Gap@The Chateau
IGNITE
ARTS EXPLORATION
Session 1: Nov 1st - Dec 13th, 2021
Session 2: Jan 17th - Feb 27th, 2022
Chateau le Mont Epinguet
Normandy, France
Fire up your creativity
Explore 20 different arts and cultivate over 120 arts-based skills in just 6 weeks. Live in an 18th century French chateau, develop proficiency in a chosen artistic discipline and discover new creative outlets.
WELCOME
TO IGNITE
IGNITE is an arts-based experiential learning program led by professional artists.
The program is based at the Chateau le Mont Epinguet in beautiful Normandy, France and offers a unique opportunity to live in a historical residence set within one of Europe's most stunning regions.
Each week offers a different art focus around which a variety of workshops and excursions will be offered. There are over 20 different arts to be explored on the program and you can specialize in Acting, Studio Art, Music, Film or Writing. The program offers both group and independent learning in a supportive environment and full day excursions to the best sites in the region.
IGNITE
STUDENTS
Ignite welcomes every level of experience and interest.
You might be a dedicated artist wanting to go more deeply into your discipline or a solid “left brainer” wanting to do something completely different. You can use your time on Ignite for valuable career exploration, resume building, personal development and cultural enrichment. Whatever you are looking to accomplish, we work with each student to make their gap time with us enriching, productive and meaningful.
All artists welcome
Curious
I haven't had as much time as I'd like to explore the arts. I want to get more creative and see what lights up for me.
Adventurous
This will be a whole new thing for me. I'm nervous but want to try something different and meet new people.
Enthusiastic
I’ve explored some creative avenues and want to do more. I'm excited to jump in, get creative and have fun.
Dedicated
I’m a dedicated artist who lives for my craft. I want to deepen my artistic practice and learn from industry professionals.
How the program works
WEEKS
THE MAP
Each week has a different arts focus:
THE ART OF BEING FRENCH
Culture, History, Language
CULINARY ARTS
Cooking, Nutrition, Gastronomy
LITERARY ARTS
Writing, Literature, Storytelling
PERFORMING ARTS
Acting, Music, Dance
IMAGE ARTS
Film and Photography
STUDIO ARTS
Painting, Drawing, Sculpture
MORNINGS
BROAD EXPLORATIONS
Mornings offer workshops around the art focus of that week. You might:
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Tour the D-Day landing sites
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Master the perfect omelet
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Debate French philosophy
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Paint in Monet's garden
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Join an Improv class
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Try music composition
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Master great storytelling
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Learn Digital Filmmaking
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Improve life drawing skills
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Start a travel blog
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Learn to meditate
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Hike the Cotentin Peninsula
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Work on a cider making farm
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Set up a t-shirt design business
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Order lunch in perfect French
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Perform in a Shakespeare play
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Work to save a historic building
AFTERNOONS
DEEP DIVING
Afternoons are for your area of specialization:
ACTING
Improve acting technique from Shakespeare to On Camera
FILMMAKING
Make a professional quality short from concept to premiere
WRITING
Learn Screenwriting, start a novel or study Journalism
STUDIO ART
Develop your Painting, Drawing, Photography or Graphic Design
MUSIC
Perform and record your music, learn composition or score a film
WEEKENDS
VENTURE IN
Weekends are for free time, outdoor activities or working on projects.
We have two arts weekends offering optional workshops:
PROFESSIONAL CRAFT
Professional artisans visit us to show you how to work with textiles, wood and metal
CONTEMPLATIVE ARTS
Learn meditation, mindfulness and stress reduction skills
THE BERRIDGE
EXPERIENCE
Berridge is a supportive community that offers group and independent learning.
Although our programs are structured, we encourage a great deal of autonomy within that structure. You’ll set your own goals, manage your time and participation and care for your shared living quarters just as you would at college. Berridge faculty live on site and you'll be assigned a personal mentor to help you make the most of your time with us.
At a Glance
Programs
IGNITE ARTS EXPLORATION
Session 1: Nov 1st - Dec 13th, 2021
Session 2: Jan 17th - Feb 27th, 2022
Tuition
$8475 USD not including airfare
Admissions
Open to any students between the ages of 18 - 22 of all levels of experience. Requires an online application.
Scholarships
A range of scholarships are available for this program.
Majors
Acting, Film, Writing, Studio Art, Music. You can take up to two majors, each taught in three week blocks. If you would like to specialize you can take the same major twice.
6 weeks x 20 arts = 120+ arts-based skills
Acrylic Painting
Ballroom Dancing
Body Confidence
Business Concepts
Charcoal Drawing
Cheese Making
Cinematography
Coastal Hiking
Color Theory
Conflict Resolution
Culinary Skills
Cultural Competency
Digital Media
Directing
Dramaturgy
Event Planning
French Conversation
Global Citizenship
Historic Conservation
Improvisation
Journalism
Life Drawing
Lighting Design
Location Scouting
Meditation
Music Composition
Organic Gardening
Playwriting
Project Management
Sea Swimming
Shakespearean Acting
Sound Mixing
Storytelling
Tap Dance
Travel Writing
WWII History
EXCURSIONS
FURTHER AFIELD
There are six full day excursions, one each week.
See the best sites in Normandy including D-Day Landing Beaches, Coutances, the medieval town of Bayeux, the city of Cherbourg and Mont St Michel, a thousand-year-old monastery atop a tidal island. You’ll enjoy lunches out at cafes, tours of bakeries, cider and cheese makers, châteaus and gardens, coastal hiking in Carteret and the market at Bricquebec, a medieval village with a castle dating back to the 11th century.
CHATEAU
LE MONT EPINGUET
Our program is hosted at Chateau le Mont Epinguet, an 18th century chateau in the heart of Normandy.
Built in 1751 by Count Mondesir, the chateau is the highest landmark on the Cotentin Peninsula. It has housed a nephew of the Pope, a French Admiral and served as German command in WWII. In 1991, it was bought by the Berridge Family. The château sits on 5 acres and we have exclusive use of the whole property. We have a live-in chef who prepares home-cooked meals daily including fresh bread and pastries are delivered from the local bakery. Visit the château website
FRENCH
LANGUAGE ARTS
French language classes are available for beginner or advanced French speakers.
Improve reading, writing and conversational French on excursions 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.
