WELCOME TO BERRIDGE WEST
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

A pre-college program in a nurturing environment led by professional artists. 

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Now in it's 3rd summer, Berridge West offers an opportunity to experience college campus living while studying with professional artists. We offer four majors: Film, Studio Art, Music and Theatre. A small campus program with only 40-50 students, you'll enjoy a personal connection with your teachers who will put your development and growth as an artist at the center of everything they do. Whether you’re contemplating a creative career, preparing for college, or just want to build your artistic skills, you’ll find a community of like-minded, supportive people at Berridge West.

Dates and Details

BERRIDGE WEST

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Summer 2022:

July 9th - July 30th, 2022

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Majors

Film, Studio Art, Music and Theatre (Acting or Musical Theatre)

Tuition

$5875 USD

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Scholarships

There are a range of scholarships available for these programs. Portfolio submission is required for scholarship application.

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Ages

Open to students between the ages of  14 - 19 of all levels of experience.  

Application

Rolling admissions until the program is full. Requires an online application with personal statement. 

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ACTING
PROGRAM

A taste of college-level actor training in a nurturing, process-oriented environment. 

Hone techniques that help you gain truth in your acting and perfect the skill of being truthfully “in the moment” on stage. You’ll take three classes: Acting Technique, Text in Performance and either Musical Theatre or Ensemble Theatre Performance. A series of workshops in Improvisation, Shakespeare, Writer/Performer and Audition Technique will round out the curriculum. There are 4 class periods per day, each 90 minutes in length and classes are taught on rotation throughout the week. Each class culminates in a showcase for an invited audience. Click here to read full class descriptions.

MUSIC
PROGRAM

Learn how to professionally write, perform, record and release your own music in this unique program for the Singer/Songwriter.

Led by professional guitarist RJ Root and singer/songwriter Shauna Medina, the Music Program teaches a new model for aspiring musicians: how to write, self-produce, and publish music without a label or management company using the internet and accessible technology. You'll take classes in Music Production, Instrumental Technique (Guitar or Piano) and/or Vocal Technique and the Singer/Songwriter Lab where you learn how to write music from start to finish. Find your unique voice and expand your musical abilities using musicianship and theory as a vehicle for your own innovation and creativity. Click here to read full class descriptions. 

STUDIO ART
PROGRAM

A taste of college-level actor training in a nurturing, process-oriented environment. 

Hone techniques that help you gain truth in your acting and perfect the skill of being truthfully “in the moment” on stage. You’ll take three classes: Acting Technique, Text in Performance and either Musical Theatre or Ensemble Theatre Performance. A series of workshops in Improvisation, Shakespeare, Writer/Performer and Audition Technique will round out the curriculum. There are 4 class periods per day, each 90 minutes in length and classes are taught on rotation throughout the week. Each class culminates in a showcase for an invited audience. Click here to read full class descriptions.

FILM
PROGRAM

Make a professional-quality short film from concept to premiere in just three weeks.

You'll learn the art of visual storytelling through hands-on instruction from industry professionals. You'll take  three classes: The Art of Visual Storytelling, Screenwriting and Film Production Lab where you'll make you'll make a professional quality short from start to finish. You’ll gain experience in all of the principle crew roles including Director, Camera Operator, Boom Operator and Sound Mixer. The program culminates in a film premier for an invited audience. Click here to read full class descriptions or watch the films made at Berridge

RESIDENCE
WESTMONT COLLEGE

Berridge West is hosted at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA.

This beautiful 112-acre campus nestled in the hills of Montecito provides the perfect backdrop for creative inspiration. Enjoy a taste of independent living and college life in a safe, nurturing residential environment. We have exclusive use of our residence hall, classroom/studio spaces and common rooms while on campus. Students are housed together in double rooms with shared bathrooms and separated by gender and floor. The program fees include all room and board with access to the dining commons, high speed Wifi and 24-hour security on campus. 

EXCURSIONS
AND ACTIVITIES

Santa Barbara is a stunning city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Nicknamed The American Riviera, it is famed for its beautiful beaches, Spanish architecture and the most idyllic weather in the country. Day trips include The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Old Mission Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Aquarium as well as time to enjoy the stunning beaches, Funk Zone Arts District and Stearns Wharf. On campus, a full program of optional activities will be offered including film nights, open mic performance nights and plenty of time to just hang out with new friends on the beautiful campus of Westmont College.  

FACULTY
AT BERRIDGE

Berridge faculty are professional artists who represent decades of experience in film, television and stage. 

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But they are so much more. They are passionate artists, nurturing mentors and enthusiastic collaborators who will get to know you personally, supporting your creative development and putting your artistic goals at the centre of everything they do.  Berridge faculty return summer after summer  and for many it is an eagerly anticipated highlight of their year. They bring with them a passion for their craft and a dedication to our students that creates a supportive community like no other.  Learn more about the faculty

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

This program is for any young artist interested in living in a college campus setting and studying the arts with professional artists.  Our students come from all over the world, from every kind of school and with every level of experience.  We welcome applications from students at all levels, from complete beginner to those who want to pursue creative careers.  

Consider this program if you would like to:

• build your artistic technique and prepare for college admissions

• complete a portfolio of work for college or career development

• Connect  with industry professionals and other like-minded artists

• Build your confidence, technique, knowledge, and skills

• Enjoy a summer experience on a college campus in beautiful, sunny California

FAQ'S

Do I need to audition?

There is no audition requirement for our programs unless you are applying for a scholarship. See our application process here. 

How many students are on this program?

We accept only 50 students max so early application is encouraged. 

What is your relationship to Westmont College?

Westmont makes their facilities available to our program through their Conference Services. Berridge Programs is hosted at, but not affiliated with, Westmont College.

Can I talk to some former students?

Yes of course! Get in touch with andrea@berridgeprograms.com for a list of references

What is a typical day like?

Click here to see a full schedule.

Click here to read more FAQ's.