Grandin Theatre FIlm Lab

Now in our 10th year, Grandin Theatre Film Lab is a two-semester program, with classes beginning in September 2024 and concluding at the end of the academic year in May 2025.

Students attend the program twice a week (either Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs) following the Roanoke City Schools academic calendar. Here is our projected schedule for the fall semester:

  • Beginner Class: Mondays and Wednesdays from 4pm to 7pm.

  • Advanced Class: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 7pm.

The majority of the second semester is spent with students working in teams completing their own films.

At the end of the year, we showcase student works at the Grandin Theatre. The program’s instructional space is located across the street in Heights Community Church.

Beginning in 2025-26, for a tuition fee of $450 per year, teens in grades 9-12 can attend the program to learn film production, lighting, screenwriting, storytelling, acting, sound engineering, and film industry acumen. Candidates are screened and chosen based on interest and commitment to the program and the curriculum. No previous experience is required. Scholarships are available to students who may require financial assistance.

The Grandin Film Lab offers our students access to video editing equipment, filming locations, and opportunities for supplementary experiences in both the Historic Grandin Theatre, Heights Community Church, Grandin Co-Lab, as well as the Grandin Village at large. In addition, students will have access to our regions (and nation’s) film industry professionals who make films, teach film studies, act, edit and more! We strive to offer hands on experiential learning that connects the dots for students and professionals in the Roanoke Valley and beyond.

Registration for the 2025-26 curriculum year is now CLOSED. if you would like to be put on the waitlist for 2026-27 please let us know.

If you have an interest in our Film lab please email our Program Director at grandinfilmlab@gmail.com

PAST PROJECTS:

Our students have made a wide variety of films in almost every genre. Please explore some of their creative work below.

Get Involved

  • The Grandin Theatre Film Lab has internship opportunities available on a per-semester or full academic year (fall through spring) basis, with preference going to full-year candidates. Interns can expect to work hands-on with Film Lab students while learning a great deal about filmmaking themselves. This can include on-location opportunities supervising students during production. Interns also provide administrative assistance to the program ranging from independent projects to office support tasks when applicable.

  • FILM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

    Are you a professional working in film/TV/video, etc.? Are you interested in investing some of your time and talents with some of the most creative and ambitious young minds in the Roanoke Valley? Please contact us grandinfilmlab@gmail.com to let us know about your experience and expertise and what types of volunteer opportunities are of interest to you.


  • The Grandin Theatre is only possible through the support of our community and our grantors. If you are interested in sponsoring the Film Lab financially or by donating film/TV equipment (audio gear, lights, cameras, computers, software, etc.) please contact grandinfilmlab@gmail.com 

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