SUMMER
THEATRE AND FILM
PROGRAM
BERRIDGE SUMMER
THEATRE AND FILM PROGRAM
A one-of-a-kind summer Theatre and Film program based in an 18th century French château.
Surround yourself in history and culture while studying Theatre or Film with professional actors, writers, filmmakers, and producers at our flagship program in France - now in its 14th summer. Whether you are preparing for college, pursuing a career in the industry, or just want to build your Acting and Filmmaking skills, a community of supportive teachers and peers awaits you at Berridge France.
Dates and Details
BERRIDGE SUMMER
THEATRE AND FILM PROGRAM
Summer 2024
June 22nd - July 18th, 2024
Majors
ACTING OR FILM. (Film students can cross over into the Acting Program through electives)
Tuition
ACTING PROGRAM $7875
FILM PROGRAM $8475
(Does not include round trip airfare)
Scholarships
There is a range of scholarships available for this program.
Ages
Open to any students between the ages of 14 - 18 including graduated seniors.
Application
Rolling admissions until the program is full. Requires an online application and personal statement.
RESIDENCE
CHATEAU LE MONT EPINGUET
Berridge France is hosted at Chateau le Mont Epinguet in Normandy, France.
Part pre-college arts program, part study abroad program and part artist retreat, Berridge France is a truly unique and inspiring space to deepen your craft, connect with like-minded creatives and gain a wider perspective on the world.
Summer after summer, our students tell us the profound effect this program has on them both as artists and as people.
ACTING
PROGRAM
A rigorous, college level actor training program in a nurturing, supportive environment.
Get a taste of college conservatory life as a member of our Acting Program. You’ll take five core classes: On Camera, Shakespeare, Acting Techniques, Contemporary Performance and Movement. Choose electives from Musical Theatre, Directing, Improvisation or Writer/Performer. Three 90-minute class periods per day are taught on rotation throughout the week. Each class culminates in a showcase and a final performance for an invited audience.
FILM
PROGRAM
Learn what it takes to be an independent filmmaker and make professional quality short films from concept to premiere in a dream location.
Learn the art of visual storytelling hands-on with industry professionals and explore how structure, theme, character, and tension are translated through the lens. With classes in Elements of Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Film Production Lab and Post-Production, you’ll learn every aspect of making a film from start to finish. You'll gain experience in all of the principle crew roles including Director, Camera Operator, Sound Recordist, Grip and Gaffer. The program culminates in a film premiere for an invited audience.
FACULTY
AT BERRIDGE
Berridge faculty are professional artists with decades of experience in stage, television and film.
But they are so much more. They are nurturing mentors, passionate artists and enthusiastic collaborators who put your creative development at the center of everything they do. Just like many of our students, Berridge faculty return summer after summer, bringing with them a passion for their craft and a dedication to their students that creates a community like no other.
TRIPS
AND EXCURSIONS
Normandy, France is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions in all of Europe.
Settled by the Romans, conquered by the Vikings and occupied by the Germans, Normandy has over two-thousand years of history to discover. The program includes full day excursions to the The American Cemetery at Omaha Beach and medieval Bayeux, home of the famous Bayeux Tapestry and Bayeux Cathedral. We spend the day at Mont St Michel, a monastery over a thousand years old and a UNESCO world heritage site. You'll also enjoy trips to local French markets, châteaus, gardens, Bricquebec, a medieval village with a castle dating back to the 11th century and the beautiful beaches at Barneville-Carteret.
THE BERRIDGE
EXPERIENCE
The hallmarks of the Berridge experience are:
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small programs with individual attention from a caring faculty of professional artists
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a rigorous, hands-on curriculum delivered in a supportive, non-competitive environment
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a nurturing community in the creative setting of an artists retreat
Summer after summer, our students tell us that being part of a Berridge community had a profound effect on them both as artists and as people.
BEYOND
BERRIDGE
Our students find the supportive atmosphere of Berridge gives them the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams through college and beyond. At Berridge, we nurture what colleges are looking for in arts applicants: passion for your craft, a collaborative spirit and confidence in your unique artistic voice. Our alumni are currently attending some of the top Acting and Film college programs in the world including NYU, Webster Conservatory, RADA, Cal Arts, Chapman and USC as well as confidently pursuing other degrees at colleges such as Yale, Brown, Vassar and many others.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
This program is for any young artist interested in living in a unique creative community and studying Acting or Filmmaking. Our students come from all over the world and from every kind of school. We welcome applications from students at every level of experience, from a complete beginner to someone wanting to pursue a creative career.
Consider this program if you would like to:
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build your artistic technique
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prepare for college admissions
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complete a portfolio of work
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learn from industry professionals
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connect with like-minded creative peers
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build your confidence and skills
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combine travel abroad and the arts
FAQs
Do I need to audition?
No. There is only an audition/portfolio requirement if you are applying for a scholarship.
How many students are on this program?
We have space for 40 students on this program.
Do I need to speak French?
Our program is taught entirely in English but there are opportunities for French speakers to use and practice their French on our field trips.
Can I talk to some former students?
Yes of course! Get in touch for a list of references.
What is a typical day like?
Classes run from 9AM - 5:30PM weekdays. Weekends are reserved for field trips, filming, rehearsals and coaching.