Location
  • France
Length
2 - 4 weeks

Program Details

Program Type
Faculty Led
Timeframe
Summer
Age Min.
14
Age Max
19

Pricing

Starting Price
7495
Price Details
Scholarships are available for this program
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa
May 10, 2022
Nov 09, 2022
11 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

ENROLLING FOR SUMMER 2023 Live at the beautiful Chateau le Mont Epinguet in Normandy, France and learn your craft from industry professionals as you immerse yourself in one of France's most beautiful and historically rich regions. The Acting Program offers college-level training with classes in Shakespeare, On Camera, Musical Theatre, Directing, Audition, Improvisation and more. The Film Program guides you in making professional quality short from start to finish. The program includes guided excursions to the D-Day Landing Beaches, the medieval town of Bayeux and Mont St Michel and local trips to French markets, café lunches, bakery tours and beach days. Whether you’re contemplating being a theatre or film major, preparing for college applications, or just want to hone your skills, you’ll find a community of like-minded, supportive people at Berrridge.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Live in an 18th century chateau and experience life in Normandy, France
  • Classes and workshops led by industry professionals
  • Full-length performances and film premieres showcase your work
  • Cultural excursions and optional French language learning
  • Full and partial scholarships are available for this program

Related Programs

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 14 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
  • Housing 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 14 reviews
Default avatar
Honora
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Berridge Summer Theatre and Film Program

My summer at Berridge could not have been a more enriching, enlightening, and enthralling experience! Three weeks in a chateau in Normandy, France surrounded by like-minded creatives and artist mentors sounded like a dream, and it was indeed. Despite having done theatre my entire life, I learned a staggering amount of new skills and got insights into the acting business that enhanced my overall understanding of the art and my own performances. Collaboration was a focal objective of the program, and it quickly delivered in the many introduction exercises we did to initiate the program. The trust and excitement between both returning and new Berridge participants made bonding easy, and because of that, the work we were able to present was powerful and uplifted. I learned the importance of feeling empowered as an artist. At Berridge, we could really hone in on our artistry without the cut-throat/ inherent competitive nature of the industry. Of any program I have done this one felt truly like a group effort in which everyone just wanted everyone to do their very best. People were able to bring what they uniquely had to the table and were celebrated for it. It is unusual to be in an environment so supportive. It really enabled everyone to improve and enjoy their work without the pressure to “be the best”. We were given a variety of tools to work with in the classes we took, and it’s nice because there is not one specific approach to it. You are able to take what works for you and implement it into your own process. Again, having this autonomy over your own work and being able to embrace your singularity is vital in a creative environment. In terms of achieving the quintessential summer intensive goals, Berridge hit all the marks. First and foremost, we were procuring new skills for our own acting purposes, and I'd have been satisfied with just this because it is specifically an acting intensive. However, in addition to that we were exploring Normandy, making new friends, making new connections, eating good food, getting a dorm-life experience, managing our time, and so much more. I wasn’t sure what to expect entering the program in late June, and when reflecting on my 3 weeks there I can see that it exceeded anything I could have dreamed. I cannot recommend the program highly enough. Andrea is able to draw in such wonderful groups of people and create a safe and exciting place to be.

14 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jack
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Berridge Programs is everything an artist could ask for

I've attended two summers in a row now and both times I've texted my family back home saying, "I have never felt more creatively fulfilled than I do right now." The faculty succeeds at creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where the students can share and hone their specific talents as well as learn how to work in groups towards a specific goal- whether it be a short film or a play. The weekly talent shows were often the highlight of the week. Performances included anything from monologues to stand-up to poetry to music.

13 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
kai
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Berridge Film Program

I went to Berridge's film program in the summer of 2019 and it was the best summer of my life! Now, I go to the film program at NYU and the experience I had at Berridge was invaluable not only to my development as a filmmaker but as a person. Going away to a foreign country on my own with 40 new people was not the easiest for me, but I feel like I found myself at Berridge. My experience gave me a better perspective on my life as it did with filmmaking–helping me develop the skills and ideas that allowed me to become a better artist. If they had a gap year program, I would have definitely done it because at that period in one's life the experience at Berridge is irreplaceable.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Showing my film at the end of the program was pretty nerve-racking. But once I submitted it, the only thing to get over was own anxiety. I was sacred for everyone to see my film, but showing my work in front of the whole program and hearing their responses was one of the most liberating things I've ever felt.
45 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alex
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Life Changing and Unforgettable Experience

I went to this program when I was 16 and it was the first time that I had really done anything on my own, away from my family and everything else in my life. I was also only just beginning to get interested in the art of filmmaking.
Before coming to Berridge I had a very narrow view of the world as I had never had a strong influence in my life that pushed me towards creativity and I had no concept of what the pursuit of art really looked like. I remember being very overwhelmed when I first arrived at the chateau, however, everyone there welcomes you like you are immediately a part of this huge artistic family. By the end of the program I felt that my entire view of the world had completely changed. You are surrounded by such an authentic part of the french countryside and by artists from all around the world, and you are taught to express yourself and to be emotional with everyone there. It opens you up to this extremely profound world that was (for me at least) something that I never imagined could exist. Berridge sparked a beautiful chain of events in my life.
I am now 20 years old, and I am studying filmmaking and pursuing my art in the image of the talented and amazing people that I meant at Berridge. I still look up to every one of them.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
When they screened our films at the end of camp it was the first time I shared any of my work with people so it was very nerve-racking. Everyone is always so supportive there and is genuinely happy and proud of you for whatever you create.
44 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Katie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Berridge Film Program- An Amazing Way to Learn

I was a film student at Berridge programs for two summers. I only wish they had this longer program when I was 20! I learned so much and it has made me the working filmmaker I am today. I met amazing people, staff and students, and I now have a network of collaborative, amazing people that I can call upon to help me produce, act, write, and film scripts. I received incredible support from staff who really supported me in finding my authentic creative voice. This is a great program for the creative and also the technical side of filmmaking! Something that is incredibly unique about this program is that you walk away with your own work and an understanding of yourself as an artist.

The setting is amazing, and you couldn't ask for a better place to film. It's perfect for telling any kind of story. The chateau is full of history and can appear ancient or modern. The scenery is beautiful and any film you make will be impressive and unique.

The food is also amazing! They have a private chef who makes different meals every day and the food is fresh and local. The trips are also amazing!! You see things that you would never be able to see if you went to France by yourself.

I can't recommend this life changing program enough.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
A very French thing is to eat mussels with fries! That was an incredible experience to eat them practically right out of the ocean by the beach.

There is also a local bakery nearby where I had creme brulee eclairs.
47 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Zoey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best summer ever!

Spending my summer at the Berridge film program was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I got opportunities to learn and grow I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else. Berridge made me a better filmmaker, actor and person really. I can’t believe how much I learned about film in just one month. Having the opportunity to write and direct my own short film with a crew of people and my teachers to help me was amazing! I recommend this program to anyone who’s thinking about it and I’m so jealous that their gap year program is only getting started now!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Walking into my first film class! I was so nervous to start but the amazing film teachers made me feel at home right away and the film group quickly became like our own little family.
46 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alex
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Life Changing and Unforgettable Experience (Film Program Alumni)

I went to this program when I was 16 and it was the first time that I had really done anything on my own, away from my family and everything else in my life. I was also only just beginning to get interested in the art of filmmaking.
Before coming to Berridge I had a very narrow view of the world as I had never had a strong influence in my life that pushed me towards creativity and I had no concept of what the pursuit of art really looked like. I remember being very overwhelmed when I first arrived at the chateau, however, everyone there welcomes you like you are immediately a part of this huge artistic family. By the end of the program I felt that my entire view of the world had completely changed. You are surrounded by such an authentic part of the french countryside and by artists from all around the world, and you are taught to express yourself and to be emotional with everyone there. It opens you up to this extremely profound world that was (for me at least) something that I never imagined could exist. Berridge sparked a beautiful chain of events in my life.
I am now 20 years old, and I am studying filmmaking and pursuing my art in the image of the talented and amazing people that I meant at Berridge. I still look up to everyone one of them.

What was your funniest moment?
When we did one of our trips into the nearby city, one of my friends bought a live chicken at a market. He returned it later.
57 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Casey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Magical and Transformative Performing Arts Program

Berridge was such a transformative program for me as an artist and person! Staying in a chateau in the French countryside was the most magical setting to create art, make friends, and memories to last a lifetime. The artist conservatory structure of the program got me super prepared for classes at my conservatory-style college, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, in Los Angeles, where I am almost done earning my BFA in Musical Theatre. I felt comfortable during my first semester at college because my training at Berridge prepared me for what was being taught. The staff and students are so kind, and professional, and create a strong sense of community where you can just be yourself. I highly recommend this program!

58 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers