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3-Week 3D Animation Summer Camp for Teens I

3-Week 3D Animation Summer Camp for Teens

Program DescriptionCamp Name: 3-Week 3D Animation Camp for Teens

The 3-Week Animation Program is an intensive, hands-on course designed to immerse students in the fundamentals of 3D animation, from the creation of assets to the final animated sequence. Through a blend of structured lessons, practical exercises, and project-based learning, students will explore the core elements of animation and gain a comprehensive understanding of the processes that bring animated stories to life. This program covers key animation techniques and provides students with the tools needed to create engaging, visually stunning animated films.

Related links

Apply for Youth Programs
  NYFA’s Online
Brochure

Core Subjects

The following core subjects are included:

  • Modeling: In this foundational subject, students will begin by creating props, followed by the modeling of a simple character. This process will teach students how to build the digital assets necessary for storytelling, focusing on the technical aspects of shaping and refining 3D models to serve as the basis for animation.

  • Texturing: In this subject, students will learn how to apply textures and materials to their 3D models to bring them to life. Emphasis will be placed on UV mapping, surface detailing, and using textures to enhance visual storytelling by giving models depth, realism, and personality.

  • Rigging: Students will learn how to rig their character by applying joints and controllers, enabling the character to move realistically. This core skill helps students bring their protagonist to life by setting up the underlying system that makes character movement fluid and natural, allowing them to tell a compelling visual story.

  • Animation: Using “AUTODESK MAYA”, the industry-standard software, students will dive into the art of animation, learning how to create weight, attitude, and motion. By applying these principles to their protagonist, students will develop the skills needed to craft engaging, believable movement that advances the story and captivates the audience.

  • Writing: In this subject, students will focus on writing a simple yet effective story. Emphasis is placed on their character’s goal, the obstacles they face, and how the narrative structure ensures the audience remains engaged. By exploring the character’s journey, students will lay the groundwork for their animated short, ensuring a clear, compelling narrative. In addition, students will be introduced to the principles of storyboarding, learning how to visually map out their stories and translate written ideas into engaging visual sequences that support the overall storytelling process.

 

Throughout the program, students will receive personalized guidance from the instructor, particularly during the final stages of their project. This supervision ensures that all aspects of the animation process come together effectively for the final presentation. Students will receive constructive feedback on their work, from refining the details of their 3D models to ensuring the animation flows smoothly and the story resonates. The instructor’s support will help students polish their work, providing insights into the collaborative nature of animation production and ensuring a polished, professional final piece.

By the end of the program, each student will have created a short animated movie, typically 60–90 seconds in length, demonstrating their ability to produce a complete 3D animation. The final project will showcase their skills in modeling, rigging, animation, storytelling, and project management, while also providing a platform for creative exploration. The program encourages students to apply their newfound knowledge and create a polished animated sequence that is both technically sound and emotionally engaging.

Throughout the course, students will work both individually and collaboratively, ensuring a well-rounded experience that mirrors the workflow of a professional animation studio. By the end of the program, each student will have a deeper understanding of the animation process, an enhanced skill set, and a strong portfolio piece to showcase their work.

3-Week 3D Animation Summer Camp for Teens I

Location Program Start Date and End Date Tuition
Los Angeles

June 28, 2026 – July 18, 2026

Tuition

Tuition:$4,100

Program Duration: 3 week

Harvard University

July 12, 2026 – August 1, 2026

Tuition

Tuition:$4,100

Program Duration: 3 week

4-Week Online Filmmaking Summer Camp for Teens I

4-Week Online Film Camp for Teens

Learn to Make a Short Film at NYFA

In our hands-on, immersive 4-Week Online Film Camp, aspiring filmmakers write, direct, shoot, and edit three short films of their own, using mobile devices and industry-standard editing software. Students spend their time in class learning the essentials of filmmaking from leading industry professionals or applying those lessons to their own original film projects. In addition, students study topics such as directing, writing, editing, cinematography, and production.

Each week, all student films are screened and critiqued in class with their lead instructor. This full-time class is designed for students between the ages of 14-17, and no experience is required to attend.

Program Description Camp Name: 4-Week Filmmaking Camp for Teens

The 4-Week Online Filmmaking Program is our most comprehensive and challenging online filmmaking course, designed to provide students with a deep dive into the art of visual storytelling. This program builds upon the structure of our shorter online courses, offering students more time to develop their craft, refine their storytelling abilities, and complete three fully realized short films.

Students will learn how to write, direct, shoot, and edit their films using a phone or any available camera, while focusing on lighting with natural and practical sources and editing with Adobe Rush, a mobile-friendly editing software from the Adobe suite. With an emphasis on hands-on exercises, guided instruction, and peer collaboration, this course delivers a dynamic and interactive remote learning experience that mirrors the rigor of our on-campus programs.

All classes are conducted live via Zoom, where students will receive real-time instruction, participate in discussions, and engage in guided filmmaking exercises. Before the course begins, each student will be provided with an NYFA email address, which they will use to log in to Zoom and access course materials.

Related links

Apply for Youth Programs
  NYFA’s Online
Brochure

Core Subjects

  • Director’s Craft: Students will explore the language of filmmaking, learning how to make both creative and technical decisions that enhance their ability to tell stories visually. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises, they will develop the skills needed to bring their ideas to life.

  • Writing: Students will begin with an introduction to story structure and script formatting before shifting focus to workshopping their own film ideas. Through this process, they will refine their understanding of story arc, pacing, character development, and narrative beats.

  • Cinematography and Lighting: Students will learn how to capture compelling visuals using their phone or any available camera, while working with natural and practical light sources to enhance their storytelling.

  • Digital Editing: Using Adobe Rush, students will explore the fundamentals of post-production, learning how to shape their narratives through cutting techniques, pacing, rhythm, and sound design.

Final Projects

Over the four weeks, each student will write, direct, shoot, and edit three short films, each designed to progressively build upon their filmmaking skills. All projects will be non-dialogue films, relying entirely on visual storytelling, music, and sound effects to convey emotion, meaning, and narrative structure.

  • Mise-en-Scène Project (First Project) – The first and foundational project of the course, the mise-en-scène film challenges students to create a movie in a single shot. This exercise encourages them to explore the many possibilities of framing, using blocking and/or camera movement to construct a more cinematic and meaningful sequence. By limiting the use of cuts, students will learn to think critically about composition, movement, and visual storytelling to engage the audience within a single, continuous shot.

  • Continuity Film (Second Project) – This project focuses on achieving seamless visual continuity and flow, an essential aspect of effective storytelling. Through this exercise, students will explore how to construct clear, engaging sequences where the movement and progression of time feel natural and cohesive. This project reinforces fundamental filmmaking techniques, such as matching action, screen direction, and spatial continuity.

  • Music/Montage Film (Third Project) – For their final project, students will take a more expressive approach to filmmaking, where music and sound effects play a pivotal role in storytelling. By experimenting with rhythm, juxtaposition, and visual composition, students will explore how the relationship between sound and image can shape mood, tone, and meaning. This project encourages creative editing techniques and a dynamic approach to narrative construction, allowing students to push their storytelling skills to the next level.

Throughout the course, students will engage in peer collaboration and feedback sessions, simulating a real-world filmmaking environment in an online format.

By the end of the program, students will have developed a stronger command of visual storytelling, a deeper understanding of cinematic techniques, and a portfolio of three completed short films showcasing their ability to craft engaging narratives using only images, music, and sound design. 

This four-week intensive program provides the most in-depth online filmmaking experience available at NYFA, making it the perfect next step for aspiring filmmakers looking to develop their craft in a remote setting.

To learn more about NYFA’s teen camps, visit the NYFA Camp Brochure.

4-Week Online Acting for Film Summer Camp for Teens I

4-Week Teen Summer Acting Camp – Online

Learn The Essentials of Teen Acting at NYFA

The New York Film Academy’s 4-Week Online Acting for Film Camp for teens offers young actors the one-of-a-kind opportunity to study the craft of acting with industry professionals in an online platform accessible from anywhere in the world. Held through interactive online classes, the 4-Week Acting for Film Camp gives students an unforgettable experience as they learn the skills and techniques to act both on set and online.

Program DescriptionCamp Name: 4-Week Acting for Film Camp for Teens – Online

The 4-Week Online Acting for Film Program is our longest, most complex, and complete online acting for film program for teens. Designed to provide young actors with an immersive and comprehensive virtual training experience, this program allows for a deeper exploration of screen acting techniques while introducing additional subjects that broaden students’ understanding of the film industry. Through live, interactive classes, hands-on exercises, and personalized feedback, students will refine their on-camera performances, develop a professional approach to auditions, and gain insights into the filmmaking process.

Core Subjects

Throughout the program, students will engage in an expanded curriculum that builds on the fundamentals of acting for film:

  • Monologues – Students will work on assigned monologues, focusing on emotional depth, character development, and technical performance for the camera. Individualized coaching will help refine their delivery and enhance their screen presence.

  • Acting for Film – This class focuses on adjusting performances for different shot sizes, maintaining continuity, and delivering emotionally authentic portrayals on screen. Students will develop a stronger command of cinematic acting techniques through guided exercises and instructor feedback.

  • Improvisation – Interactive improv exercises will challenge students to trust their instincts, think quickly, and enhance their ability to stay present in the moment—an essential skill for auditions and on-set work.

  • The Business of Acting – Students will receive essential industry knowledge, covering topics such as headshots, resumes, representation, and self-marketing. They will also learn how to create high-quality self-tapes, a crucial tool in today’s casting process.

  • Scene Study – Through in-depth scene analysis and performance, students will refine their ability to develop characters, explore relationships, and bring scripted material to life. They will learn how professional actors prepare for roles and collaborate with directors to shape their performances.

  • Audition Technique – Students will practice on-camera auditions, focusing on cold reading skills, self-taping techniques, and making strong, adaptable choices under pressure. They will receive personalized feedback to help them refine their audition approach.

  • Film Craft – In this introduction to the art of visual storytelling, students will gain a basic understanding of the filmmaking process from the perspective of those behind the camera. They will explore fundamental concepts such as shot composition, lighting, and editing, allowing them to develop a deeper appreciation for how their performances fit into the bigger cinematic picture.

Related links

Apply for Youth Programs
  NYFA’s Online
Brochure

As our most complete and in-depth online program, the 4-Week Online Acting for Film Program provides students with extensive training, industry knowledge, and a well-rounded understanding of the filmmaking process. With more time to refine their craft, explore additional subjects, and receive expert feedback, this program offers a dynamic and enriching virtual learning experience for aspiring actors looking to advance their skills.

To learn more about NYFA’s teen summer camps, see the NYFA Camp Brochure.

4-Week Online Screenwriting Summer Camp for Teens I

4-Week Online Screenwriting Camp for Teens

Learn How To Write a Script at NYFA

In NYFA’s 4-Week Online Screenwriting Camp, students learn-by-doing, writing their own original script and practicing the technical aspects of writing for television and/or film. Students will improve their natural writing abilities under the guidance of our experienced faculty, receiving feedback on their work. The program culminates with the completion of an outline of spec script for an existing TV show, as well as a short script of 7-10 pages.

Program DescriptionCamp Name: 4-Week Online Screenwriting Camp for Teens

The 4-Week Online Screenwriting Program is an intensive, hands-on course designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the craft and techniques of screenwriting. As our most in-depth online screenwriting program, this course provides students with an extended opportunity to refine their storytelling skills, explore different formats of writing for film and television, and develop their own original scripts. Through a blend of lectures, writing exercises, film analysis, and collaborative workshops, students will gain the skills necessary to craft compelling screenplays and create professional-quality story outlines.

Related links

Apply for Youth Programs
  NYFA’s Online
Brochure

Core Subjects

Students will engage in the following core subjects throughout the program:

  • Elements of Screenwriting – A lecture and screening-based class where students learn the basics of writing for film and television. Through discussions and exercises, they will explore fundamental principles such as structure, character development, dialogue, and visual storytelling. Practice scenes will be written and workshopped as students analyze key films (watched as homework) and scenes (watched in class).

  • Screenwriting Workshop – Building on the lessons from Elements of Screenwriting, this hands-on class allows students to develop an idea for a short film and transform it into a fully realized script. Through instructor feedback and peer collaboration, students will refine their storytelling techniques and improve their writing skills.

  • Story Generation – This workshop focuses on helping students find inspiration for their stories. The first two weeks will include writing exercises designed to help students identify compelling ideas in the world around them. In the second half of the course, students will develop a treatment for the feature-length version of one of their story ideas.

  • Television Writer’s Room – In this collaborative workshop, students will form the “writing staff” of an existing TV show, brainstorming and mapping out their version of an upcoming season. Each student will create an outline for an episode, learning the professional process of writing a spec script.

  • Comedy Writing – A once-a-week class dedicated to humor in screenwriting. Students will engage in exercises and lessons designed to enhance their comedic timing, understand different styles of humor, and learn how to integrate comedy into their stories.

Final Projects

By the end of the program, students will complete one of the following final projects, demonstrating their mastery of screenwriting techniques:

  • A Feature Film Treatment – A fully developed treatment outlining a feature-length screenplay, including major plot points, character arcs, and thematic elements.

  • A Short Film Script (7-12 pages/minutes) – A polished short screenplay developed through writing workshops and instructor feedback.

  • An Outline of a Spec Script for an existing TV Show – A structured episode outline for an existing television series, following industry standards for professional screenwriting.

The 4-Week Online Screenwriting Program is designed to immerse students in the world of professional screenwriting, allowing them to refine their skills, develop original ideas, and explore different writing formats. With an extended timeline, students have more time to workshop their stories, receive feedback, and build a strong foundation in film and television writing. By the end of the program, students will have a fully developed project, showcasing their ability to create compelling narratives and preparing them for further screenwriting endeavors.

To learn more about our programs, please refer to NYFA’s camp brochure.

6-Week Filmmaking Summer Camp for Teens I

6-Week Teen Summer Camp for Filmmaking

Learn How To Make A Short Film at NYFA

In NYFA’s six-week summer camp for filmmaking, students aged 14-17 study the art and craft of filmmaking. Through hands-on projects and coursework, students quickly learn how to direct, write, edit, and produce their own short films.

Program Description Camp Name: 6-Week Summer Film Camp for Teens

The 6-Week Teens Filmmaking Program offers a dynamic, comprehensive immersion into the art and craft of cinematic storytelling, structured as two progressive 3-week sessions taken back-to-back. This carefully designed format ensures a seamless and continuous learning experience, guiding students from the foundations of visual storytelling into the complexities of crafting dialogue-driven films.

In the first three weeks, students will explore the essential principles of visual storytelling without relying on dialogue. Through a combination of structured lessons, practical exercises, and production workshops, they will develop a deep understanding of how to convey narrative, character, and emotion using only images, movement, music, and sound effects. Students will write, direct, shoot, and edit two short films: a Continuity Film and a Music/Montage Film—each project reinforcing the critical habit of “showing” rather than “telling” a story.

In the second three weeks, students will build on this foundation by introducing the element of dialogue into their filmmaking. Through focused instruction in directing actors, writing dynamic scenes, mastering cinematic coverage, recording professional sound, and editing performance, students will develop, shoot, and complete a Dialogue Film. This project represents the first and only dialogue-based film produced within our programs, offering students a unique opportunity to integrate spoken language with their growing command of visual storytelling.

Related links

Apply for Youth Programs
  NYFA’s Online
Brochure

Core Subjects

  • Director’s Craft: Through a balance of lectures and hands-on exercises, students will learn the language of filmmaking, mastering shot composition, camera movement, blocking, and visual storytelling techniques to bring their ideas to life.
  • Writing: Students will receive an introduction to story structure and script formatting before workshopping their own film ideas. As they develop their projects, they will refine their understanding of story arc, pacing, character, narrative beats, and writing dialogue.
  • Hands-On Camera and Lighting: Students will deepen their understanding of cinematography, learning to operate a digital camera while exploring aperture, shutter speed, focus, frame rates, and color balance. Lighting workshops will cover both natural and controlled lighting setups, helping students use light creatively to enhance mood and visual impact.
  • Digital Cinematography: Students will operate a more advanced digital camera, gaining hands-on experience with lens choices, depth of field, camera movement, and shot composition, all with an emphasis on visual storytelling within dialogue scenes.
  • Advanced Lighting: This class delves deeper into cinematic lighting techniques, exploring how to use light and shadow to shape emotion, direct focus, and create meaning within a scene, with an emphasis on multi-character dialogue scenes and layered lighting setups.
  • Production Workshop: Provides students with an instructor-guided set experience, allowing them to gain practical insight and familiarity with the collaborative dynamics of a working film set.
  • Directing Actors: Students will learn how to work with performers, focusing on communication, directing techniques, and on-set etiquette to elicit strong, authentic performances.

  • Digital Editing: Using Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve, students will learn the fundamentals of post-production, including cutting techniques, pacing, rhythm, and sound design. They will explore both continuity editing and montage editing, developing their ability to shape compelling narratives in the edit.

  • Sound Recording: Since sound is an essential and complex component of storytelling, students will receive specialized instruction in sound recording equipment, sound mixing, and boom mic operation. The course covers proper set protocol for sound, sound leveling, syncing audio in post-production, and basic sound design techniques, all of which will be crucial for their final dialogue project.

  • Producing: Students will gain a foundational understanding of pre-production planning, scheduling, casting, and set logistics, ensuring they can manage the complexities of executing a dialogue-driven film efficiently and professionally.

Course ProjectsOver the six weeks, students will write, direct, shoot, and edit three short films, each emphasizing a different fundamental aspect of filmmaking.

  • Continuity Film (First Project) – In this project, students focus on seamless visual continuity and flow. They will explore fundamental filmmaking techniques, such as matching on action, spatial relationships, and screen direction, to create clear and engaging sequences where the movement and progression of time feel natural and cohesive.

  • Music/Montage Film (Second Project) – In this project, music and sound effects become a pivotal aspect of storytelling. By experimenting with rhythm, juxtaposition, and visual composition, students will explore how the relationship between sound and image can shape mood, tone, and meaning. This project encourages creative editing techniques and a dynamic approach to narrative construction.

  • Dialogue Project (Final Project) – One of the most challenging projects of the program, this film is the only dialogue film offered in our teen programs. Students will apply all they have learned while also incorporating spoken dialogue as a complex new layer in visual storytelling. Because dialogue requires a deeper understanding of sound, students will receive additional instruction in sound recording, dialogue editing, sound leveling, and sound design to ensure clarity and emotional impact. They will also learn how to work with actors on delivering natural performances within the context of scripted dialogue.

In the Los Angeles campus, at least one of these projects will be shot in the backlot of Universal Studios, in all other campuses these projects can be shot on outdoor locations around that city.

Throughout the six weeks, students will also rotate through different key crew positions on their classmates’ films, gaining invaluable collaborative set experience across directing, cinematography, sound, assistant directing, and editing roles.

By the end of the program, each student will have completed three distinct short films—a Continuity Film, a Music/Montage Film, and a Dialogue Film—equipping them with a strong, comprehensive portfolio that showcases their ability to tell cinematic stories visually, musically, and through performance-driven dialogue.

This intensive format provides a clear, structured progression from foundational visual storytelling to more advanced, dialogue-integrated filmmaking, preparing students for further study or independent creative work with confidence and skill.

To learn more about NYFA’s teen camps, visit the NYFA Camp Brochure.

Program Structure and Class Transition

Students enrolled in the 6-Week Teens Filmmaking Program will be participating in two consecutive 3-week programs: the introductory 3-Week Filmmaking Program (Level 1) followed immediately by the more advanced 3-Week Filmmaking 2 Program (Level 2).

At the conclusion of the first three weeks, students will transition into a new class group for the Level 2 portion of the program. During this second session, students will join classmates who have enrolled specifically in the stand-alone 3-Week Filmmaking 2 Program. This means that while students who enrolled for the full 6-week experience will continue together, new classmates will also join the group at the start of the fourth week. Students should be prepared for a shift in group dynamics and understand that collaboration will now include both returning and newly arrived peers.

This structure provides students with a seamless continuation of their learning journey, while also offering the valuable experience of collaborating with a broader community of filmmakers.

6-Week Filmmaking Summer Camp for Teens I

Location Program Start Date and End Date Tuition
New York City

June 28, 2026 – August 8, 2026

Tuition

Tuition:$ 7,325

Program Duration: 6-Weeks

Los Angeles

June 28, 2026 – August 8, 2026

Tuition

Tuition:$ 7,325

Program Duration: 6-Weeks

Special Discounts available! Please contact your admission representative for more details:

Military Dependent Discount 10%
Sag/Aftra Discount (Active) Student 15%
Sibling Discount (on one application) 10%
Returning Students $25.00 app fee waived

6-Week Acting for Film Summer Camp for Teens I

6-Week Summer Acting Camp for Teens

Improve Audition and Acting Skills for Film

In NYFA’s 6-Week Summer Acting Camp, aspiring actors pursue their interest in performing on-camera. Offered in New York and Los Angeles during the summer, this acting for film camp challenges and inspires students aged 14-17 to develop their talent and build their confidence as actors. No experience is required to attend.

Program Description6-Week Acting for Film Program

The 6-Week Acting for Film Program is an immersive two-part training experience designed to help teen actors build a strong foundation in screen acting and elevate their craft through continued practice, more complex work, and professional-grade portfolio materials. The program is divided into two consecutive 3-week sessions—Level 1 and Level 2—each focused on developing essential skills, practical experience, and confidence on camera.

In Level 1, students receive comprehensive instruction in acting fundamentals for the screen, including monologue and scene work, audition techniques, improvisation, and the business of acting. Through a blend of structured lessons and practical filming projects, students begin to understand how to adapt their performance for the camera and gain hands-on experience both in front of and behind the scenes.

In Level 2, students continue their training with a new group of Level 1 peers but work under a more advanced instructional track. Instructors are aware of returning students and differentiate the experience through more demanding monologues and scenes, individualized coaching, and greater emphasis on emotional depth, character development, and technical proficiency. Level 2 students are also eligible to be auditioned for roles in dialogue-based films created by filmmaking students, if those films are produced during that session.

In addition to new filmed scene and monologue material, Level 2 students receive a professional headshot session, adding a vital component to their acting portfolio.

Core SubjectsStudents will engage in an extended curriculum that covers essential aspects of screen acting, including:

  • Monologue – Students will work on an assigned monologue, perfecting their delivery, emotional depth, and physicality with their instructor’s guidance. The monologue will be professionally filmed and edited, providing a high-quality performance piece for their acting portfolio.

  • Acting for Film – With additional time to refine their skills, students will explore advanced techniques for on-camera acting, including adjusting performances for different shot sizes, maintaining emotional continuity, and working with camera movement.

  • Scene Study – This expanded course allows students to analyze and develop multiple scenes, deepening their understanding of character relationships, emotional arcs, and the nuances of performance in a cinematic context.

  • Audition Technique – In this extended course, students will refine their cold reading and self-taping skills, learning advanced techniques for on-camera auditions while gaining insights into the professional casting process.

  • Voice & Movement – A more in-depth exploration of physical and vocal techniques will help students develop a greater command of their instrument, ensuring their performances are both expressive and authentic.

  • Improvisation – Through an extended series of exercises and scene work, students will strengthen their ability to think quickly, trust their instincts, and adapt to different performance scenarios.

  • The Business of Acting – With additional time to prepare for the industry, students will receive comprehensive training on self-marketing, networking, headshots, resumes, and securing auditions. They will leave with a solid understanding of how to navigate the professional acting world.

Related links

Apply for Youth Programs
  NYFA’s Online
Brochure

Final Projects

By the end of the program, students will have professionally filmed and edited versions of:

  • Two Monologues – Two high-quality, professionally shot and edited monologues, of basic and advanced complexity, providing students with a crucial portfolio piece to showcase their acting ability.

  • Two Scenes – Two fully produced scenes, of basic and advanced complexity, performed with a partner, shot with professional-level cinematography and direction to highlight the students’ skills in a collaborative storytelling environment.

  • Professional Headshots – As part of their industry preparation, students will receive a professional headshot session, ensuring they leave with high-quality images essential for casting and representation.

Collaboration with Filmmaking Students

A major highlight of the 6-Week Acting for Film Program is the opportunity to be cast in one or two films produced by students from the 3-Week Filmmaking, 3-Week Filmmaking II, and 6-Week Filmmaking Programs. These projects provide hands-on experience in a professional-style set environment:

  • Non-Dialogue Film – A visually driven short film where students will focus on physical expression, emotional subtlety, and storytelling without spoken words, emphasizing the power of non-verbal performance.

  • Dialogue Film – A short film featuring scripted dialogue, allowing students to practice delivering lines naturally, reacting authentically, and working closely with filmmakers to bring a fully developed character to life on screen.

By participating in these projects, students will gain real set experience, enhance their screen presence, and build a strong foundation for future professional work.

The 6-Week Acting for Film Program is the ultimate training experience for teen actors seeking in-depth instruction, professional-grade materials, and hands-on collaboration with filmmakers. With more time to explore, refine, and apply their skills, students will emerge with the tools, confidence, and portfolio pieces necessary to take their next steps in the world of film acting.

In the Los Angeles campus, one of these projects will be shot in the backlot of Universal Studios, in all other campuses these projects might be shot on outdoor locations around that city.

To learn more about NYFA’s teen summer camps, see the NYFA Camp Brochure.

Why a Two-Level Structure?

This unique model allows students to experience the full breadth of our curriculum while reinforcing skills through continued practice and higher-level challenges. The second 3-week session is not a repeat, but rather an evolution of their work—focused on mastery, deeper performance, and readiness for more professional environments. By remaining in the program for the full six weeks, students benefit from:

  • A broader and deeper skill set
  • Multiple performance-based portfolio pieces
  • Increased confidence and on-camera comfort
  • Eligibility for casting in student dialogue films
  • A professional headshot session
  • More individualized instruction and feedback

6-Week Acting for Film Summer Camp for Teens I

Location Program Start Date and End Date Tuition
New York City

June 28, 2026 – August 8, 2026

Tuition

Tuition:$ 6,225

Program Duration: 6-Weeks

Los Angeles

June 28, 2026 – August 8, 2026

Tuition

Tuition:$ 6,225

Program Duration: 6-Weeks

Special Discounts available! Please contact your admission representative for more details:

Military Dependent Discount 10%
Sag/Aftra Discount (Active) Student 15%
Sibling Discount (on one application) 10%
Returning Students $25.00 app fee waived (after applying)

12-Weekend Filmmaking Workshop for Teens I

12-Weekend Filmmaking for Teens Workshop

Learn to Make a Short Film at NYFA

In NYFA’s 12-Weekend Filmmaking for Teens Workshop, students aged 14-17 learn to make short films and video content. Designed for teens with limited filmmaking experience, the part-time film program is held on Saturdays and focuses on teaching essential skills in writing, directing, shooting, and editing.

Program Description

Camp Name: 12-Weekend Filmmaking Camp

During our filmmaking for teens workshop, students rapidly build skills in film and content creation through classroom instruction, hands-on production classes, and making their own short films. In three short months, students study directing, writing, cinematography, and production, using their knowledge to create original short films and video content using professional equipment and editing software. Students will also learn how to serve in various on-set roles such as Cinematographer and Director of Photography.

For all level 1 students, we recommend that students invest in a 500GB – 1TB hard drive to store their work. Students can keep a digital copy of their work and are invited to share their final films in a screening open to friends and family.

Related links

Apply for Youth Programs
  NYFA’s Online
Brochure

12-Weekend Filmmaking Workshop for Teens II

12-Weekend Filmmaking for Teens Workshop II

Learn How To Create A Short Film at NYFA

The 12-Weekend Filmmaking for Teens Workshop II is designed to expand upon the filmmaking techniques and concepts learned in the three-week, six-week, and 12-weekend level one film programs. During this workshop, students aged 14-17 work on a unique film project using advanced film equipment and professional editing software and learn how to create a short film.

Program Description

Camp Name: 12-Weekend Filmmaking II Camp
Prerequisite: 12-Weekend, 3, 6-Week Filmmaking Camp

NYFA’s 12-Weekend Filmmaking for Teens II Workshop is available to students who have completed a level one three-week, six-week, or 12-Weekend film workshop at NYFA. Before starting the workshop, students can submit a short script of three to six pages, which will act as their primary project. These scripts can include dialogue, and visual storytelling will be encouraged.

As incoming students will have an existing understanding of filmmaking, the focus of this workshop will be to develop advanced creative and technical skills. Instructors will introduce camera, sound, lighting, and grip equipment that is not a part of NYFA’s level one programs, which students use to complete complex short films and projects.

We suggest that incoming students bring a 1TB – 2TB HD hard drive to store their work and project files. Students may choose to keep a digital copy of their work and are invited to show their work at a screening for their family and friends.

Related links

Apply for Youth Programs
  NYFA’s Online
Brochure

12-Weekend Acting for Film Workshop For Teens I

12-Weekend Acting Workshop For Teens I

Learn How to Act and Audition for Film

NYFA’s 12-Weekend Acting Workshop provides aspiring actors the chance to explore their interest in film acting during the school year. Through projects and coursework, students aged 14-17 build essential performance and audition skills. No experience is required to attend.

Program Description

Program Name: 12-Weekend Acting for Film Camp I for Teens

Hours: 2-6 p.m. in NYC and 1-5 p.m. in LA (12 Consecutive Saturdays)

In this hands-on acting workshop, students learn the basics of film acting, such as audition technique and scene study. Through intensive classes and exercises in acting, voice, movement, and improv, students get substantial experience in front of the camera. Under the guidance of professional actors and directors, students learn how to break down physical and internal inhibitions to find the most effective personal sources for the creation of truthful characters.

Students should be prepared to devote additional hours of their own time for rehearsal and preparation. When the workshop ends, students receive a digital copy of their work that is filmed by our faculty and edited by our in-house editors. For graduates, there is a special final screening for family and invited guests.

To learn more about NYFA’s teen workshops and summer camps, visit the NYFA Camp Brochure.

Related links

Apply for Youth Programs