BERRIDGE
WEST
July 9 - July 30, 2022
Westmont College
Santa Barbara, CA
WELCOME TO BERRIDGE WEST
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
A pre-college program in a nurturing environment led by professional artists.
Now in its 3rd summer, Berridge West is an opportunity to study with professional working artists on the stunning Westmont College campus. The program offers four artistic disciplines: Theatre, Music, Film and Studio Art. You can choose two artistic disciplines—one major and one minor. Berridge West’s small program size of 40-50 students means you'll enjoy a personal connection with your teachers who put your development and growth as an artist at the center of everything they do. Whether you’re considering a creative career, preparing for college or just want to build your artistic skills, you’ll be part of a supportive community at Berridge West.
Dates and Details
BERRIDGE WEST
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Summer 2022
July 9th - July 30th, 2022
Majors
Film, Studio Art, Music and Theatre (Acting or Musical Theatre)
Tuition
$5875 USD
Scholarships
There is a range of scholarships available for this program. Audition/portfolio submission is required for scholarship application.
Ages
Open to students between the ages of 14 - 19 including graduated seniors.
Application
Rolling admissions until the program is full. Requires an online application with personal statement.
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 artist’s retreat
Summer after summer, our students tell us that being part of the Berridge community has a profound effect on them both as artists and as people
ACTING
PROGRAM
A taste of college-level actor training in a nurturing, process-oriented environment.
Explore techniques that help you gain truth in your acting and perfect the skill of being 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. See the Acting classes and schedule.
MUSIC
PROGRAM
Learn how to write, perform, record and release your own music like a professional in this unique program for the singer/songwriter.
Led by professional musicians RJ Root and Shauna Medina, the Music Program teaches a new model for aspiring musicians: how to write, self-produce, and publish music using accessible technology, without a label or management company. You'll take classes in Music Production, Instrumental Technique (Guitar or Piano) and Vocal Technique. In the Singer/Songwriter Lab 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.
STUDIO ART
PROGRAM
Enjoy the time and space to develop your technique, build your portfolio and hone your individual style.
The Studio Art major offers professional instruction in Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Mixed Media and Photography as well as time to finish personal artwork and build your portfolio. Mornings offer creative explorations such as abstract color experiments, meditative drawing and artistic journaling, to help you find inspiration and expand technique. Afternoons are devoted to open studio time in our beautiful indoor/outdoor art studio overlooking campus where you’ll receive individual instruction on your personal projects. A range of workshops, special topic seminars and field trips are also offered to round out the curriculum.
FILM
PROGRAM
Learn what it takes to be an independent filmmaker making professional quality short films from concept to premiere.
Learn the art of visual storytelling through hands-on instruction from industry professionals. The Film Program is divided into four sections: The Art of Visual Storytelling, Screenwriting Intensive, Elements of Filmmaking and Film Production Lab where you'll make a professional quality short 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 as you work in teams to film student projects. The program culminates in a film premiere for an invited audience.
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 located between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Known as The American Riviera, Santa Barbara 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 is offered including film nights, open mic performance nights as well as 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 with decades of experience in their respective fields.
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.
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 colleges in the world including Yale, NYU, Brown, Vassar, RADA and Columbia.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
FAQs
This program is for any young artist interested in living in a college campus setting and studying with professional artists. 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
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experience college residential life
Do I need to audition?
No. There is only an audition/portfolio requirement if you are applying for a scholarship.
What is the difference between a major and minor?
Majors offer a set of classes, final projects and individual tuition. Minors offer a broad overview with one 90-minute class in the afternoon.
How many students are on this program?
We have space for 40-50 students.
What is your relationship to Westmont College?
Berridge Programs is hosted at but not affiliated with Westmont College. Westmont makes their facilities available to our program through their Conference Services.
Can I talk to some former students?
Yes of course! Get in touch for a list of references