Program Reviews

I still talk about this summer in Normandy, almost 10 years after the fact. The core classes are incredibly in-depth and rightfully challenging, and the sense of community and camaraderie among me and my classmates was unlike anything I've ever experienced! The teachers and staff are so supportive and earnest, and they are truly invested in each and every individual student. Every class was a delight. Not to mention the surrounding countryside is so overwhelmingly beautiful!! (Please go on bike rides around the area when you attend — I wish I had explored a bit more when I was there!) Spending a month in a chateau in Normandy, while receiving a conservatory-style theatre education and making excursions around the north of France, is an experience I will never forget.

I attended Berridge for three summers, from 2012 to 2014, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The first summer, I was only 15 years old, and was traveling overseas by myself for the first time. I had a history of homesickness at other programs, but at Berridge the staff was so welcoming and made sure to seek me out right away to help me feel more at home.

Compared to other theater programs, Berridge is unique in that the faculty and students are truly excellent while also fostering a completely supportive and non-competitive environment. There are no cast lists or cattiness, and the teachers truly believe that everybody is talented and deserve to express themselves. (This is not always true at other high-level theater conservatories!) They also work with you on your own projects and goals. For example, before attending Berridge, people had told me that I was a good actor, but all my characters tended to have very high voices. My voice was high in real life, and it got even higher when I projected my voice as I performed. I acted in a lot of plays in high school, but a busy rehearsal schedule doesn't leave time to work on larger problems like that, and I thought I would have to wait until I could take a voice class in college to figure out how to lower my voice. On the first day of classes at Berridge, one of my teachers gently pointed out that my voice was high because I wasn't breathing enough. Another teacher taught me about five different places I could allow my voice to reverberate from (head, nose, mouth, chest, and belly) and taught me exercises to help me access the chest and belly voices, which had previously been totally inaccessible. I still use those exercises as a warm up every time I act or do any kind of public speaking. As a result, I was able to play a much greater variety of roles in high school and college.

In my third summer at Berridge, I was an artist-in-residence, and got to create my own project. I acted in my favorite play, Proof by David Auburn, alongside a fellow classmate and three of my teachers, one of whom also directed us. It taught me so much and was such a joy to get to act opposite professional actors.

I also was introduced to improv comedy at Berridge and encouraged for the first time to feel like I was good at it. I ended up performing in an award-winning improv group at Yale. I am now in medical school and will likely be teaching medical improv next year.

It is hard for me to express how important attending Berridge was for my growth, both as a performer and a human being. From performing cue-script Shakespeare on the heart-shaped lawn to Saturday talent nights in the barn to twilight walks in the Normandy countryside, my memories of Berridge are still tinged with a warm glow 7-9 years later. It was a time when I felt extremely supported, engaged in my craft, and free to express myself without judgement. I hope to go back someday and I could not recommend it more highly.

The five core classes (On Camera, Shakespeare, Acting Techniques, Contemporary Performance and Movement) were extremely engaging, and I learned a great deal working with a specialist in each subject. The Musical Theatre elective was fun, thorough, and wide-ranging, and, like the electives, it helped me to prepare for productions in the coming year. The community at Berridge is incredibly warm and cooperative, fostered through open mics, campfires, and excursions to Mont St Michel, Omaha Beach, and the Bayeux Festival. This helped to make these classes as enjoyable and instructive as they were, and to make my time with the program so memorable. I'd very highly recommend the program to anyone with an interest in the performing arts.

I have thought about this program everyday since I got home 5 years ago. It is so scary to move overseas for a summer, but the reward is priceless. Not only was I introduced to conservatory-style theatre education, I also made friends that mean so much to me. Also, the staff is the most supportive and loving group. I left Berridge feeling more confident in my ability as an actor and as a person; it was one of the most important experiences of my life. If this program is an option for you, definitely go!

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.

Going to France to study what I love has been one of the best opportunities of my life. There is such a variety of acting classes offered, and I still find myself using the skills I learned in them 4 years later. The staff are friendly and super approachable, this environment was such a welcoming learning environment because of this. The teachers take the time to get to get to know each of their students, and truly care about helping you grow as an artist. The people I met at Berridge are some of the kindest, most considerate people ever, and I have remained close with many of the people I met there! Getting to go on weekend field trips around Normandy is another HUGE perk of this experience, you get a well rounded understanding of the beautiful countryside and surrounding towns.

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.

If you are looking for an experience that will completely change your life and give you the tools to succeed in the film or theatre industry, Berridge is the right place for you. Back in 2016, I came back with a my first short film, countless memories, and a family across the globe. Now I am a globally awarded full-time filmmaker and owe it all to Berridge.

First of all, the staff are very approachable and friendly. They feel less like teachers and more like mentors. They will share their real life experiences, then listen to students and create an adjusted experience tailored to their goals and learning style. If you stay in contact with them after the program you might even end up collaborating with them or get more networking opportunities! It is truly an incredible opportunity.

The classes are not really classes. I would consider them either real life experience scenarios or workshops. It doesn't feel like a hassle to get up and go to class because it's very much a hands-on experience. In the film aspect for example, we get a crash course on filmmaking and by the end of the first week, we're already working on our films. Going out and testing equipment, talking about actual real world stuff. Things you only see in the field. We learn what they don't teach you in class. I have shot hundreds of projects after my short film shot at Berridge, some of them getting into very rigorous film festivals, but my mom still thinks that my Berridge film is her favorite. That's how good the production was. Shoutout to Brian.

The Chateau is just magical. Not only does it look and feel like something straight from a fairy-tale, but it stops time. The reason I come back every year is because it literally feels like it stops time. You are in the middle of nowhere, with nothing to worry about, no deadlines, no gossip, no problems at home. You're at peace. I love walking around the house in the middle of the day and seeing people dancing or singing while I serve my cup of tea. Picture High School Musical but in a castle and not annoying. This is what I picture heaven looking like. No joke.

The food? Impeccable. Bogdan, our in-house chef, is a master in the kitchen; nevertheless, he is probably the sweetest person in the program. He also likes to act and sometimes participates in students' films. Him and I are both hot sauce lovers and I get to make some authentic Mexican sauce at times.

Lastly, I have to bring up the field trips. My God... Bayeux is my personal favorite. It is an immersive experience. Everyone is dressed in medieval clothes, there is a massive beautiful cathedral that you can explore, and the food is INCREDIBLE. Every time I go I bring back dozens of souvenirs because you can't find those crafts anywhere else!

People come back every year after (including myself). Some have even come for more than TEN consecutive years. So rest assured, it's THAT good.
Come for the knowledge, stay for the experience.

Berridge has been a monumental part of my journey as a filmmaker. I can't think of a better place I could've made my first ever short film. I was in the most inspiring location to write and shoot, and I surrounded by so many other creatives, including a range of actors to cast. On top of being an ideal place to grow as an artist, it's a place that I've gotten so much encouragement as a person. The Berridge staff and my fellow students are still some of the most genuine, caring people I've met, and the connections I've made four years ago are still strong to this day.

After attending the first time in 2016, I returned after my high school graduation in 2017 because I wanted to carry that inspiration with me as I entered college. Even in film school now, I still apply so many of the things that I learned in Berridge.

Berridge Programs is a place of wonders and fun which teaches you what you need to know in the drama and film department. The experienced staff helps you with your every needs and crafts you into a better storyteller and creative individual. Every weekend, we head out to spots throughout France like Bayaeu and Normandy Beaches to explore and have a great time. During the weeks we dive into our artistry and learn in depth about filmmaking, acting, improv, music, etc. Throughout the program we plan to get our talents and showcase them in a final show.