Academic Activities in Austin, TX

Lights, Camera, Action! 5-Day Filmmaking and Acting Summer Camp Overview: Lights, Camera, Action! is a dynamic and engaging 5-day summer camp designed to introduce students to the exciting world of filmmaking and acting. Through a blend of interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and practical exercises, campers will learn the fundamentals of storytelling, scriptwriting, acting, camera techniques, and video editing. Led by experienced instructors, this immersive experience will empower campers to unleash their creativity, collaborate with peers, and bring their ideas to life on screen. Day 1: Introduction to Filmmaking - Explore the basics of filmmaking and storytelling. - Engage in icebreaker activities to foster a sense of community. - Learn about the various roles in filmmaking and the importance of collaboration. - Dive into acting games and exercises to build confidence in front of the camera. Day 2: Pre-production - Develop storytelling skills through scriptwriting and storyboarding. - Assign roles and responsibilities for the production phase. - Plan shooting schedules and scout locations around the camp. Day 3: Production - Gain hands-on experience with filmmaking equipment. - Rehearse scenes and fine-tune performances under the guidance of acting coaches. - Begin filming scenes according to the production schedule. Day 4: Post-production - Learn the basics of video editing software. - Edit footage to create a polished final cut. - Explore sound design techniques to enhance the film's audio. Day 5: Screening and Wrap-Up - Present completed films in a special screening event. - Share experiences and insights gained during the camp. Throughout the camp, participants will collaborate in small groups to create their own short films, allowing them to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. By the end of the week, campers will have gained a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking and acting while creating lasting memories and friendships. * Completed Movies will made available for download online shortly after the end of the course. ** On occasions, movies will be entered into international film festivals! If this is the case, we will offer letters of consent from parents before application.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Filmmaking & Acting Summer Camp Overview: This 5-day summer camp is an immersive experience where campers will create multiple short films, each exploring different storytelling styles and genres. Through a mix of hands-on activities, improvisation, and teamwork, campers will develop creative confidence while making movies they’ll be proud of. DAY 1: Action-Packed One-Take Movie & Silent Film Challenge 🎬 Focus: Acting, Movement, and Visual Storytelling • Icebreaker: “Act It Out” – Fun group activities to build confidence on camera. • The One-Take Action Movie – Campers create a 1-2 minute action scene in a single take (e.g., a zombie chase, a superhero showdown, or a spy escape). • The Silent Movie Challenge – Inspired by classic silent films, teams must tell a short story using only expressions and physical comedy (e.g., “The Great Pie Fight” or “Lost in the City”). • Screen & Discuss – Watch the films and discuss storytelling without words. DAY 2: Mystery, Comedy & The Talk Show Challenge 🎬 Focus: Writing & Improvisation • The Mystery Short Film – Groups create a 2-3 minute whodunit (e.g., “The Missing Trophy” or “The Haunted Backpack”). • Comedy & Improv Games – Learn comedic timing through fast-paced acting exercises. • The Talk Show Challenge – Each group produces a hilarious or serious talk show segment with characters (e.g., “Aliens Among Us,” “Secrets from the Principal’s Office”). • Scriptwriting & Planning for the Big Film – Start brainstorming and outlining the main project for Days 3-5. DAY 3: Filming the Big Movie – Genre Pick 🎬 Focus: Shooting a Full Short Film Campers break into teams and choose one of the following genres for their main project: Some examples of movies are below but the story will be decided by campers. ✅ Sci-Fi: “The Portal Problem” – A group of kids discovers a strange portal in the park. ✅ Fantasy: “The Magic Object” – An ordinary object gives someone unexpected powers. ✅ Horror: “The Cursed Phone” – A haunted smartphone wreaks havoc. ✅ Comedy: “The Worst Babysitter Ever” – A chaotic babysitting adventure. ✅ Drama: “Best Friends… or Worst Enemies?” – A friendship takes an unexpected turn. • Assign Roles & Rehearse – Actors practice, and directors finalize their shot lists. • Filming Begins! – Teams start shooting their films, capturing multiple scenes. DAY 4: Continue Filming & Special Effects Scene 🎬 Focus: Finishing Scenes & Adding Movie Magic • Morning: Finishing Principal Filming – Complete any remaining scenes. • The Special Effects Scene Challenge – Learn to shoot basic special effects, like: • Superpowers (e.g., teleportation, flying, force fields) • Disappearing Tricks (using jump cuts and clever angles) • Ghostly Figures (double exposure tricks) • Editing Prep – Organize footage and choose music/sound effects. DAY 5: Editing & Film Festival Premiere 🎬 Focus: Bringing It All Together & Celebrating • Final Editing Touches – Groups polish their films and add soundtracks. • Movie Poster Challenge – Each team creates a poster for their film. • Wrap-Up & Goodbyes – Exchange contacts and reflect on the week’s experience. Extras: • Online Film Access – Campers will receive a link to download their movies and we will sometimes hold film festivals at various venues across the city!

Lights, Camera, Action! 5-Day Filmmaking and Acting Summer Camp Overview: Lights, Camera, Action! is a dynamic and engaging 5-day summer camp designed to introduce students to the exciting world of filmmaking and acting. Through a blend of interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and practical exercises, campers will learn the fundamentals of storytelling, scriptwriting, acting, camera techniques, and video editing. Led by experienced instructors, this immersive experience will empower campers to unleash their creativity, collaborate with peers, and bring their ideas to life on screen. Day 1: Introduction to Filmmaking - Explore the basics of filmmaking and storytelling. - Engage in icebreaker activities to foster a sense of community. - Learn about the various roles in filmmaking and the importance of collaboration. - Dive into acting games and exercises to build confidence in front of the camera. Day 2: Pre-production - Develop storytelling skills through scriptwriting and storyboarding. - Assign roles and responsibilities for the production phase. - Plan shooting schedules and scout locations around the camp. Day 3: Production - Gain hands-on experience with filmmaking equipment. - Rehearse scenes and fine-tune performances under the guidance of acting coaches. - Begin filming scenes according to the production schedule. Day 4: Post-production - Learn the basics of video editing software. - Edit footage to create a polished final cut. - Explore sound design techniques to enhance the film's audio. Day 5: Screening and Wrap-Up - Present completed films in a special screening event. - Share experiences and insights gained during the camp. Throughout the camp, participants will collaborate in small groups to create their own short films, allowing them to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. By the end of the week, campers will have gained a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking and acting while creating lasting memories and friendships. * Completed Movies will made available for download online shortly after the end of the course. ** On occasions, movies will be entered into international film festivals! If this is the case, we will offer letters of consent from parents before application.

Lights, Camera, Action! 5-Day Filmmaking and Acting Summer Camp Overview: Lights, Camera, Action! is a dynamic and engaging 5-day summer camp designed to introduce students to the exciting world of filmmaking and acting. Through a blend of interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and practical exercises, campers will learn the fundamentals of storytelling, scriptwriting, acting, camera techniques, and video editing. Led by experienced instructors, this immersive experience will empower campers to unleash their creativity, collaborate with peers, and bring their ideas to life on screen. Day 1: Introduction to Filmmaking - Explore the basics of filmmaking and storytelling. - Engage in icebreaker activities to foster a sense of community. - Learn about the various roles in filmmaking and the importance of collaboration. - Dive into acting games and exercises to build confidence in front of the camera. Day 2: Pre-production - Develop storytelling skills through scriptwriting and storyboarding. - Assign roles and responsibilities for the production phase. - Plan shooting schedules and scout locations around the camp. Day 3: Production - Gain hands-on experience with filmmaking equipment. - Rehearse scenes and fine-tune performances under the guidance of acting coaches. - Begin filming scenes according to the production schedule. Day 4: Post-production - Learn the basics of video editing software. - Edit footage to create a polished final cut. - Explore sound design techniques to enhance the film's audio. Day 5: Screening and Wrap-Up - Present completed films in a special screening event. - Share experiences and insights gained during the camp. Throughout the camp, participants will collaborate in small groups to create their own short films, allowing them to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. By the end of the week, campers will have gained a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking and acting while creating lasting memories and friendships. * Completed Movies will made available for download online shortly after the end of the course. ** On occasions, movies will be entered into international film festivals! If this is the case, we will offer letters of consent from parents before application.

Experience the Best of San Antonio from Austin on this 7-hour small-group tour of the River City. Explore the Alamo - a local cultural icon. Afterward, enjoy a serene and leisurely stroll through the lush gardens sheltered by the elegant shade of time-worn oak trees on the historic grounds. Witness the beautiful city skyline on a narrated drive, explore the beautiful Spanish colonial missions, and take in stunning views of the city from both a relaxing River Cruise and 190 m (623 ft) above from the top of the Tower of the Americas.

There's nothing better than getting to know a city from a local, and that's exactly what you can expect on this 2.5-hour tour (with stops). Your Austinite guide will share stories about the fun-loving Texas capital aboard a 14-passenger convertible Mercedes-Benz sprinter van. This unique vehicle, which is open air, is also equipped with sanitized headsets that you can use to get to know Austin through conversations, with English and Spanish language options. Route subject to change due to closures. See all the local hangouts, hip and historic neighborhoods, and beautiful Central Texas Hill Country. Along the way, you'll get out to stretch for pictures and scenery on 3-4 stops that could include the the Driskill Hotel, Barton Springs, and the award-winning Austin Public Library (Routes & stops subject to change due to events or closures.) Read the What to Expect section below to learn more about what you will see and where you will stop to visit on this ultimate guided tour of Austin.