Gap@The Chateau

CLASSICAL ACTING PROGRAM

Nov 1st - Dec 13th, 2021

Chateau le Mont Epinguet

Normandy, France

Connect this with our Classical Acting Program in England for a 12-week experience

Advance your craft. 

A rigorous actor training program of classes, workshops and performance opportunities that explore how classical theatre translates across the centuries and into modern performance.  Expand your technique, live in a creative community, prepare for college and experience life in rural France. 

Curriculum

The Classical Acting Program aims to nurture a love of classical dramatic works through study and performance. Led by industry professionals, the program creates a supportive environment for developing artistic practice through an ensemble-based approach. There are six core classes taught weekly on rotation:

Exploring Classical Texts 201

Voice and Movement in Classical Context

Shakespeare (Cue Script Technique)

Stanislavski, Realism and Modern Drama

Classical Audition Lab

Performance Lab 

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There are opportunities for personal coaching and work experience to help gap year students to build skills that will support career plans and further study, either in theatre or other subjects. Read a full description of the classes and curriculum.

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Teaching and Mentoring

We don't just teach at Berridge, we empower our students with confidence in their unique gifts.  Our faculty are all professional actors, directors, producers, writers, filmmakers, and choreographers who represent decades of experience in television, film and stage. Passion for creating is at the heart of everything we do. This commitment to helping you succeed in your artistic life creates a supportive community like no other. Berridge faculty live in community with our students and are available for one-to-one coaching and mentoring to support your learning and artistic goals. Check out these videos of our teachers talking about their classes to get a sense of how we teach.

At a Glance

Programs

CLASSICAL ACTING PROGRAM

FRANCE

Nov 1st - Dec 13th, 2021

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Start this program in England for a 12-week experience:

THE CLASSICAL ACTING PROGRAM

ENGLAND

Sept 20th - Oct 31st, 2021

Admissions

Open to any students between the ages of  18 - 22.  Requires an online application and supporting materials. 

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Tuition

$8495 USD per session. There is a 5% discount if you enroll in both sessions.

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Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available for this program. 

Consider this program if:

• you are interested in studying and performing classical plays

• you want to boost acting technique 

• you are considering drama school

• you want an acting program in a structured, residential setting

• you need a starting point for your actor training or need to fill in the gaps in your training

• you want to combine travel abroad, sightseeing or language learning with studying acting

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Living in France

Famous the world over for its culture, history and food, living in France is at the top of every artists list.  Our program is located in Normandy, a "hidden gem" of France, where quaint, picturesque villages meet rugged, unspoiled coastline. The château is near the village of Brix in the heart of The Cotentin Peninsula, famous for its delicious seafood and thousands of years of history from the Romans to WWII. You’ll enjoy trips to local French markets, lunch out at cafes, tours of bakeries and cider makers and full day excursions to the D-Day Landing Beaches, the medieval town of Bayeux and Mont St Michel, a thousand-year-old monastery atop a tidal island. As there is very little English spoken in Normandy, it offers the ultimate immersion experience for our French language students. 

Château Life

Accommodations

The château is situated in 5 acres of woodland and gardens and we have exclusive use of the house and property. Students are housed in double rooms with shared bathrooms, and genders are separated by floor. The larger rooms in the chateau are converted into acting studios and our theatre is a 250-year-old barn. There is also a student lounge and Wi-Fi throughout the property.

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Work Experience

Berridge Gap students live in community and contribute collectively to the running of kitchen, household and grounds. There are plenty of opportunities for work/life experience from daily shopping and cooking to helping out in the garden. 

Learning Outcomes

Artistic 

• Increase your confidence with tackling classical verse and prose

• Learn how to translate classical work into modern performance

• Complete work suitable for college/professional progress

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Academic

• Encourage critical thinking and creative problem solving skills

• Strengthen both verbal and written communication of creative ideas

• Improve French language fluency

Personal

• Increased time management, self-reflection and self-evaluation skills

• Experience living independently

• Cultivate collaborative spirit and community mindedness

Language Learning

For those interested in learning or advancing in French Language skills, the Gap Year Program offers optional French language classes three times per week. The language program aims to improve conversational French, reading comprehension and writing skills through practical application and daily practice. There will be plenty of opportunity to use and perfect your French through interaction with the local community, on field trips and through the French-only speaking lounge at the château. Complete beginners through advanced students are welcome. Please note that all of the artistic teaching at Berridge is in English and French language classes are optional.

England and France

The Classical Acting Program in England and France can be as separate programs or connected for a 12-week experience.  The Classical Acting Program in England offers a grounding in English theatre traditions, Stage Combat training and the best of London's live theatre scene including live performances at The Globe and the RSC. 

Faculty on this program