Free for NYC Public HS Teens!
City Cinema
A ground-breaking, year-round filmmaking and acting program, free for NYC high school teens.
City Cinema
Professional Cinema Training for New York City High School Students
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.
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
Fall and Winter/Spring Classes
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
Summer Classes
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.
F.A.Q.
Enrollment Questions?
We've got answers . . .
What does it cost? +
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.
Who is eligible? +
SOCAPA City Cinema is committed to amplifying voices from underserved communities, but we welcome students from all backgrounds. Applicants must be current high school students, from the fall semester of freshman year to the spring semester of senior year, and 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. Any student within commuting distance of our Manhattan campus is eligible and encouraged to apply.
How do I apply? +
We are currently accepting applications for our 12-week Spring Semester weekend programs and our upcoming summer intensives. Use the current live application links below to get started right away.
City Cinema Summer '25
Student Work
A curated selection of City Cinema films from our 2025 NYC programs.
City Cinema
Empowering the next generation of NYC storytellers
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!
