The Acting on Camera program now offers TWO dynamic weeks of hands-on training and on-screen experience—no prior experience needed, just enthusiasm and a passion to perform!
2025 Acting on Camera Highlights
Grades 9–12
Take advantage of this unique chance to train on camera with a professional director and camera operator/editor. In this intensive, hands-on program, you’ll discover how acting for the camera differs from the stage, build practical on-camera skills, and gain real industry insight through collaborative projects.
Boost your confidence, sharpen your technique, and connect with peers who share your passion—all in one dynamic week. Leave with new skills, new experience, and new friends.
Typical Day
9:30am - 12:00pm
Morning Sessions
The first half of the day will focus on building essential acting skills. After introductions, students jump into targeted exercises in speech, movement, and creative expression to establish a strong foundation for the full acting process. From day one, we dive into the craft of acting for the camera, covering how to create believable characters, approach TV and film roles, perform in commercials, refine vocal technique and dialects, and prepare for auditions and self-tapes. Students also develop moment-to-moment realism, practice scene work with attention to camera angles (including close-ups, medium shots, and over-the-shoulder shots), balance precise dialogue with improvisation, and strengthen on-screen posture, movement, and presence.
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lunch
Weather permitting, students have the opportunity to enjoy lunch outdoors with their Teaching Assistants, soaking in the beauty of the Purchase College campus, connecting with fellow students, and recharging their energy before heading into afternoon classes and activities.
1:00pm - 3:30pm
Afternoon Sessions
After lunch we will focus on rehearsing, performing, and videotaping scenes from commercials, episodic television, independent films, and major motion pictures. Students will receive scripts and read with peers, instructors, or teaching assistants as they build confidence and technique in acting on camera. Through guided rehearsals and on-camera practice, they’ll develop stronger skills and on-set awareness. We’ll also cover auditioning for the camera, how to land roles, and the practical business side of acting and film work.
Final Day
Our final day will be dedicated to the continuation of work on a new or any of the more challenging scenes we already worked on. Family and friends are invited to watch clips from the scenes we worked on during the final afternoon of the program.
A digital link and/or physical copy of filmed work will be provided following the program.
Program Details
YTH 9152 / Acting on Camera Boot Workshop
Session III: (2 Week) July 27 – August 7, 2026
Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm (10 sessions)
$ 1275. for the first registration
$ 1150. for the second registration in the family, Purchase College employees, and alumni, Broadview families, Pepsi employees and early registrations (paid in full by May 1, 2026)
Empire State Arts Scholarship Information
Instructor(s)
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Lead Instructor
Interested in Undergraduate Acting Programs at Purchase College?
Check out the acting BFA program, the theatre and performance BA program, and the theatre design/technology BFA program in the Conservatory of Theatre Arts.