City Cinema
Professional Cinema Training for New York City High School Students
City Cinema
City Cinema
FILMMAKING
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
ACTING
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.
Year-round Course Offerings
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’ve trained thousands of young artists over the last 24 years and are happy to offer our time-tested summer courses as part of your two-year track as a City Cinema student.
World Class Education
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
Your storytelling journey starts here
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.
A Feature Film Every Two Years
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.
Join the Crew
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.
Choose One Class or the Full Track
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
Upcoming 2026 Winter/Spring Semester Weekend Programs & Summer Intensives
In the Winter/Spring semester, City Cinema offers 12-week programs that meet either on Saturdays or Sundays, starting in mid-January. In the summer, we offer two 3-week sessions for our Summer Intensives: Session One starts June 29 and Session Two starts July 20.
12-Week Winter/Spring Semester Weekend Programs
The 12-week intensive schedule allows students time to work on multiple projects, collaborate with peers, and refine their craft.Film Launch — Actor's Lab
Dates: Jan 24 — Apr 25, 2026
Meets Saturdays, 11am-6pm
Film II, Cinematech & Documentary & Acting II — Art of the Scene
Dates: Jan 25 — Apr 26, 2026
Meets Sundays, 11am-6pm
3-Week Summer Intensives
The full three-week intensive schedule allows students time to work on multiple projects, collaborate with peers, and refine their craft.Session One
Dates: June 29 — July 17, 2026
Meets Monday through Friday, 10:30am-5pm, does not meet on July 4th
Session Two
Dates: July 20 - August 7, 2026
Meets Monday through Friday, 10:30am-4:30pm
Starting Jan 24, 2026
FILMLAUNCH
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.
Starts Jan 24, 2025
ACTOR'SLAB
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.
Starting Jan 21, 2026
WRITERSROOM
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.
Enrollment Questions?
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:
- A current high school student (from the fall semester of freshman year to the spring semester of senior year—no exceptions)
- Our admissions team will prioritize applications from students from historically underserved communities who attend public or charter high schools in the five boroughs of New York City but any student within commuting distance of our Manhattan campus is eligible and encouraged to apply.
We are currently accepting applications for our 12-week Spring Semester weekend programs.
City Cinema
Empowering the next generation of NYC voices
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!
