Acting
At the Darien Arts Center, we believe every great performer starts with a great foundation. Our On Camera and Micro-Short Film Acting Classes for young actors and adults are held in The Weatherstone, DAC's intimate black box studio, and led by professional actor, director, and coach Brian J. Carter of The Acting Gym. From first-time performers to adults refining their craft, our program offers a welcoming and professional space for every level.
FALL 2026 CLASSES
On Camera / Micro-short film class for Young Actors
For those students who are looking to explore on-camera and auditioning skills, as well as prepare for our Summer Shorts and Feature Film Program. Our classes are a gathering centered on a safe space to explore our craft and build a supportive community of young artists. Led by Brian J. Carter, the focus of the on-camera/micro-short film class is bringing to every character one’s own identity and inner truth, on breaking away from how you think the scene is meant to be played, and finding the spontaneity of genuinely being in the moment; and on grounding oneself in authenticity and truth. Through the process of filming, you will learn the invaluable technical skills required when working with the camera. We will film a micro-short with a professional crew, with mandatory participation from the final two classes of the session. It's not enough to just be the most talented actor but the smartest in the room. Each gathering is also used to share real-world experience and knowledge of the business of acting and how we can affect positive change in the increasingly shifting landscape.
Grades: 3-5
Sundays from 1:30pm – 2:30pm
September 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 8, 15, 22
December 6, 13
Fee: $500
REGISTER FOR GRADES 3-5 On Camera / Micro-short film class for Young Actors
Grades: 6-8
Sundays from 3pm – 4:30pm
September 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 8, 15, 22
December 6, 13
Fee: $500
REGISTER FOR GRADES 6-8 On Camera / Micro-short film class for Young Actors
Grades: 9-12
Sundays from 5pm – 6:30pm
September 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 8, 15, 22
December 6, 13
Fee: $500
REGISTER FOR GRADES 9-12 On Camera / Micro-short film class for Young Actors
Connecticut Professional Acting Class for Adults (Ages 18+)
For those professionals (Age 18+) that are looking to brush up on auditioning skills or continue to develop and expand their acting skills. Students will focus on finding an emotional connection to the text, being self-aware and genuinely connecting to their scene partner, fully engaging in their imagination, and finding true spontaneity within their work. Students will learn to move “beat to beat” through a scene, explore the given circumstances, and put their unique take on the role. Each class also includes invaluable discussions and lessons about the entertainment industry.
Wednesdays from 8pm – 9:30pm
September 30
October 7, 14, 21, 28
November 11, 18
December 2, 9, 16
Fee: $600
REGISTER FOR Connecticut Professional Acting Class for Adults (Ages 18+)
About Brian J Carter:
BRIAN J. CARTER (he/him/his), Owner of The Acting Gym, Acting Coach, and Summer Film Programs Director, first fell in love with acting when he played Johnny Appleseed on a small stage in rural Ridgeway, VA, at the age of seven. Many years later, he became a familiar face to TV, film, and theatre audiences in the New York area.
His television credits include: THE MARVELLOUS MRS. MAISEL; DEAR EDWARD; THE BLACKLIST; RUN THE WORLD; BLUE BLOODS; THE AMERICANS; JESSICA JONES; GOTHAM, PERSON OF INTEREST, UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT, VEEP, DEADBEAT, LAW & ORDER: SVU, and LAW & ORDER. He will recur in A24’s upcoming Friday the 13th series CRYSTAL LAKE on Peacock this Fall. Film credits include OCEAN’S EIGHT (director Gary Ross, opposite Sandra Bullock), LOSERVILLE, THE FAMILY FANG (director Jason Bateman), SEX, DEATH, AND BOWLING, THE PREPPIE CONNECTION, and THE MAGNIFICENT MEYERSONS. His stage career launched with the original production of WIT (Pulitzer Prize), and he has appeared in dozens of stage productions.
Brian founded The Acting Gym, a professional training program for actors and filmmakers. His students have booked series regulars, guest-stars, and regularly appear on Broadway. The Acting Gym has produced 48 short films and six feature films, which have been celebrated at over 80+ film festivals. www.theactinggym.com.