From Roots to Rivers: High School Summer Documentary Academy

Roots to Rivers is a one-week summer academy at Roanoke College for high school students interested in history, culture, documentary film, and storytelling. Students will explore the history of the Roanoke region while learning the fundamentals of media production, including scriptwriting, interviewing, oral history methods, and collaborative creation. The program brings together scholars and regional specialists to center youth voices and guide students in producing short media pieces.

June 22–26, 2026 | Roanoke College

  • Beginner-Friendly Documentary Training: No prior filmmaking experience required.
  • Hands-On Media Production: Learn camera, audio, interviewing, and editing techniques.
  • Storytelling with Purpose: Focus on history, culture, ethics, and community-based narratives.
  • Collaborative Learning: Work in small teams with peer feedback and instructor guidance.
  • Professional Mentorship: Learn from scholars, regional historians, and media specialists.
  • Portfolio-Ready Project: Produce a 2–3 minute short documentary.
  • Public Screening: Celebrate student work with a final showcase and screening.

Day 1 – Story Ideas & Ethics

  • Program introduction and documentary fundamentals
  • Idea development, pitching, and ethics overview
  • Instructor feedback on project concepts

Day 2 – Pre-Production & Technical Skill 

  • Storyboarding and interview planning
  • Camera and audio basics
  • Equipment skill check and preparation

Day 3 – Production in the Field

  • Record interviews and B-roll in small teams
  • On-set observation and guided support
  • Short daily reflection

Day 4 – Editing & Peer Review

  • Build rough cuts with guided editing instruction
  • Peer feedback using a storytelling and technical rubric

Day 5 – Final Cut & Screening

  • Final edits and polishing
  • Self-reflection and final evaluation
  • Celebratory screening and showcase
Price: $550.00
Quantity:

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