We need actual people to take the place of these characters.
Project Title
Live-Action “Synthetic Groupwork” Videos
Interested? Email me for more details.
Overview
This project creates new live-action course videos to support students in online asynchronous College Physics 1 & 2 (Phys123/124). In the videos, a small group of “classmates” works through physics material together and periodically turns to the camera to ask the online learner, “What do you think?”
Goal: bring the learning benefits of group discussion to asynchronous students.
Roles We Are Casting
We are casting 4 student actors total:
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3 Classmates (student actors)
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1 Teaching Assistant (TA) (student actor) — appears occasionally to guide or support the group
No prior acting experience is required. We’re mainly looking for clear communication, reliability, and a collaborative attitude.
What You’ll Do
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Act as part of a small group discussing College Physics topics using a guided worksheet.
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Speak to one another naturally, then occasionally address the camera with a question for the viewer.
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The script will be provided (you do not need to write content).
Time Commitment & Schedule
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Final video length: approximately 1 hour
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Expected filming time: approximately 3 hours total
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Filming will likely be split into two sessions.
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We will coordinate exact times based on actor availability.
Auditions
Auditions are required for all roles and are planned for April. Audition times will be scheduled individually with applicants after they sign up. Auditions will be brief and low-pressure, using a short script excerpt provided by the project.
Why We’re Moving to Live-Action
We previously produced illustrated versions of these course videos—first using hand-drawn sketches, then an anime-style illustrated format. However, student feedback strongly favored seeing real people on screen. Many students requested live actors, so this project was launched in response to those requests.
Benefits of Participating
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Gain experience in an educational media project
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Build communication and collaboration skills
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Acknowledgment (you will be listed in the credits and will receive a UAF Physics Department letter of participation).
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To thank you for your participation, a tree of your choosing will be planted through treenation.org
Rights, Privacy, and Use of Video
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Participants will be asked to sign a standard release form covering:
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use of recorded video/audio for course-related materials
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editing for clarity and length
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distribution scope: [the curricular materials will ideally be used not only at UAF, but at other schools as well]
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We will not include personal contact information in the videos.
FAQ (Optional)
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Do I need acting experience? No.
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Do I need to be a physics expert? No—your job is to follow the script.
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What should I wear? [casual student clothing / solid colors recommended, etc.]
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Can I apply with friends? Yes—individual auditions still apply.
How to Apply / Contact
Interested? Email [Mike Hull] at [mmhull2@alaska.edu] to access the application form.
After you apply, we’ll follow up to schedule an audition time.