Acting Intensive and Independent Film Project – Summer 2025 - Teens
What: Acting Intensive and IFP 2025
Who: Teens – Ages 13 TO 19*
(*Preteen Triple Threat students/past IFP cast members may participate)
Taught/Directed by: Keith Contreras-McDonald, Cynthia Gibb, Jamie Mann, and Mike O'Hara
When: August 4 to 15 (weekdays, + Aug 17 cast party)
Where: Westport Playhouse (Lucille Lortel Barn) & Base Camp at 7 Hillandale Road, Westport
We prefer payment by check for this program so please reach out by email to secure your spot: triplethreatacademyct@gmail.com
Triple Threat Academy’s Independent Film Project (IFP) brings Hollywood to Westport, giving a small group of participants the opportunity to experience making an independent short film with a professional crew. This year we are incorporating a week-long acting intensive, to deepen technique for both stage and screen, before our on-camera week. At the end of the first week, students will present monologues or scenes for family and friends. This approach will achieve the goals of: preparing students for the deeper scenes in this year's film (we often share film footage with managers and agents in the industry, so we want our cast giving the best performances possible!); offering high schoolers the chance to coach on college audition monologues; and enabling the cast and parents to enjoy a staged presentation. Some improv will be woven into the week and students interested in focusing on improv may have the chance to put up a mini improv show on Friday (pending enrollment/demand).
Students interested in screenwriting are invited to free brainstorming and writing sessions this spring to collaborate on the script. (No experience necessary, just eagerness, ideas, and a grasp of the authentic teen voice, i.e. if you're a teen, you're in!)
The second week will begin with a table read, character development, and rehearsals for the film, which will be shot during the latter half of the week. Students will learn various aspects of filmmaking, both acting in front of the camera and apprenticing in roles behind the camera. Cast members can request professional footage for their acting reel ($50 editing fee).
Students will also help conceive looks and gather costumes, props, hair and makeup items; and benefit from illustrious guest speakers. Previous guests include A Million Little Things star Stephanie Szostak, L.A. screenwriter Michael Jamin (King of the Hill, Just Shoot Me, Beavis & Butthead), producer Andrew Wilk (Emmy-winning executive producer—PBS's Live From Lincoln Center and Stars on Stage series, Nat Geo—and former COO of Sony Music), professional makeup artist Kathleen Fillion (Kelly Clarkson Show), and our very own Golden-Globe nominated actress Cynthia Gibb (Fame, Gypsy, Youngblood).
Triple Threat's 2022 short film, "Lux Freer," and 2023 film, "Presumed Incompetent," both screened at the prestigious Dances With Films festival at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and won numerous awards on the film fest circuit.
Triple Threat cast members with director Cynthia Gibb
at the world premiere of "Lux Freer" in L.A.
Poster for our 2022 award-winning film, "Lux Freer." 
Triple Threat Co-Directors Cynthia Gibb and Jill Mann at the Cast & Crew Screening of "Lux Freer" at Sacred Heart Community Theatre in Fairfield.
CREW-ONLY OPTION
More interested in directing, shooting, or producing than acting? Teens who prefer to stay behind the camera are eligible for a discounted fee of $900* for the two-week program and may join pre-production meetings in July, furthering the experience and knowledge they will gain in their apprenticeship roles.
*Enter discount code CREW to enroll at this link.
On set shooting "Lux Freer" with renowned actress Jean Louisa Kelly.
Week 1, August 4 to August 8, 10 am to 4 pm