RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
Enrollment is Limited to 12 Students per Track
DATES
July 20-31st, 2026
LOCATION
Randolph, Vermont
TIME
Mon-Fri, 9am - 4pm
WHO'S IT FOR?
High School Students
Ages 14-18/Grades 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
1. WHAT DOES THE REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDE?
The registration fee includes full participation in the 2-week Vermont Filmmaker Academy, with dedicated tracks for both filmmakers and actors.
Students in the filmmaking track will receive hands-on instruction in directing, camera operation, and editing, along with full access to professional equipment, including cameras, tripods, and editing software.
Students in the acting track will receive focused training in performance, character development, and on-camera acting, working closely with filmmakers throughout the production process.
All students will be provided with daily lunch catered by a local vendor, with some snacks available (students are also encouraged to bring their own).
The program concludes with a final theater showcase, where each student’s work is premiered on the big screen. Participants will also receive a digital copy of their completed film as a lasting keepsake of their experience.
2. WHAT IS THE DAILY SCHEDULE?
The Vermont Filmmaker Academy runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day, with a balance of instruction, collaboration, and hands-on production. A lunch break is provided midday.
Filmmaking Track
Students in the filmmaking track will focus on the full production process:
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Week 1 (Monday–Wednesday): Story development, visual storytelling, directing basics, and camera instruction
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Week 1 (Thursday–Friday): Pre-production and rehearsals with actors, including potential on-location preparation within Randolph
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Week 2 (Monday–Tuesday): On-location filming of their 5-minute silent short films
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Week 2 (Wednesday–Friday): Editing, refining, and preparing films for the final showcase
Acting Track
Students in the acting track will focus on performance and collaboration:
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Week 1 (Monday–Wednesday): Acting fundamentals, character development, movement, and expression for silent storytelling
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Week 1 (Thursday–Friday): Rehearsals with filmmaking teams, including potential on-location work within Randolph
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Week 2 (Monday–Tuesday): On-location filming, working closely with filmmakers on their projects
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Week 2 (Wednesday–Friday): Continued performance work, select reshoots if needed, and participation in showcase preparation
All filming locations are within the town limits of Randolph and are supervised by staff at all times.
3. HOW WILL MY CHILD BE GROUPED WITH OTHER STUDENTS?
Students are grouped differently based on whether they are enrolled in the filmmaking or acting track.
Filmmaking Track
Filmmaking students are placed into small production teams of 3–4 students. Within these teams, students will rotate through key roles—such as director, camera operator, and assistant director—so that each participant gains hands-on experience in multiple aspects of the filmmaking process. Groups are thoughtfully created to balance experience levels and encourage collaboration.
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Acting Track
Acting students are not assigned to a single group. Instead, they may be cast in multiple films throughout the program, based on the needs of each project and overall scheduling. This allows actors to gain a variety of on-camera experiences, work with different filmmaking teams, and explore a range of characters and performance styles.
5. DO YOU HAVE BEFORE AND/OR AFTER CARE?
We will make every effort to have a staff member available 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the Academy day (Monday–Friday) to assist with drop-off and pick-up. However, this availability is not guaranteed each day.
Families should plan for drop-off and pick-up within the scheduled program hours (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). If limited early drop-off or late pick-up is needed, we recommend reaching out in advance so we can do our best to accommodate when possible.
6. DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BRING LUNCH?
No—lunch will be provided each day as part of the program through a local catering vendor. Some snacks will also be available, though students are encouraged to bring additional snacks if they would like.
If your child has specific allergies or dietary needs, please indicate this on the registration form. We will communicate all dietary information directly with our food vendor to ensure appropriate accommodations are made.
7. WHAT ARE THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS?
Student safety is our top priority. All activities are supervised by experienced staff, with a 6:1 student-to-adult ratio to ensure close guidance and attention at all times. Equipment is used under direct instruction, and all filming locations are pre-approved, supervised, and located within the town limits of Randolph.
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We maintain clear check-in and check-out procedures, and all students are required to have up-to-date emergency contact information on file. Our staff is committed to creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment where students can focus on learning and creativity.
8. WHAT IS THE VERMONT FILMMAKER'S ACADEMY POLICY ON DISCIPLINE?
At The Vermont Filmmaker's Academy, we aim to create an environment that reflects a real film set, where students are encouraged to demonstrate courtesy, professionalism, and respect toward fellow students, instructors, and equipment at all times.
We follow a clear, supportive 3-step approach to addressing behavioral concerns:
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Verbal warning and guidance
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Parent/guardian notification
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Dismissal from the program if behavior does not improve or in the case of serious misconduct
Our goal is always to guide students toward positive collaboration and accountability. However, if a student is dismissed from the program due to behavior, no refund will be issued.
We believe these expectations help prepare students for real-world creative environments while supporting their personal and artistic growth.
9. IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, WHO DO WE CONTACT?
In the event of an emergency during program hours, parents/guardians will be contacted immediately using the emergency contact information provided during registration. We will also coordinate with local emergency services if necessary.
If families need to contact the Academy, they may reach out directly to the Program Director, Ginger Cook. Full contact details will be provided in the Welcome Packet upon admission into the Academy.
10. DOES THE VERMONT FILMMAKER ACADEMY OFFER ANY SCHOLARSHIPS?
At the present time, we do not have scholarships available. However, we are actively seeking support from sponsors and donors, and scholarship opportunities may become available.
If you are interested in being considered for a scholarship, please indicate this during registration. As funding becomes available, applications will be sent to interested families, and scholarships will be awarded in the order requests are received.
11. WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
FULL PAYMENT for our program is due by JUNE 15th.
Cancellations requested on or before June 1st will be honored, minus a 5% processing fee.
After June 1st, NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED, as this allows us to finalize instructors, secure venues, and confirm equipment rentals for the program.
VERMONT FILMMAKER ACADEMY