Acting for Film, Television and Theatre, B.F.A.

The first year consists of student exploration to discover personal habits and ineffective, artificial “tricks” that have developed in their early training. Through “The Authentic Instrument,” an integrated year-long class, actors begin to find their authentic, truth-telling voice and body—a dynamic and expressive instrument to serve them in any medium. Courses in acting introduce fundamental principles through a variety of techniques students will experience during their training at Rider. Second semester training focuses on crafting technique to contemporary stage scripts and screenplays, introducing acting for the camera techniques for projects in the film program at the University. All first years showcase their growth through rehearsal and performance of contemporary work on stage and screen.

Classes: Acting 1 and 2, The Authentic Instrument 1 and 2, Filmmaking 1 or Stagecraft, Acting for the Camera

The second year develops a more expressive and dynamic instrument as actors train in contemporary techniques of voice (e.g. Linklater) and movement (e.g. Alexander Technique, Laban, Michael Chekhov). Acting training offers tools for success with heightened text and with on-camera techniques for films and webisodes. 

Classes: Acting 3 and 4, Movement for the Actor 1 and 2, Voice for the Actor, Speech for the Actor, Script Analysis or Screenplay Fundamentals

BFA students refine skills in Acting, Voice and Movement and apply them to on-stage and on-screen performance in the third year. Training include's advanced work in speech, text and dialects and continued diagnostic work for vocal health, strength and expressivity. Physical training may include intimacy and violence for stage, film and television. Actors study theatrical and/or film traditions and history and develop a business plan for their professional acting career. Actors focus on fully realized, truthful performances on the main stage and/or in film productions this year.

Classes: Acting 5: Advance Acting for the Camera, Advanced Voice and Speech 1 and 2, Theatre History to 1700 or Film History course, Theatre History since 1700 or Film History course, Movement for the Actor 3, Directing

The first semester prepares actors to enter the profession through audition technique and business planning, while rehearsing and performing stage and screen productions. Students will rehearse and perform main stage theatre roles and will collaborate with film and television production majors in creating an original film, tv or digital media project. In the second semester students have the option for a complete immersion in the Film and Television industry by partnering with the Communications program Semester in Los Angeles. Students choosing this option would study and intern with industry professionals while living full-time in the heart of Los Angeles’s entertainment industry. The semester culminates in a showcase for agents and casting directors in both New York and Los Angeles.

Classes: New York Experience: Professional Auditioning, The Actor and the Filmmaker, Advanced Performance Workshop, Los Angeles Experience