Gap@The Chateau

SUMMER THEATRE AND FILM SCHOOL

June 14th - July 22nd, 2022

Chateau le Mont Epinguet

Normandy, France

A nurturing community in a stunning location.

Live in an 18th century chateau as you develop your craft in a nurturing, supportive environment. The Summer Gap Program in France offers a wide range of practical classes, hands-on learning, one-to-one mentoring and performance opportunities all led by industry professionals from around the world.

Curriculum

Acting Program

Based on a college conservatory program, the Acting Program  gives you a taste of rigorous, professional training.  There are five core classes: On Camera, Shakespeare, Acting Techniques, Contemporary Performance and Movement. You then choose electives from Musical Theatre, Directing, Improvisation and Writer/Performer.

​

​

​

Film Program

Live on set in a dream location while you write, produce, shoot, direct and edit your own professional quality short film.  Learn the art of visual storytelling as you take your film from concept to premiere in just 4 weeks.

At a Glance

Programs

SUMMER GAP IN FRANCE

June 14th - July 22nd, 2022

​

Tuition

$8500 USD not including airfare

Majors

Theatre (Acting) and Film (Screenwriting, Directing, Cinematography, Editing or any combination)

​

Electives available: Musical Theatre, Directing, Improvisation and Writer/Perfomer.

Admissions

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

​

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available for this program. 

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

A world frozen in time, Chateau le Mont Epinguet offers our students a unique immersion experience. Built in 1751 by Count Mondesir, it is the highest landmark on the Cotentin Peninsula and has been a site of strategic importance since Roman times. It has been home to a nephew of the Pope, a French Admiral and served as German communication headquarters in WWII. It was bought by the Berridge Family in 1991 and now operates as a B&B, wedding venue and home to our programs. The château is situated in 5 acres of woodland and gardens and we have exclusive use of the whole property. Students are housed in double or triple rooms with shared bathrooms. Food is a big part of the French way of life and we have a live-in chef and fresh bread and pastries are delivered each day to our chateau from the local bakery. Visit the château website to learn more.

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.

Learning Outcomes

Artistic

• Expand technique and skills 

• Discover a unique artistic voice and translate it into powerful work

• Complete work suitable for college/professional progress

​

Academic

• Encourage critical thinking and creative problem solving skills

• Strengthen both verbal and written communication of creative ideas

• Improve French language fluency

Personal

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

• Experience living independently

• Cultivate collaborative spirit and community mindedness