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.