Introduction to Acting (FutureLearn)

You’ll work through the fundamental challenges that actors face, and get a basic foundation in the craft of acting. By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to study acting further, having taken your creativity to new heights.

Learn the basic principles of acting

This course starts with the fundamentals of acting. You’ll analyse scenes from the point of view of the actor, and explore some of the key elements to a spontaneous delivery.

You’ll also have the chance to review and reflect on the work of other actors, gaining more insight into what creates an organic performance.

Hone your unique artistic instincts

Once you’re familiar with the general basics of acting, this course will become like your own personal acting coach. The activities will show you how to listen to your scene partner and understand your character’s objectives and relationships.

You’ll see how to use characters’ actions and behaviours to break down a scene, approach the rehearsal process, and ultimately deliver an authentic performance. Most importantly, you’ll get to immediately apply what you learn to a role of your own.

Approach acting and overall creativity in a structured, productive way

The lead educator is an experienced acting coach and, with the support of Luleå University of Technology, will help you develop ways of working to put your focus outside of yourself and, in the process, learn more about the character you’re playing.

Whether you’re starting your journey to becoming the best actor you can be or looking to nourish your creative spirit, you can be sure that your art and creativity will be improved through this course.

Syllabus

Week 1: The Foundation

Week 2: The Situation

Week 3: The Words

Learning on this course

You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Identify some basic acting principles and concepts.

- Apply the principles discussed during the course on your own work with a role.

- Reflect on the work of other actors and what makes an organic performance.

- Evaluate a scene from a play from the point of view of the actor.

- Develop a way of working that is focused on what you do rather than on yourself.

- Explore some key elements to a relaxed and spontaneous performance.

- Investigate how you can approach your acting in a structured and creative way.
Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in the art of acting, including current students, those looking into studying, professional actors who want to review the basics, and individuals who want to learn more about the acting process.