Camera Acting Summer Institute
Learn how to relate to the camera and approach script analysis
Learn how to relate to the camera and approach script analysis
The UCLA Camera Acting Summer Institute is a two-week, UC credit-bearing, intensive program for students interested in the performing arts. This program encompasses voice, scene study, storytelling and on-camera acting training classes. The combination of these courses will teach every student about the process of relating to the camera lens and approaches to understanding a script so that specific choices can be made to prepare and connect in the audition room. Students will learn the technical components of acting for the camera, gain hands-on experience as a crew member, understand and execute a self-tape audition while obtaining scenes that can be used for their reel. Beyond the classroom, students will attend guest workshops, a field trip to a Hollywood Studio, and a movie screening.
The program is designed for high school students completing grades 9 through 12, who seek the discipline and training required for participation in a university theater program or a career in the entertainment industry.
Admission to the program is by digital audition and instructor consent. As part of the application process, each applicant must submit a letter of reference from a high school instructor verifying the applicant’s ability to successfully participate in a disciplined and rigorous theater program along with a resume. The letter of reference and resume can be uploaded during the application process.
*Please note that all levels are encouraged to apply.
This is a two-week intensive program for high school students in grades 9-12 who seek discipline and training required for participation in a university film program or a career in performing arts.
Session A & B – Commuter
As a commuter, housing contracts are not available through UCLA Housing Department, however, the UCLA Summer Hostel that is located on the residence hill provides housing options for all registered UCLA Summer Sessions students who are 18 years of age or older. For those who will not securing housing on campus, it is expected that students who fall into this category will commute to class daily.
Session C – Mandatory Residential
Housing is ONLY available to students who will be 17 years of age or older by June 23, 2025. NO EXCEPTIONS are made to this eligibility requirement. All students under 17 will have to commute to campus,
Session A: June 22-July 3, 2025
Session B: July 6-July 19, 2025
Session C: July 20-August 2, 2025
Students are engaged in activities and classes along with breaks throughout the day from 9:30 a.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Program participants will earn units of credit on a letter-grading basis and will be recorded on an official University of California transcript. Please note that official transcripts are not automatically sent to students. To request a transcript, please contact the UCLA Registrar’s Office.
Theater 72; 2 units
Applications are reviewed and admission to the program is granted on a rolling basis starting February 15th. Applying at your earliest convenience, prior to June 1st, is highly recommended.
Applicants who successfully submit all requirements will be reviewed and notified via email of an admission decision within ~3 weeks.
Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:
A 500-word essay responding to the following prompt: How do you plan to impact the world through your storytelling?
A letter of recommendation from a teacher, director, or someone similar that can attest to your theatrical ability, challenges, and areas for growth.
A resume. If you do not have a resume, please submit a brief description of your theatrical and/or artistic experience.
A video of a 1- 1½ minute monologue or improvised scene. Prompts are provided. See Video Audition Guidelines in the FAQ below.
Note:
The essay will be prompted on the registration form; we recommend having your essay pre-written to copy/paste.
Both the letter of recommendation and resume can be uploaded (.pdf) during the application process.
For the video component, you will need to upload your video and make it private to YouTube, Vimeo, or a similar site, and paste the private link during the application process.
All responses and links will not be accessible to edit in any form after submission of the application.
Students will receive a letter grade upon completion. See University Credit, Grades and Transcripts for more information about academic credit.
UCLA Summer Sessions Summer Scholars Support
Qualified students attending grades 8th – 11th in the state of California may be eligible for Summer Scholars Support, a need- and merit-based scholarship offered by the UCLA Summer Sessions Office. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to support enrollment in SCIP/eSCIP, one Summer Course, or a Precollege Summer Institute.
Application deadline
Enrollment Deadline
Session A: June 22nd-July 3rd, 2025
Session B: July 6th-July 19th, 2025
Session C: July 20th-August 2nd, 2025