For young performers looking to engage seriously in their craft, there is no better opportunity than at an acting summer camp. For aspiring film actors between the ages of 7 and 19, Young Actors Camp is one of the only establishments to offer attendees the opportunity to film a sitcom in front of a live studio audience! Add in a mentorship program that extends beyond a student’s time at the camp, and access to tutorials on how to work with film executives within the community, and the camp is poised to bring the best out of its pupils and keep them on the cutting edge.
“When it comes down to it, experience on set and the ability to navigate this industry can put you a step ahead,” says camp director Dakota Lupo. “Creating a complete sitcom set—[from] audience bleachers to a warm-up comic in between takes—is a fun basic.” In addition to learning the basics, students learn about pacing for a three-camera sitcom, what it’s like to work in front of a live audience with a professional crew, and all the terminology and shorthand that comes with the territory. “Then, when the day comes that our students walk onto another set, into a meeting, into an audition, wherever,” says Lupo, “they can be prepared with the necessary experience, tools, skills, and knowledge to allow them to be comfortable and able to focus purely on their acting craft.”
The very hands-on approach gives YAC actors of all levels authentic audition experiences with real casting directors and scripts, and a learn-by-doing method that will come in handy later in their careers.
“The best way to learn acting is to act,” says YAC conservatory director Jonathan Brostoff. “There is no better teacher than experience; textbooks and lectures in a classroom can only go so far. An actor truly learns what they are capable of when they are in front of a rolling camera. The film set atmosphere teaches discipline, patience, and, above all, collaboration.”
The camp, located less than an hour away from Los Angeles in Claremont, Calif., was established in 2000 with the motto “Make it fun, then knowledge is unavoidable,” and has hosted celebrity guests including Selena Gomez, Lucy Hale (“Pretty Little Liars”), Joey Lawrence, Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community”), and Jennifer Stone (“Wizards of Waverly Place”). But the camp isn’t just for young actors; YAC also offers a Parent Camp.
When asked which program she most recommends, owner Nichelle Rodriguez replies, “If the child with us hopes to pursue the film industry professionally, the answer is always Parent Camp. Every kid-teen program we offer is great for all levels, but the most crucial class, for safety and smart navigating, is for parents.” It’s a collective effort that cultivates a well-rounded performer by educating parents on how to land an agent for their child, offering advice from child actors, and fostering discussions about a guardian’s role in their child’s career.
“Our training encompasses every aspect of the industry,” says Rodriguez. “Our offerings include business workshops, exploration of film industry careers, college tours, college credit, field trips to working sets, special effects studios, film premieres, and screenings.”
Doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend the summer!
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