Programs

This course introduces youth to the exciting world of filmmaking—from idea generation to producing their own short films. Students will gain hands-on experience in writing, filming, editing, and showcasing their projects, while learning from industry mentors and youth creatives.

• Students explore the filmmaking process and create a vision board for their dream film.
• Includes: Behind-the-scenes video, key vocabulary, student spotlights.

• Learn how to turn ideas into scripts using professional formats and templates.
• Includes: 1-page scene writing, screenwriter tips, quizzes.

• Plan a short film including budget, casting, and location ideas.
• Includes: Downloadable templates, production board comparisons.

• Film a short scene using mobile devices and learn set etiquette and framing rules.
• Includes: On-set crew roles, camera angles, demo videos.

• Edit your film using free tools like CapCut or WeVideo and learn how to sync sound and music.
• Includes: Before/after comparisons, beginner editor walkthrough.

• Prepare and present your final film project. Learn how to pitch and submit your work to festivals.
• Includes: Teen-safe platforms, pitch deck tips, final showcase opportunity.

• Certificate of Completion after project upload and final quiz
• Bonus: Careers in Film module + Q&A with real film industry mentors
• Opportunity to feature in the KC Connects Film Showcase

This performance-based course helps students develop acting techniques, emotional expression, and self-confidence. Whether on stage or in front of the camera, youth will learn how to embody characters, deliver monologues, and navigate auditions like a pro.

• Learn the basics of performance and emotion expression.
• Includes: Mirror work, screen vs. stage comparison, welcome video.

• Create an original character using guided templates.
• Includes: Backstory worksheets, actor interviews, trait quizzes.

• Develop projection, diction, and physical awareness.
• Includes: Tongue twisters, posture drills, coach-led videos.

• Practice with partners and build spontaneity through improv games.
• Includes: Youth performance clips, feedback tools.

• Prepare and submit a monologue with proper slate and etiquette.
• Includes: Audition examples, mentor videos, monologue options.

• Perform a scene two ways—stage and on camera—and reflect on the differences.
• Includes: Comparison clips, filming tips, eyeline exercises.

• Certificate of Completion after final performance submission
• Optional Talent Showcase: Feature in the KC Connects Acting Reel
• Live sessions with working actors and creative guests

This course explores how sound design, dialogue, and music shape storytelling in film. From capturing crisp audio to scoring emotional scenes, students will learn how to create the right vibe with sound—even on a low budget. Youth will use real tools and apps to record, edit, and mix their own audio projects.

• Discover how sound enhances visuals and sets the tone for a scene.
• Includes: Movie clip comparisons (with vs. without sound), student discussion prompts.

• Learn about microphones, boom mics, lavaliers, and phone mics.
• Activity: Record a 30-second dialogue clip in a quiet space using a smartphone.
• Includes: Audio tips, noise reduction demos, intro to Room Tone.

• Explore how to layer dialogue, ambient sound, and manually created Foley.
• Activity: Use household items to recreate sounds (footsteps, doors, etc.).
• Includes: SFX libraries, youth-made Foley clips, guided sound layering exercise.

• Understand the purpose of music scores and how they support emotion.
• Activity: Choose a royalty-free track and match it to a scene from a student film.
• Includes: Mood-matching chart, royalty-free music resources (e.g., Pixabay Music, Mixkit).

• Use free tools like Audacity, GarageBand, or BandLab to edit and mix a short scene.
• Activity: Adjust dialogue volume, fade-in/out music, and add background sound.
• Includes: Beginner mix guide, waveform examples, mixing checklist.

• Combine all skills to re-soundtrack a 1-minute silent scene using sound, Foley, and music.
• Includes: Upload instructions, peer audio review form, final reflection.

• Certificate of Completion upon final project submission
• Optional Bonus: Guest Composer Talk or Music Producer Demo Session
• Opportunity to feature student projects in a “Sound in Film” showcase

This course teaches students how to transform raw footage into a compelling story. From timeline editing to adding transitions, titles, and music, youth will explore the creative and technical side of editing using free, beginner-friendly software like CapCut, WeVideo, or DaVinci Resolve.

• Understand the role of an editor and the post-production process.
• Includes: Sample timelines, behind-the-scenes editing footage, vocabulary builder.

• Learn how to cut, trim, split, and rearrange video clips on a timeline.
• Activity: Edit a 30-second scene using drag-and-drop tools.
• Includes: Timeline tutorial video, practice media pack.

• Add transitions like fades, wipes, and dissolves to improve storytelling flow.
• Includes: Transition examples, pacing and rhythm exercises.

• Use titles and captions to add clarity, tone, and creative flair.
• Activity: Add a title card, lower third, and subtitle line to a clip.
• Includes: Caption best practices, font tips, visual effects intro.

• Enhance your visuals with synced music, narration, and clean audio layers.
• Includes: Volume balancing, fade-in/out tools, royalty-free music links.

• Prepare and export your final film for uploading or presentation.
• Activity: Export your edited scene and submit it for peer review.
• Includes: Export settings cheat sheet, project checklist.

• Certificate of Completion upon final scene submission
• Optional: Enter your project in the KC Connects Editor’s Cut Showcase
• Bonus: Guest Q&A with a freelance editor or content creator

This course explores the creative leadership role of the director. Students will learn how to shape a story visually, communicate with cast and crew, and make key decisions that guide a film from page to screen. Young directors will plan, storyboard, block scenes, and direct short segments using peers or actors.

• Understand the core responsibilities of a film director from concept to completion.
• Includes: Director interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, sample call sheets.

• Learn how to convey emotion and meaning through framing, camera angles, and movement.
• Activity: Create a photo storyboard or shot list using a scene prompt.
• Includes: Shot types guide, examples from real films, student demo clips.

• Explore how to coach and guide actors through tone, intention, and blocking.
• Includes: Warm-up exercises, actor-director scripts, cue and pacing practice.

• Plan how characters move through a scene and rehearse moments with your team.
• Activity: Record a simple blocked scene with camera notes.
• Includes: DIY blocking diagrams, timing charts, rehearsal checklist.

• Learn how to manage the crew, call shots, and stay on schedule during production.
• Includes: Set etiquette, director’s toolkit, leadership tips for teens.

• Bring everything together—storyboard, blocking, and direct a final 1-minute scene.
• Includes: Student feedback form, peer showcase, final scene upload checklist.

• Certificate of Completion after final directed scene submission
• Optional Bonus: Live Q&A with local filmmakers and youth directors
• Feature your final scene in the KC Connects Director’s Reel Showcase