Spring 24: The NYPAA Foundation

The NYPAA Foundation, a unique, conservatory-style training course that fuses rigorous instruction in acting for stage, film, and television with foundational vocal techniques and physical performance. This program is designed for the passionate artist, offering all the tools needed to thrive in the fiercely competitive global entertainment industry.

Under the expert guidance of a diverse staff of industry professionals, you will embark on a journey through the nuanced world of character development, scene study, and text analysis. With an emphasis on the distinct skills required for stage, film, and TV acting, this program offers intense, weekly sessions dedicated to acting across mediums.

Additionally, the program includes vocal class each week, focusing on fostering an open, flexible, and embodied instrument, laying the foundation for a broad range of emotional and physical expression.

To complete this holistic training, we also incorporate movement and stage combat instruction, empowering you to utilize your body as an integral part of storytelling.

The NYPAA Foundation is not just about honing your craft; it’s also about understanding the business side of this dynamic industry. We provide practical training related to the business aspects of the industry, preparing you to navigate the competitive job markets across the globe.

This immersive program thrives on the intensity of the training, balanced with a nurturing, collaborative learning environment. Join us, and let’s set the foundation for your acting journey, propelling you towards a successful career in the exciting world of entertainment.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Voice

  • Vocal Foundations
    1. Introduction and Basics
      • Understanding voice as an actor’s instrument
      • Basic vocal techniques, including posture, breathing, and vocal warm-ups
    2. Vocal Flexibility
      • Exercises to increase vocal range and flexibility
      • Techniques for maintaining vocal health and endurance
    3. Tone and Color
      • Exploration of different vocal tones and colors
      • How to adjust vocal quality for different characters and emotions
    4. Integration with Method Acting
      • Beginning to integrate vocal technique with Method acting principles
      • Use of personal experiences and emotions in vocal expression

    Advanced Vocal Techniques and Characterization

    1. Advanced Breathing and Resonance Techniques
      • Further development of breath control and use of resonance in voice
      • Exploration of vocal projection and volume control
    2. Character Voices
      • Techniques for creating distinct voices for different characters
      • Consideration of character traits, backstory, and motivation in voice
    3. Emotional Expression through Voice
      • Techniques for expressing a range of emotions vocally
      • Integration of vocal technique and emotional authenticity in acting
    4. Text Work
      • Applying vocal techniques to scripted material
      • Use of voice in expressing subtext and character relationships

    Application and Performance

    1. Vocal Performance Techniques
      • Building vocal stamina for performance
      • Techniques for maintaining vocal health during performance runs
    2. Rehearsal Process
      • Application of vocal techniques in rehearsal process
      • Feedback and adjustments based on director notes and peer feedback
    3. Integration with Movement and Physical Expression
      • Coordination of voice and body in performance
      • Techniques for embodied vocal expression
    4. Final Performances
      • Rehearsals and final performances of scenes using developed vocal techniques
      • Critique and feedback sessions

Acting for Stage, Film & TV

  • Acting Fundamentals
    1. Basic Acting Techniques
      • Introduction to acting principles, including character analysis, motivation, and objective
      • Introduction to the differences between stage, film, and TV acting
    2. Character Development
      • Techniques for creating believable characters
      • Exploration of physicality, voice, and emotional life of characters
    3. Scene Study
      • Working with partners on scripted scenes
      • Use of objectives, obstacles, and tactics
    4. Text Analysis
      • Techniques for breaking down a script and understanding character motivations
      • Exploration of subtext, relationships, and themes

    Medium-Specific Techniques

    1. Stage Acting
      • Techniques for projection, movement, and interaction with live audience
      • Working with blocking, stage directions, and theater-specific terminology
    2. Film Acting
      • Techniques for acting on camera, including use of facial expression, subtlety, and continuity
      • Understanding the technical aspects of film production and their impact on performance
    3. TV Acting
      • Understanding the pacing, style, and structure of TV scripts
      • Exploration of character consistency and development over multiple episodes
    4. Transitioning Between Mediums
      • Techniques for adjusting performance style to suit stage, film, or TV
      • Exploration of career paths in each medium

    Advanced Techniques and Performance

    1. Audition Techniques
      • Preparation of monologues and cold reading techniques
      • Understanding the casting process and how to present oneself in auditions
    2. Rehearsal Process
      • Techniques for deepening character work and relationships during rehearsals
      • Application of feedback and direction
    3. Performance Techniques
      • Building stamina for performance runs and shooting schedules
      • Techniques for maintaining character consistency and energy
    4. Final Performances and Screenings
      • Rehearsals and performances/screenings of final scenes
      • Critique and feedback sessions

Acting for The Camera

Basics of On-Camera Performance

  • Introduction to Camera Work: Understanding the technicalities and differences of performing for the camera.
  • Framing and Composition: Knowledge of camera angles, close-ups, and wide shots, and how to perform within them.
  • Continuity in Scenes: Ensuring consistent performance for editing continuity.

Technical Aspects and Actor’s Relationship with the Camera

  • Marking and Positioning: Understanding where to stand, how to move, and positioning oneself in relation to the camera.
  • Reacting to Off-Camera Actions: Techniques for reacting to off-screen cues and actions.
  • The Fourth Wall: How and when to break or respect it.

Performance Techniques for the Camera

  • Subtlety and Nuance: Fine-tuning performance to convey emotions subtly on screen.
  • Eye Line and Focus: Knowing where to look, maintaining consistent eye lines, and understanding the importance of focus.
  • Working with Multiple Cameras: Techniques for acting in multi-camera setups.

Advanced On-Camera Techniques

  • Emotional Authenticity: Delivering genuine emotions that resonate with viewers.
  • Scene Adaptation: Adjusting performance based on the genre (drama, comedy, thriller, etc.)
  • Final Scene Study: Culminating in a fully-realized scene, demonstrating the skills learned throughout the course.

Movement & Stage Combat

Movement for Actors

  1. Basics of Movement
    • Understanding the body as an instrument for acting
    • Basics of posture, alignment, and balance
    • Exploring space and movement
  2. Physical Characterization
    • Using physicality to portray different characters
    • Exploring how age, personality, and physical conditions affect movement
  3. Ensemble Movement
    • Synchronization and mirroring exercises
    • Choreographed group scenes
  4. Improvisation and Creative Movement
    • Using movement to express emotion and advance plot
    • Improvisation exercises

Stage Combat

  1. Safety and Basics
    • Safety rules and precautions of stage combat
    • Basic techniques like falls, slaps, and punches
  2. Unarmed Combat
    • Choreographing and performing unarmed fights
    • Techniques for making fights look realistic
  3. Armed Combat
    • Introduction to fighting with stage props like swords and knives
    • Safety precautions for armed combat
  4. Choreographing Fight Scenes
    • Creating fight scenes that serve the story and characters
    • Performing choreographed fights

Integrating Movement and Stage Combat

  1. Character-Specific Movement and Combat
    • Using movement and combat techniques to portray specific characters
    • Understanding how character traits can inform physical actions
  2. Choreographing Complex Scenes
    • Incorporating both movement and combat into scenes
    • Emphasizing storytelling and character development through physical action
  3. Performance Techniques
    • Building stamina and consistency for performance
    • Learning to adapt physical performance to different stage spaces and audiences
  4. Final Performances
    • Rehearsals and final performances of scenes incorporating both movement and stage combat techniques
    • Feedback and critique sessions

Character Development

Character Development Class

Foundations of Character Building

  • Introduction to Character Development: Understanding the essential elements that form a character.
  • Psychology of Characters: Delving deep into a character’s mindset, background, and motivations.
  • Using Personal Experiences: Drawing from personal emotions, memories, and experiences to form a character’s psyche.

Physical and Emotional Techniques

  • Physicality in Character: Exploring how posture, gait, and gestures define a character.
  • Emotional Depth: Techniques for accessing deep, genuine emotions for authentic character portrayals.
  • Voice and Speech Patterns: Altering your natural voice and diction to suit a character.

Complex Character Exploration

  • Multidimensional Characters: Techniques for portraying characters with depth, flaws, and growth.
  • Relationships and Interactions: Understanding and depicting a character’s relationships and interactions with others in a scene or story.
  • Conflict and Resolution: Depicting internal and external conflicts and their resolutions.

Advanced Performance Techniques

  • Consistency in Character: Maintaining character integrity and consistency across scenes and performances.
  • Responding to Direction: Adjusting character portrayal based on feedback and directorial inputs.
  • Final Character Presentation: Bringing a fully fleshed-out character to life in a culminating performance.

PROGRAM INFO

AUDITION REQUIRED
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
PROGRAM AGES 16+

Early Application Deadline: October 15th
Regular Application Deadline: December 15th
Late Application Deadline: January 15th

  • Prospective students submitting an application after January 15th should contact Admissions Dept.

DATES

Orientation: 01/20/2024
Start: 01/20/2024
End: 09/28/2024

PROGRAM FEES

Registration Fee: $95.00
Tuition: $7200.00
  • Registration fees are non-refundable
  • Course fees exclude flights and visa costs. Flights and visas are the responsibility of the student
  • A student who cancels within 7 days of signing the enrollment agreement, but before instruction begins, receives all monies returned, with the exception of the non-refundable registration fee.
  • Thereafter, a student will be liable for
    • the non-refundable registration fee plus
    • the cost of any textbooks or supplies accepted plus
    • tuition liability as of the student’s last date of physical attendance or date of student withdrawal request, whichever is later. Tuition liability is limited to the week during which the student withdrew or was terminated, and any previous weeks completed.
      If termination occurs, the school may keep:
      Prior to or during the first week 0%
      During the second week 25%
      During the third week 50%
      During the fourth week 75%
      After the fourth week 100%
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