Independent Film Project – Summer 2026 - Teens
Triple Threat's Independent Film Project (IFP)
Who: Teens – Ages 13 TO 19*
(*Preteens with approval)
Directed by: Cynthia Gibb
With Guest Teachers: Jamie Mann and Mike O'Hara
When: August 10 to 21 (weekdays + Aug 22 cast party)
Where: Week 1 at Westport Playhouse (Lucille Lortel Barn); Week 2 Base Camp at 7 Hillandale Road, Westport/on location (TBD)
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. The cast will learn acting technique, work on character development, experience a table read, and do in-depth rehearsals for the film, which will be shot during the second 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).
We also incorporate on-camera acting with Jamie Mann, some fun improv with Mike O'Hara, and awesome special guests. Previous IFP guest speakers 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 (Gypsy, Fame, Youngblood) and rising Broadway/film stars Jamie and Cameron Mann.
We highly recommend that cast members enroll in at least one of our acting classes this spring. Those who are regularly in class generally give more grounded performances (and also do better when it comes time for college auditions or submitting film reel footage as supplementary material in their college applications). Our students getting signed by agents, noticed by casting directors, and booking professional jobs are the committed students who are in class (or privates) working on their craft. In addition, being in class will give our creative team greater insight into how to cast you in the film.
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!)
Triple Threat's 2022 short film, "Lux Freer," 2023's "Presumed Incompetent," and 2024's "Straight Laced" all screened at the prestigious Dances With Films festival at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Our films have 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, 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 10 to August 14, 10 am to 4 pm