This experience is indescribable in the feelings it brought me and how it equipped me with who I want to be in this life. Every person, staff, and other is so supportive and fosters such a beautiful community where everyone can be themselves. I went into it worried I was underqualified but came out with so much confidence in myself and my art. The chateau touches your heart and soul in ways that I never knew were possible of a place. I will never forget the people experiences and things I’ve learned here.

It was a super good experience that I enjoyed a lot- even though every once in a while some of the students would have problems with each other because we live with each other we are forced to work out the problems instead of ignoring them. Everyone is super nice and the staff are really sweet and supportive. Gonna miss being here a lot 😢

Berridge is a great opportunity to figure out if acting for stage is the path for you while you decide on what to do after high school. I can not express how WONDERFUL the acting (including some of the film) staff were. I can only speak on behalf of my acting experience but this is an acting basics program. This is not the place if you are looking for an intense, advanced program. If you're just starting out, absolutely do it, no questions asked. It's a great experience culturally and to make connections. But is not for an actor who is looking for a pre-professional program. I also worked with some of the film students and teachers and would recommend the film program but can't speak on behalf of studio art. Have specifics of what you want and don't want when you do interviews, ask questions, and do your research!

I had such a good time on this program. The faculty were so fun to work with. They all pushed me to keep learning and trying new things while encouraging me to be more independent. I started the program wanting to experiment with light painting. None of the faculty members had a lot of experience, but a few faculty waited till it was dark and we all experimented together. The results turned out pretty cool. I also was able to experiment with new forms of cameraless photography, jewelry making, developing film, and even making a magazine. This program has helped me create a more experienced portfolio.

The Berridge Program opened my eyes to how teamwork and collaboration not only allows for converging opinions to form a creative project, but also boosts creativity. Meeting friends with similar creative interests, I could not have asked for a better environment to learn, film, and explore - especially in a foreign country. I would recommend the Berridge Gap Year program to anyone who is looking to expand their creative horizons and wants to get out of their comfort zone and learn about various creative fields in a beautiful place.

The staff and kids are really dedicated in the projects that they are working on. The food is great, the housing system is really cool. I do wish that the two houses could interact more, as each house only holds 13 students, and we did most of our socializing at night because we were so busy during the day. Overall, I learned a ton and made a bunch of new friends. You also get to be in the middle of nowhere France, which is amazing because you get real French culture and you get to get away from your day to day life. It is definitely what I would search for in a gap year experience.

Join this program if you want to come out with powerful cinematic skills. Don't think about it twice. Literally. There are programs out there that have purely technical classes, others that are just theory, etc. This program will teach you how to THINK, WRITE, and DIRECT, like a true filmmaker. They teach you the importance of imagery and emotion, while getting hands-on experience at the same time. You are dealing with genuine industry professionals that will teach you how to behave on set and ways to be successful in this industry. Completely worth it.

There is too much to write about this program. To say it's magic and changed my life would be true, even if it's hard to believe. I spent six summers with Berridge as a student in Normany, France. The staff is amazing. They are wise, patient, and funny. I learned so much as an actor. What is special about the work at Berridge is that it's not one-size-fits-all. They are passionate about developing who you are as an actor, specifically.

The food is amazing!! Fresh bread from the local bakery every morning and a chef cooks all the meals in the evening. They cater to every dietary preference- vegan, gluten-free, etc. And delicious!

The outings and explorations were awesome--filming around the historic chateau grounds and visiting medieval towns in the area. It is also the ultimate safe space and you are surrounded by beautiful nature.

I can't recommend this program enough. It lets you be who you are as a student, and as a person. 'You are enough.' I have made lifelong friends from this program who have become significant creative collaborators, and who feel like family.

If you are looking through and deciding which place to spend a month of your life, or several, this is the place.