SOCAPA Reviews - Reviews of our Summer Camps & Programs

SOCAPA Summer Camp Reviews

Sometimes it's better to hear it from someone else. Read what actual students and parents have to say about our summer camps and programs.


film acting dance music photography VT NYC LA East Burke

Apr 05, 2023

"My daughter had the most wonderful time at the California SOCAPA location! She learned so many valuable skills, and just as importantly she gained lifelong friends. The experience she had out West was... read on google"

"My daughter had the most wonderful time at the California SOCAPA location! She learned so many valuable skills, and just as importantly she gained lifelong friends. The experience she had out West was so fantastic that she plans to expand her horizons even more by attending the SOCAPA New York campus this summer. I would highly recommend SOCAPA to any parent whose child is interested in film!"

Apr 02, 2023

"Our daughter has attended SOCAPA acting camp for the past two summers in Vermont. The first year was such an amazing experience for her she couldn’t wait to return the second summer. The staff at ... read on google"

"Our daughter has attended SOCAPA acting camp for the past two summers in Vermont. The first year was such an amazing experience for her she couldn’t wait to return the second summer. The staff at SOCAPA are dedicated and truly supportive. SOCAPA inspired our daughter, improved her confidence, and gave her the opportunity to make lasting friendships. This summer she will return to SOCAPA once again but will be attending the NYC campus with friends that she has made over the past two years. Thank you SOCAPA for this exceptional program!"

Mar 13, 2021

"SOCAPA was my daughter's dream- she just couldn't believe she was going to go! And then the world shut down with COVID. She was devastated. But then SOCAPA regrouped and offered an online version. Wh... read on google"

"SOCAPA was my daughter's dream- she just couldn't believe she was going to go! And then the world shut down with COVID. She was devastated. But then SOCAPA regrouped and offered an online version. While it obviously wasn't the same as in person, she still got so much out of the experience and made friends from literally around the world. She is going back this year and can't wait. I highly recommend this camp- it fosters such a love of learning and growing their creative abilities."

Dec 01, 2021

"SOCAPA (Summer 2021 Core Acting VT) was a fantastic experience for our daughter. She loved everything about this camp (except for the food). The acting for film experience she received was excellent,... read on google"

"SOCAPA (Summer 2021 Core Acting VT) was a fantastic experience for our daughter. She loved everything about this camp (except for the food). The acting for film experience she received was excellent, very realistic and intensive. My daughter developed friendships that she continues to maintain. The Champlain College campus environment was safe, modern and allowed the students to foster independence. I highly recommend SOCAPA Vermont."

Nov 15, 2021

"I went to the VT 3 week program for acting. My mom found SOCAPA through facebook and after thinking about it for a little bit my parents let me go! When I got there I was a little nervous but then I m... read on google"

"I went to the VT 3 week program for acting. My mom found SOCAPA through facebook and after thinking about it for a little bit my parents let me go! When I got there I was a little nervous but then I met my roommate and now my best friend. Through out the three weeks I met many people from all over the world and we all became almost like a little family. I have SOCAPA to thank because if I hadn’t gone to SOCAPA I wouldn’t have met some of my closest friends. During these three weeks we got to be in many different short films and I was even lucky enough to be in a music video! Every day the staff made wonderful meals for us and we had so many different options to pick from. On the weekends our R/A’s would bring us places like the arcade, swimming, and even the trampoline park! On one of the nights we even did karaoke! Through out the week on some of the nights after filming or class we were able to go to church street to eat dinner and go out shopping! The R/A’s treated us like their family and they were so kind! When we weren’t filming or out on adventures we were in class! In our classes we learned so many different skills and techniques! We had an amazing teacher that got us ready for every show case! We would make live scenes to preform at the show cases and it was so much fun!!! Overall this was an experience that I will never forget and i’m so excited to go back for SOCAPA 2022!!! I made so many friends and memories! Thank you SOCAPA! I can’t wait to make more memories!"

Nov 15, 2021

"We were looking for a summer camp for my daughter who loves acting and found Socapa. I was a little nervous at first sending her out of state for three weeks at only 13. I’m so happy we sent her it ... read on google"

"We were looking for a summer camp for my daughter who loves acting and found Socapa. I was a little nervous at first sending her out of state for three weeks at only 13. I’m so happy we sent her it was the best three weeks of her life!!!! They had everything there she needed and we were able to visit. She had an amazing roommate who she now talks to daily! She made friends from around the world they honestly became a little family. They were taken on outings while they were there. Socapa definitely exceeded my expectations!!! I can’t believe what my daughter learnt in 3 weeks!!!! They had a showcase at the end and I was blown away by the work these kids did it was truly amazing!!! The staff was absolutely amazing and they treated the kids like their own!! I wish we would have found this place sooner!!! My daughter can’t wait to go back this summer and we look forward to all the new experience and life time friends she will make!! Sending her was by far the best decision we’ve ever made!!!! Thank you Socapa!!!!"

Dec 24, 2019

"My son Evan attended the one week Core Acting Camp in Manhattan last summer, and it was quite literally life-changing. Growing up in rural Nebraska, and involved in community and school theater since ... read on google"

"My son Evan attended the one week Core Acting Camp in Manhattan last summer, and it was quite literally life-changing. Growing up in rural Nebraska, and involved in community and school theater since an early age, Evan wanted an experience to stretch to new levels and found it in SOCAPA. He learned so much, had great new experiences and made friends that he has continued to be in touch with all of this year. As a parent, I had natural trepidations about his experience so far away from home and the folks at SOCAPA were great about putting me in touch with parents and participants from previous years to find out more about the program and allay any concerns that I had. Staff was unfailingly responsive and helpful before, during, and after this experience. Evan plans to return this summer for a longer and more advanced camp experience."

Apr 13, 2019

"I have made some of my greatest friends at this camp. Not only are the teachers absolutely incredible, but everyone is overwhelmingly supportive. Everyone here wants the best for you, and sees potenti... read on google"

"I have made some of my greatest friends at this camp. Not only are the teachers absolutely incredible, but everyone is overwhelmingly supportive. Everyone here wants the best for you, and sees potential in every last person. Last summer, I learned more about acting than I have in my entire life. Maddy, my instructor, became one of my best friends. I looked up to her like she was my older, wiser, more knowledgable sister. Not only was she insanely talented, but also very down to earth. She helped me find myself, which allowed me to tap into emotions that I didn't even know I possessed. I strongly recommend this summer camp. The Vermont environment is quite peaceful and relaxing, which allowed me the ability to be able to concentrate on the art I was studying. Especially in the advanced programs, everyone is serious about their work. If you are looking for a summer camp in which you can further a craft that you are truly passionate about, this is the place for you. As an Eagle Scout, on my honor, you can trust me when I say that going here will having a profound impact on you for the rest of your life. Go."

Apr 05, 2019

"My name is Téha, and I am French. Last year, I attempted the three weeks core acting at Socapa on the Manhattan campus. It was a very interesting experience. Because during these three weeks, we di... read on google"

"My name is Téha, and I am French. Last year, I attempted the three weeks core acting at Socapa on the Manhattan campus. It was a very interesting experience. Because during these three weeks, we didn't just did some acting technics, but we also shot in different shorts films (that the filmmakers made), and went to two musicals at Broadway. I made many friends from different countries that has the same passion than me, and that was really good because we were helping each other to improves our acting. The class was very various: we did a lot's of improvisation, and some fifteen minutes act scene on a theme that we had to respect. Our mentor also gave us some exercises to do to warm us up before starting acting. I recommend Socapa three weeks core acting to every person that is interested in acting because I'm convinced that you will love it and that you will maybe discover a new passion."

Nov 15, 2018
 

"Our 16 yr old daughter Katherine attended the 2-week Core Acting program in LA. She had heard about SOCAPA from a friend who had attended the dance camp in NY the year prior. Not only did she have a g... read on facebook"

"Our 16 yr old daughter Katherine attended the 2-week Core Acting program in LA. She had heard about SOCAPA from a friend who had attended the dance camp in NY the year prior. Not only did she have a great experience at camp she met people from all around the world. The camp broadened her acting skills and gave her a better understanding of how to work in front of a camera as well as with a production team. Not to mention the great excursions into LA. She enjoyed the experience so much she is hoping to return in 2019 for the 3 week course."

May 30, 2018

"The SOCAPA program provided a wonderful experience for my stepson. Although he enrolled at the last minute, SOCAPA extended itself in making accommodations for him. He was able to join two classes, sc... read on google"

"The SOCAPA program provided a wonderful experience for my stepson. Although he enrolled at the last minute, SOCAPA extended itself in making accommodations for him. He was able to join two classes, screenwriting and filmmaking, and also participate as an actor in three of the projects. I was impressed by the seriousness and quality of the instruction, the support to the students that the instructors gave, and the diversity of the program itself, which included acting, filmmaking, and photography. Different students participated in different parts of the program, but the mix made the whole greater than the parts. The fact that there were young people from all over the US as well as from abroad added another very positive dimension to the program. There was great camaraderie, and my stepson made many friends from all over the world. He is still in touch with many of them. Although he was a day student, I saw enough through his eyes to know that the students in the residential program were well taken care of in terms of safety — while giving them enough freedom to have fun. All in all SOCAPA provided a high quality learning experience and a great summer."

Jul 19, 2017

"SOCAPA NYC is wonderful. My daughter loved every minute of her three-week core acting program. She learned so much and got to work with such talented, motivated, creative teachers and students in such... read on facebook"

"SOCAPA NYC is wonderful. My daughter loved every minute of her three-week core acting program. She learned so much and got to work with such talented, motivated, creative teachers and students in such a supportive atmosphere. She now has friends from all over the country and the world, and can't wait to come back next summer!"

Oct 30, 2013

"My son participated in this program the last two summers. It was OUTSTANDING. Excellent instruction, hands-on learning, in a very professional setting. This is the best program of its kind we have eve... read on facebook"

"My son participated in this program the last two summers. It was OUTSTANDING. Excellent instruction, hands-on learning, in a very professional setting. This is the best program of its kind we have ever encountered. My family highly recommends SOCAPA!"

Jul 03, 2019

"I'm going to keep this short and sweet . SOCAPA is a life changing experience that will make you a better artist, along side a better person . I went to SOCAPA 3 times and each time was better than th... read on google"

"I'm going to keep this short and sweet . SOCAPA is a life changing experience that will make you a better artist, along side a better person . I went to SOCAPA 3 times and each time was better than the last .The connections I made in the acting world were crucial in my development as an actor and the friends I made will be with me for life . SOCAPA's versitle curriculum will prepare you for the real world and will also make you never want to leave the program. Even though the experience I gained as an actor was incredible, the other social aspect SOCAPA offers is truly what made me fall in love. From seeing Broadway shows, to adventuring, and even doing bonding activities with your roommates made the experience different and better than any other summer program. The counselors and teachers are phenomenal, and the classes are fun and interesting. It truly prepares you for the real world and I will value SOCAPA until the day I die. I have nothing but love for SOCAPA, and it is a must if you are an artist looking to expirience the world of your craft and become a better human in general."

Nov 16, 2021

"Such a great experience for my daughter. We live in a small city so acting lessons are limited outside of school. She camp was everything my daughter wanted. She received daily lessons, on site exp... read on google"

"Such a great experience for my daughter. We live in a small city so acting lessons are limited outside of school. She camp was everything my daughter wanted. She received daily lessons, on site experience and a great group of friends. She loved everything about this camp. She made great friendships and loved living the independent college lifestyle. We felt she was in a safe environment that allowed her to explore her independence. I highly recommend this camp. We already signed up for next year."

Nov 07, 2021

"The best time of my life!!! It was so fun!... read on google"

"The best time of my life!!! It was so fun!"

Nov 07, 2021

"The best time of my life!!! It was so fun!... read on google"

"The best time of my life!!! It was so fun!"

Mar 12, 2020

"I went here a little under a year ago and I can’t tell you how amazing it was! I made so many new friends that I keep in touch with still. I had very little acting experience and I didn’... read on google"

"I went here a little under a year ago and I can’t tell you how amazing it was! I made so many new friends that I keep in touch with still. I had very little acting experience and I didn’t feel left behind at all her bough there were many more people with more experience than I. This place is wonderful and worth every single cent- I highly recommend it!"

Apr 07, 2019

"My son has been attending SOCAPA since the summer before his 9th grade year and he will be attending again this year going into his senior year. He has gained incredible skills, met life-long friends,... read on google"

"My son has been attending SOCAPA since the summer before his 9th grade year and he will be attending again this year going into his senior year. He has gained incredible skills, met life-long friends, and loved every minute of the independence and education he has received."

Jan 15, 2019

"My daughter went to core acting in 2018 and loved it. I was amazed when I saw her in the final showcase. Her acting was believable and emotionally charged. She had so much fun while learning a lot,... read on google"

"My daughter went to core acting in 2018 and loved it. I was amazed when I saw her in the final showcase. Her acting was believable and emotionally charged. She had so much fun while learning a lot, and making very close friends. She'll be back for the advanced course!"

Oct 23, 2001
 

"My son (high school sophomore) loved Socapa’s two week acting camp in Vermont last summer. He had an amazing experience! He even called us asking if he could stay for a third week! This summer, he... read on facebook"

"My son (high school sophomore) loved Socapa’s two week acting camp in Vermont last summer. He had an amazing experience! He even called us asking if he could stay for a third week! This summer, he signed up for the three week advanced class in Vermont. He loved everything about it, the teachers, the students, the classes. He made several friends who he has stayed in touch with this year. Highly recommend this camp for any teen who enjoys acting."

Mar 13, 2021

"My 16 yr old daughter was so excited all school year to attend the camp, and then COVID struck and the camp was cancelled, but luckily SOCAPA folks regrouped and offered an online version which she at... read on google"

"My 16 yr old daughter was so excited all school year to attend the camp, and then COVID struck and the camp was cancelled, but luckily SOCAPA folks regrouped and offered an online version which she attended. She absolutely loved the experience and what I saw of the course and professionalism of the staff impressed me. She waited all year through the pandemic to finally see that they are offering in person camp again, and is thrilled to be attending in person this year."

Mar 13, 2021

"I highly recommend SOCAPA to anyone who has dreams to be in the arts! Though I didn't get the "in-person" experience, I worked with such supportive and patient people from around the world. I took the... read on google"

"I highly recommend SOCAPA to anyone who has dreams to be in the arts! Though I didn't get the "in-person" experience, I worked with such supportive and patient people from around the world. I took the Core Acting program. Being an aspiring actor with no experience, I learned so much and made so many memories! I am excited to be returning this year in-person!"

Nov 03, 2019
 

"My Daughter went last year for the 2 week Core Acting Intensive, the first time she was ever away from home. We were ready for the rescue call, or even a homesick call home. However, that call never c... read on facebook"

"My Daughter went last year for the 2 week Core Acting Intensive, the first time she was ever away from home. We were ready for the rescue call, or even a homesick call home. However, that call never came! She was having so much fun and making the best friends that she barely had a minute to even call and say goodnight! She is still talking about " the time of her life", we have already signed her up for next summer!"

Apr 30, 2019

"I've been to SOCAPA 3 summers in a row and I'm greatly looking forward to returning this year as an intern. The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, and the students and staff are passionate and in... read on google"

"I've been to SOCAPA 3 summers in a row and I'm greatly looking forward to returning this year as an intern. The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, and the students and staff are passionate and inspiring!"

Feb 15, 2019

"My 13 year old son grew tremendously as an actor in a short amount of time. His teachers were incredibly inspiring and before the session was over, he was begging to return next summer.... read on google"

"My 13 year old son grew tremendously as an actor in a short amount of time. His teachers were incredibly inspiring and before the session was over, he was begging to return next summer."

Nov 15, 2018

"I had a wonderful experience in the acting boot camp! The instructors were wonderful, the food and dorms were outstanding! the staff really connected with the students- can’t wait to go back ... read on google"

"I had a wonderful experience in the acting boot camp! The instructors were wonderful, the food and dorms were outstanding! the staff really connected with the students- can’t wait to go back next year!"

Nov 03, 2018
 

"My 14-year-old daughter attended SOCAPA and she absolutely loved it! I only heard positive things about her experience. She came home with a new sense of self, new friends and a new energy for her pas... read on facebook"

"My 14-year-old daughter attended SOCAPA and she absolutely loved it! I only heard positive things about her experience. She came home with a new sense of self, new friends and a new energy for her passions."

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Nov 03, 2018

"Such an amazing experience, best summer of my life by far. Everyone is extremely talented and share a common passion for the arts that is hard to find in an everyday environment. Highly recommend!... read on google"

"Such an amazing experience, best summer of my life by far. Everyone is extremely talented and share a common passion for the arts that is hard to find in an everyday environment. Highly recommend!"

Oct 22, 2018
 

"My 13 year old attended the two week acting program at SOCAPA Los Angeles. I was incredibly impressed with what the kids produced in that amount of time. He was extremely busy "working" and learning d... read on facebook"

"My 13 year old attended the two week acting program at SOCAPA Los Angeles. I was incredibly impressed with what the kids produced in that amount of time. He was extremely busy "working" and learning during the days and having fun with new friends and program counselors in the evenings. From the written feedback given to me at the end of the program, it was clear that the teachers got to know my son very well and identified his strengths. It was a serious acting program in which a tremendous amount of teaching and work occurred in a short amount of time. Before we even left campus, my son was begging for my promise that he could return next year."

May 23, 2018

"I had such an awesome at time at SOCAPA. It was great to be surrounded by so many amazing people who shared my passion for acting. At first I was a bit unsure as I'm not a particularly social person b... read on google"

"I had such an awesome at time at SOCAPA. It was great to be surrounded by so many amazing people who shared my passion for acting. At first I was a bit unsure as I'm not a particularly social person but the moment I arrived all my doubts vanished. I highly recommend it to everyone. I learned so much from the experience and it was easily one of the highlights of my summer."

Nov 07, 2017

"Our son attended the acting session at Champlain College and it was a transformational experience for him... he found his clan and passion and it has guided his high school experience.... read on google"

"Our son attended the acting session at Champlain College and it was a transformational experience for him... he found his clan and passion and it has guided his high school experience."

Jun 13, 2017

"Ended up doing Acting, Photography and Music prpgrams in Vermont, NYC and Costa Rica with SOCAPA and they were undeniably the best weeks of my summers/winter breaks!... read on facebook"

"Ended up doing Acting, Photography and Music prpgrams in Vermont, NYC and Costa Rica with SOCAPA and they were undeniably the best weeks of my summers/winter breaks!"

Nov 06, 2012

"There are not words to describe this program. I went first two years ago; the summer was great, the people were amazing, and the food was sooooo good. Two years ago I went to Saint Johnsbury, but th... read on google"

"There are not words to describe this program. I went first two years ago; the summer was great, the people were amazing, and the food was sooooo good. Two years ago I went to Saint Johnsbury, but that does not nearly compare with the summer I had this past year in Burlington. The people were absolutely amazing; there was always support and I had never laughed so much in my life. The rooms are beautiful each person has a bed, a desk, and burue; in some rooms eveveryone has a closet as well. Though in Burlington there is not a pool on campus, the lake is frequently visited, and the gym is open to all students. Micheal Kaplan is one of the most gifted teachers I have ever met. I don't think anyone in both my years did not improve immensely even just through two weeks of work. The class is boiled down into two (or three) weeks of what a freshman in college would experience in one year. Every actor is apart of at least six movies (some up to ten depending on how many actors and filmmakers there are). Also each actor works on a monologue which they perform at the final showcase. In addition each actor and dancer walks away with headshots shot and edited by the very talented photographers. Though I was not apart of the dance program, it was very clear that they were working very hard, they learned I believe four dances in two weeks, some choreographed by the students and some by the dance teacher. I would have to say hearing from my friends that the photography program was better in Burlington then it was in Saint J, just from how much more students seemed to do in Burlington. Filmmaking has got to be the most complicated stressful course at the camp. In the first week, the students have to learn how to use Final Cut Pro, they need to write a script, learn how to opporate the boom and camera, and they need to be directors to the acting students, and they need to edit their films. I would definatly bring a computer no matter what program you're in but especially the film students. Each filmmaker creates three projects. One is a one scene shot, then they get into making movies that people more regularly see in movies, then they create an even longer version of that one. All of the programs are fantastic and all of them offer college credit if you are over a certain age. The food is fantastic, there is a lot of diversity, and there's always ice cream. The teachers are funny, young, and super sweet. The friends I made there are some of the best friends I have, I talk to them most everyday. I can't imagine a better place to spend my summer. No other program can compare. I miss SOCAPA everyday, and I can't wait to go back next year.-Debbie "

Nov 07, 2021

"The best time of my life!!! It was so fun!... read on google"

"The best time of my life!!! It was so fun!"

Sep 29, 2019

"It was so much fun. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in acting as I did the acting program. The location is great and the people you meet along the way are also great.... read on google"

"It was so much fun. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in acting as I did the acting program. The location is great and the people you meet along the way are also great."

Apr 06, 2019

"I loved my experience here. My acting teacher, the fun trips, the people I met from all over, and so much more. I wasn’t expecting all of this. I want to go again!... read on google"

"I loved my experience here. My acting teacher, the fun trips, the people I met from all over, and so much more. I wasn’t expecting all of this. I want to go again!"

Feb 06, 2022

"I experienced a lot from SOCAPA last summer. It is something that I have decided would be a good place to come back to this coming summer. Something that I would have changed about my experience last ... read on google"

"I experienced a lot from SOCAPA last summer. It is something that I have decided would be a good place to come back to this coming summer. Something that I would have changed about my experience last summer, is that I was not put into many scenes in our movies that we made so I did not have as much screen time as I should have had. Other than that, the acting experience there was pretty straight forward and our instructors were amazing. They knew what they were doing and I felt very free at this camp."

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