Spring Break in Los Angeles

Program Overview

The Los Angeles Experience is an immersive travel course designed to give students direct access to Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world. Open to all Rider University students—including alumni—this program connects participants directly with studio professionals across film and television industry.

The program is led by Dr. Shawn Kildea (Professor & Chair of Rider’s Department of Media Arts). Students will go behind the scenes on major studio lots, attend live show tapings, and explore the creative and business infrastructure of the entertainment industry. Pre-trip Zoom sessions will prepare students by covering industry trends, networking strategies, and professional standards in the Los Angeles market.

Academic Credit

  • Course Enrollment: FTV 230 (Special Topics / Travel Course)
  • Credits Earned: 3 credits (counts towards the Spring 2027 semester)
  • Eligibility: Open to all Rider University students and alumni

Program Dates

  • Travel Dates: Spring Break – March 13 – 20, 2027
  • Pre-Trip Preparations: Virtual Zoom orientation meetings scheduled prior to departure 
Film and TV class in session

Program Highlights

The Creative (Production, Writing & Post-Production)

  • Go behind the scenes on historic studio lots (such as Paramount, Warner Bros., or Sony)
  • Experience the energy and technical precision of live television and multicam show tapings
  • Explore post-production pipelines, visual effects, and professional on-set protocols

The Strategist (Producing, Development & Industry Business)

  • Examine development deals, packaging, intellectual property rights, and streaming distribution models
  • Engage in roundtables and dynamic Q&A sessions with development executives, literary agents, and talent managers
  • Network directly with working film and television professionals

The Storyteller (Marketing, Distribution & New Media)

  • Discover how studios and distributors orchestrate theatrical rollouts, publicity campaigns, and streaming releases
  • Learn how entertainment marketing agencies craft trailers, digital assets, and PR strategies to engage global audiences

Cultural & Professional Experiences

  • Iconic Venues & Landmarks: Organized group visits to landmark Hollywood locations, historic production hubs, and entertainment museums
  • Alumni & Industry Networking: Connect directly with Rider alumni and entertainment leaders actively working in the LA market
  • Cohort Debriefs: Collaborative evening debriefs to synthesize daily site visits, discuss industry insights, and refine career pathways

Accommodations & Logistics

  • Included in Program: Round-trip airfare, lodging, studio tours, show tapings, and planned group industry site visits
  • Accommodations: Centrally located lodging with convenient access to major production hubs and studio centers

Program Fee & Payment Schedule

  • Program Cost: TBA

(Cost is subject to change based on a 10-student enrollment minimum and final airfare pricing. All program materials will be available after September 1, 2026.)

  • October 15, 2026: $125 Application Fee due
  • November 15, 2026: $1,000 First Payment due*
  • December 15, 2026: Final Balance due*

Important Notes

  • Meals: Food/meals are not included
  • Personal Transit: Transportation outside of scheduled group programming (e.g., personal rideshares or public options for free-time exploration) is the responsibility of the student
  • Baggage: Baggage exceeding standard airline weight restrictions (typically over 50 lbs) may incur additional airline fees
  • Itinerary: Site visits, studio access, and tapings are subject to change based on production schedules and industry partner availability

For more information, contact

Dr. Shawn Kildea

Associate Professor, Department Chairperson, Tapestry Lead Advisor/Co-founder

Fine Arts Building

skildea [at] rider.edu

609-571-5625

Academic Focus: Film and Television

skildea.jpg