SUMMER THEATRE AND FILM PROGRAM: OVERVIEW
A unique experience in the heart of Normandy, France, the Summer Theatre and Film Program transforms the 18th-century Chateau le Mont Epinguet into a haven for young actors and filmmakers.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Normandy’s Cotentin peninsula, this pre-college arts program has the feel of an artist retreat. Now in its 17th summer, this unparalleled program allows students to immerse themselves in history and culture while honing their craft with practicing artists.
The Acting Program offers rigorous, professional-level training in a college conservatory style rotation of classes. Round out your training, develop your audition skills and gain confidence in your unique artistic voice.
The Film Program offers an opportunity to make professional-quality shorts from start to finish. Learn all essential crew roles and build a portfolio of film credits for college and career development.
Whether you're gearing up for college, thinking about a career in the industry, or want to hone your acting and filmmaking skills, you'll find a supportive community of teachers and peers at our Summer Theatre and Film Program.
PROGRAM DETAILS
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Summer 2024: June 22nd - July 18th, 2024
Cost:
ACTING PROGRAM $7875
FILM PROGRAM $8475
Inclusive of all room, board, airport transfers, tours and entrance fees.
Scholarships
There is a range of scholarships available for this program.
Not included: airfare to Paris, CDG.
Concentrations Offered: Acting or Film
Language Requirement: None
Eligibility: Open to students between the ages 14-18 including graduated seniors. Requires an online application and interview.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Each student chooses either the Acting or Film Program and also chooses one elective from Musical Theatre, Directing, Improvisation or Writer/Performer.
The Acting Program is a rigorous, college-level actor training program in a nurturing, supportive environment. You’ll take five core classes: On Camera, Shakespeare, Acting Techniques, Contemporary Performance and Movement, taught on rotation through the week in 90-minute class periods. Choose one elective from Musical Theatre, Directing, Improvisation or Writer/Performer to nurture your individual passions and develop your technique.
See the Acting Program classes and schedule.
The Film Program guides you in making professional-quality short films from concept to premiere. Learn the art of visual storytelling hands-on with industry professionals and explore how structure, theme, character, and tension are translated through the lens. You'll make your own short film from start to finish and gain experience in all of the principal crew roles including Director, Camera Operator, Sound Recordist, Grip and Gaffer.
See the Film Program classes and schedule.
Our faculty are all practicing actors, filmmakers, writers, directors and producers who take time out from thriving creative careers to teach and mentor our young artists. Learn from them firsthand as you build skills, collaborate with your peers and refine your unique artistic voice.
Berridge faculty are practicing artists with decades of experience in stage, television and film. But they are so much more. They are nurturing mentors 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.
The program includes a range of excursions including the D-Day Landing Sites, medieval Bayeux and Mont St Michel, a monastery over a thousand years old on a tidal island. You'll also enjoy trips to local French markets, châteaus, gardens, Bricquebec—a medieval village with an 11th-century castle—and the beautiful beaches at Barneville-Carteret.
The final week of the program brings it all together with a Showcase of work and time to reflect on the deeper insights and connections made during this transformative experience in this unique creative community.
WHERE YOU WILL GO
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:
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D-Day Landing sites including the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach
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Mont St Michel, a monastery over a thousand years old on a tidal island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Bricquebec, a local town with a 10th century castle ruin and weekly, bustling French market
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Cherbourg, a port city surrounded by a Napoleonic fort and penultimate stop of the RMS Titanic
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The sites of the Norman Conquest including Bayeux Cathedral and the Bayeux Tapestry
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the beautiful beaches of Barneville-Carteret and Maison du Biscuit
WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR
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This program is for anyone interested in building their Acting or Filmmaking skills in a rigorous, supportive environment.
Consider this program if you would like to:
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Build and refine your artistic technique, guided by industry professionals.
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Discover if full-time study of Film or Acting is right for you
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Make connections with practicing artists and creative peers
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Complete a portfolio of work that will support your college and career path.
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Experience life in beautiful Normandy, France.
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Absorb valuable insights from industry professionals, gaining real-world knowledge.
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Forge connections with a community of like-minded and passionate creative peers.
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Cultivate your skills and confidence as an artist.
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Experience the perfect blend of international travel and artistic exploration.
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Live in a creative community of like-minded artists.
WHERE YOU WILL LIVE
The program is housed at Chateau le Mont Epinguet in Brix, France. Built in 1751 by Count Mondesir, the chateau is the highest landmark on the Normandy 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.
Rooms are shared triples or quads with shared bathrooms in the hallway. Faculty, including a live-in chef, join students in residence, fostering a communal atmosphere with daily home-cooked meals.