing from THE 313, actors apply advanced principles of vocal production and speech work to contemporary, heightened and stylized texts.
Prerequisite(s): THE 313.
THE 315 Acting for the Camera 2 3 Credits
This course is a continuation of the study of acting for the camera.
Prerequisite(s): THE 300.
THE 329 Movement for the Actor III 3 Credits
This course is a continuation of study in movement training methodologies focusing on continued development of expressivity, ease, dynamics and authenticity in character development.
Prerequisite(s): THE 229.
THE 400 Directing for the Stage I 3 Credits
The technique of play directing and production management. Lectures present aesthetic and theoretical concepts that are explored in workshops.
THE 410 Advanced Performance Workshop 3 Credits
An opportunity to work an entire semester on a specific style or period of theatre, e.g., Shakespeare, farce, Readers’ Theater.
THE 450 NY Experience: Professional Audition Technique and the Business of Acting 3 Credits
Students engage weekly with New York professionals to learn the business of acting and strategies for successful auditions in the NY Film, Television and Theatre industry. Students will participate in mock auditions with casting directors and theatre and on camera directors to refine audition skills. Travel costs to New York are the responsibility of the student.
FTV 135 Filmmaking I 3 Credits
Filmmaking I introduces students to basic film and television production theories, techniques, and applications. Students will gain competency in a number of production areas including composition, lighting, filmic storytelling, sound, production planning and editing. As well as gaining practical production experience, students will also be introduced to basic art theory in relation to composition and visual storytelling.
FTV 238 Screenplay Fundamentals 3 Credits
Screenplay Fundamentals will instruct students in how to write for the screen. Students will learn how to convey story and character through the medium of film and television, how to write effective dialogue, and understand the basics of dramatic writing and scene structure.
Prerequisite: COM 131.
FTV 243 The Actor and Filmmaker 3 Credits
A practicum course that instructs the student on how actors and directors work together to build a performance. The course will provide on-hands experience in technical aspects of behind and in front of camera processes in capturing an actor’s performance, exploring the demands and particularities of acting for the camera. This course will also serve as an introduction to basic acting theories and practices as they relate to how actors work to express a character onscreen. Elements of this course include monologue and scene rehearsal and performance (both multi-camera and single camera), audition techniques (for both actors and directors), and how film directors block and cover a scene. Students will gain experience both behind and in front of the camera,
Prerequisite(s): COM 131 or FTV 135 for Film/TV majors or THE 110 for Theater majors.
FTV 399 The Co-Operative Experience 3-12 Credits
This course provides a significant work experience to support the professional development of the student and complement theoretical and classroom learning. Students will be assessed based on measures as defined in a placement contract mutually agreed upon by the sponsoring faulty member, the organization representative of the placement site, and the student. Approximately 360 hours of work will be required as students work typically four days per week over at least eight weeks. The proposed placement contract requires departmental approval and the approval of the appropriate office of the dean. It is expected that the Co-op program consume the student’s academic load for the semester. Final placement will be determined by the organization where the student will work. Rider University does not guarantee that every student applying for a co-op will earn a co-op placement. Contact the appropriate department for additional information. Prerequisite(s): junior standing and 2.75 GPA at the time of registration; .
Corequisite(s): IND 398 The Co-operative Experience Seminar, IND 398 and (dept) 399 combined cannot exceed 15 credits.