Directing Actors

Display Schedule

Code	Completion	Credits	Range	Language Instruction	Semester
311DIAC	exam	2	2 hours (45 min) of instruction per week, 32 to 42 hours of self-study	English	winter and summer

Subject guarantor

Name of lecturer(s)

Mary Carmel ANGIOLILLO

Department

The subject provides FAMU International

Students come to understand the film actor's process, in order to better work with them as directors. They learn to avoid result-oriented directing and replace it with actions, imagery, improvisations, as-if situations, and directing character rather than the actor.

Learning outcomes

To learn tools for breaking down a script into acting units
To learn tools for getting actors to connect to their roles and to each other;
To practice communicating productively through verbs, images, questions and events;
To practice using improvisation techniques for developing rich characters, and for integrating the characters into the space and situation of the story.

Prerequisites and other requirements

This course is offered only to APP students in the directing track.

Literature

Required readings:

Bruder, M. et al. (1986). A Practical Handbook for the Actor. NY: Vintage.

Cohen, R. (2007, 5th edition). Acting One. McGraw Hill.

Weston, J. (2014, updated 2021). Directing Actors. LA: Michael Weise Productions.

Recommended readings:

Travis, M. (2002). Directing Feature Films. LA: Michael Weise Productions.

DeKoven, L. (2006). Changing Direction. NY: Focal Press.

Meisner, S. (1987). Sanford Meisner on Acting. NY: Random House.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Two tests on readings and concepts (each 15% of final grade x2 =30%)

Two Scene breakdowns using 3-steps from Practical Handbook (each 10% of the grade x2 = 20%)

One detailed written rehearsal plan (20% of final grade)

Attendance and Participation in exercises (30% of the grade)

Note

Note on course content: At times, because the course focuses on working with actors who play characters in a variety of dramatic situations, material presented in an exercise may evoke emotional responses if/when the directing students relate to characters in potentially traumatic situations.

Students for whom exercises may trigger stressful or painful responses are invited to pass on participating in such exercises.

	06:00–08:0008:00–10:0010:00–12:0012:00–14:0014:00–16:0016:00–18:0018:00–20:0020:00–22:0022:00–24:00
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu	room LAZ-107 Room No. 1 (Lažanský palác) ANGIOLILLO M. 11:30–13:05 (lecture parallel1)
Fri

Date	Day	Time	Tutor	Location	Notes	No. of paralel
	Thu	11:30–13:05	Mary Carmel ANGIOLILLO	Room No. 1 Lažanský palác		lecture parallel1

Schedule for summer semester 2025/2026:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans

Academy Preparation Program - Directing (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)