ABSTRACT
A phenomenological study relies on the extensive experience of industry expert as the qualification for participation in an in-depth interview. Expert opinions illuminate key concepts about acting techniques and instructional methods in actor training in front of and behind the camera, on and off campus. Most experts acknowledged the benefit of acting for the camera class on casting. Most expert responses concentrated on technical training with working professionals and equipment in class or off-campus to simulate industry standards. Many experts valued networking to build relationships, offer encouragement and support, gain representation, and increase industry employment in select circumstances. The experts from private institutions considered potential tuition revenue to be of greater import than experts from public universities, which partially accounted for the varied responses. Virtually all experts agreed that their collaborative efforts to cross-train theatre and film students with existing resources could benefit from substantial programmatic and institutional support.
