Stage Acting Versus Screen Acting

Stage Acting Versus Screen Acting

The difference between stage acting and theatre acting

Physicality

The difference between Stage Acting and Screen acting explained.

In the dynamic world of acting, mastering screen presence is essential for taking your film and TV acting to the next level. At our screen acting school, we teach students to differentiate between the bold, expressive movements required for theatrical acting and the subtle, nuanced gestures needed for screen acting.

 

Stage actors must project their voices and movements to captivate a live audience, ensuring every seat in the theatre feels the energy of their performance. In front of the camera, however, students learn to harness the power of small, precise expressions and natural movements, which the camera captures in intimate detail.

 

At NFD, we work in a very specialised way for the student to understand these differences and how they can capture the natural presence and nuances that are so vitally important for the screen. Most of our students come from a theatrical background, either from school plays, stage schools or amateur dramatics etc. This can take time, and through our programme, can become very natural actors in front of the screen. We give that rare opportunity to be on set and learn the processes that can be tricky but very rewarding when they have mastered the art of screen acting.

Performance Size

Understanding the size and scope of a performance is crucial for any aspiring actor. Theatrical acting often demands larger-than-life performances, where exaggeration and boldness are key to reaching the back row of the audience. Conversely, screen acting requires a more restrained and nuanced approach. Our teachers guide students to deliver intimate and authentic performances, perfectly suited for the close-up scrutiny of the camera. Our students learn to adapt their performance size to fit the screen by mastering this style.

Technical Aspects

The technical aspects of acting are where the magic of performance truly comes to life. In our screen acting classes, students are taught the intricacies of working with cameras, including hitting marks, adjusting performances based on camera angles, and understanding lighting and sound equipment. These skills are crucial for creating seamless and compelling on-screen performances. Students learn to command the screen with the aid of close-up shots, seamless editing and relying solely on their raw talent and charisma. This comprehensive technical training ensures our students are well-equipped for the screen acting, making them highly skilled actors. Many have gone onto coveted roles in the industry. Please see our hall of fame page!

 

For more information for children and teens screen acting please follow this link

 

For more information for our adult screen acting classes please follow this link