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.
REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON
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 - 1:30pm – 2:30pm
September 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 8, 15, 22
December 6, 13
Fee: $500
Grades: 6-8
Sundays - 3pm – 4:30pm
September 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 8, 15, 22
December 6, 13
Fee: $500
Grades: 9-12
Sundays - 5pm – 6:30pm
September 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 8, 15, 22
December 6, 13
Fee: $500
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 - 8pm – 9:30pm
September 30
October 7, 14, 21, 28
November 11, 18
December 2, 9, 16
Fee: $600
About Brian J Carter:
Brian J. Carter is a working director, actor, and professional acting coach for clients in New York, Los Angeles, and London. Brian has appeared in over 40 TV shows and films, including iconic hits The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Law & Order, Blue Bloods, Ocean’s Eight, The Preppie Connection, and The Family Fang. He will be seen later this year in a recurring role on the Friday the 13th prequel series Crystal Lake for Peacock and A24. On stage, he has appeared in dozens of off-Broadway and regional shows, including in the original cast of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Wit and originating the role of Mr. Green in Clue, directed by Hunter Foster and starring Sally Struthers as Mrs. Peacock. His students have booked series regulars, guest stars, and Broadway shows. They have also gone on to study at the top acting and film schools in the country, including USC, NYU, Columbia, Chapman, Emerson, British Academy of Dramatic Arts, Loyola Marymount, North Carolina School of the Arts, UCLA, Berkeley, and Wesleyan.