City Cinema
City Cinema
City Cinema
Our filmmaking program immerses students in the art and craft of visual storytelling, combining captivating lectures with hands-on projects to spark creativity and hone each student’s technical expertise. Guided by industry professionals, students will embark on an exciting journey through the dynamic world of digital media.
App
City Cinema
Our acting program provides actors with versatile training for stage and screen, led by seasoned industry professionals. Our "toolbox" method ensures each student discovers their unique approach to the craft.
City Cinema classes run through the academic year and over the summer, offering points of entry into the program at any time.
12-Week
Our fall and winter/spring semester classes run over the course of 12 weeks, primarily meeting either on Saturday or Sundays from 11am - 6pm. All sections will attend two special events on select Fridays and will have a combined final showcase and gala on the last day of the program.
3-Week
Join the SOCAPA family by taking part in the summer program where it all began. We have trained thousands of young artists over the last 25 years and are happy to offer our time-tested summer courses as part of your two-year track as a City Cinema student.
For over 20 years, SOCAPA has proudly assembled a faculty of the highest caliber to mentor the next generation of creatives. Our film instructors bring a wealth of experience, having showcased their work at prestigious festivals such as Sundance, Cannes, Venice, TIFF, and Berlin, while also making their mark in the television industry as writers and directors. Additionally, many serve as current professors at leading film programs like Columbia University and NYU. Our acting instructors combine the expertise of Broadway veterans with accomplished Film and TV actors who have contributed to some of the biggest films of the past few decades.
The Progression
Over the course of our two-year curriculum, students master storytelling and technical skills in front of and behind the camera through a combination of lectures and hands-on short film productions.
SOCAPA City Cinema centers around a ground breaking feature film model designed to provide unparalleled cinema training to students in front of and behind the camera. Every two years, students in both our filmmaking and acting programs will get the opportunity to take part in a full-length feature film production that’s written and directed by notable filmmakers and led by veteran department heads who will mentor students through the process.
For every feature production, we will be actively assembling our crew and casting for actors, prioritizing previous SOCAPA City Cinema students. To get on our radar, simply enroll and complete at least one class. The more you engage with our two-year track, the greater opportunities you’ll have to participate in the feature production.
The program’s flexible structure allows students to join at various stages of their development, with onboarding available throughout our fall, spring, and summer sessions. While our introductory “FilmLaunch” and “The Actor’s Lab” courses are a great option for artists working at any level, it is possible for more experienced students to skip ahead and jump right into our Core classes.
Manhattan Campus • Union Square
Fall and Winter/Spring 12-week classes give NYC high school students a sustained, hands-on introduction to filmmaking and acting.
Build your creative foundation through hands-on production, expert mentorship, and collaborative projects throughout the school year.
Choose FilmLaunch, The Actor's Lab, or a more advanced course to match your experience and goals.
Classes primarily meet Saturdays or Sundays, 11am–6pm, with select Friday events and a final showcase.
Continue developing your voice, craft, and portfolio with a new 12-week semester in the spring.
Students can join at different stages of their training in filmmaking or acting.
Work with teaching artists and peers toward meaningful projects and a shared final showcase.
Fall & Winter/Spring Classes
FilmLaunch offers an exciting introduction to the dynamic world of digital media. Students will embark on a journey through the rich legacy of cinematic storytelling, exploring everything from the origins of the first moving images to the evolution of film, all the way to the video content we consume on our phones today. The course emphasizes how stories can drive change in the world, analyzing works from revolutionary filmmakers, especially those rooted in New York City—home to some of the greatest stories ever told. As the storytellers of tomorrow, you will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on technical filmmaking, culminating in a collaborative project where you will work in teams to write, direct, and produce a short film together.
Fall & Winter/Spring Classes
The Actor's Lab introduces SOCAPA City Cinema’s innovative "toolbox" approach to acting, allowing students to explore a variety of techniques and discover what resonates most with their unique style. Participants will actively engage with these methods through scenes curated by the instructor, and they will have the chance to apply their skills in student short films produced by their filmmaking peers. This immersive experience fosters creativity and collaboration, empowering students to develop their craft in a dynamic environment.
Fall & Winter/Spring Classes
Writers Room immerses students in the fundamentals of screenwriting, from idea generation and narrative structure to developing characters and crafting authentic scenes. Designed for aspiring writers, the course provides hands-on experience in writing short screenplays and developing treatments for feature films and TV pilots. Alongside writing exercises, you’ll gain insight into the industry’s inner workings, preparing you for the dynamic world of film and television writing.
F.A.Q.
We've got answers . . .
SOCAPA City Cinema is a highly competitive program with a rigorous selection process driven by our unique financial model. Thanks to generous institutional funding, we’re proud to offer full scholarships to all enrolled students, making our industry-leading arts education accessible to talented young artists from all backgrounds. This support amplifies diverse voices, empowering students to tell stories that deserve to be heard.
SOCAPA City Cinema is committed to amplifying voices from underserved communities, but we welcome students from all backgrounds. The only application eligibility requirements are that you must be:
We are currently accepting applications for our 12-week Spring Semester weekend programs.
City Cinema Summer '25
A curated selection of City Cinema films from our 2025 NYC programs.
Now Live
Explore the full City Cinema experience — curriculum, faculty bios, student films, and applications — all in one place at our brand new independent platform.
City Cinema
In a world saturated with media, we empower teens to become not just consumers, but creators and critics of the stories that shape our lives. Join us and transform your passion into a powerful tool for change—your storytelling journey starts here!
