Connecticut Classes
To be an actor, you must know yourself. Only when you find your “own truth” can you bring it to a role. In this class, working and aspiring actors work on various scenes to deepen and expand their acting skills. Students will focus on developing an actor’s deepest possible emotional connection to the work and finding true spontaneity within their work.
Brian J. Carter teaches all acting classes.
SPRING TRAINING PROGRAMS
Our classes are a gathering centered on a safe space to explore our craft and build a supportive community of working professionals. Led by Brian J. Carter, the focus of the audition sides/scene work is on 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.
Why class is more important than ever
Being the most “human” in your storytelling is now more critical than ever. Because “you” are the instrument of acting, you need to know yourself inside and out, and all the in between, to consistently access your most authentic self and produce the most truthful, honest performance in every role you play. As a writer, you bring your experience and perspective to all of your work, so you need to study the world around you and be truthful in what you see. As the industry consolidates and more artists compete for fewer jobs, you must master knowing yourself as an artist and as a human in everyday life, so that you can express your uniqueness that no one else can duplicate. Practicing your craft more consistently is more important than ever!
- Self-taping and technology skills are more important than ever: Auditions today mostly consist of putting yourself on tape for Casting Directors. It is vital to stay up to date on trends and techniques.
- Business Savvy: Actors need to not only be proficient on delivering when their name is called, but they must be proficient in the current business environment to not only recognize opportunities but to take full advantage of them!
- Resilience and Confidence through Community: Rejection is inevitable. Surround yourself with a nontoxic environment to build your resiliency. You must have a safe, supportive environment to practice your craft and learn from and feed off others’ talent and experiences.
- Healthy Competition and Constructive Criticism: Seek an environment that pushes you to be your best in the most positive of ways, as well as learning to take notes and critique without abandoning what you are already bringing to your work.
- Social Connection and Communication: Living in the age of the “self-tape audition” and social media, it is now more important than ever to seek “in-person” social connections to develop empathy skills.
SPRING 2026 CLASS TIMES AND DATES
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 in the mandatory participation of 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: January 11, 25, February 1, 8, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Fee: $475
Grades: 6-8
Sundays: January 11, 25, February 1, 8, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22
3pm – 4:30pm
Fee: $545
Grades: 9-12
Sundays: January 11, 25, February 1, 8, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22
5pm – 6:30pm
Fee: $545
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: January 14, 28, February 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25
8pm – 9:30pm
Fee: $545
On-Camera Acting and Auditioning (VIRTUAL CLASSROOM)
Tuesdays: January 13, 27, February 3, 10, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24
7:30pm – 8:30pm EST
Fee: $475
For those professionals that are looking to brush up on on-camera and auditioning skills. This class focuses on TV and Film on-camera training and auditioning. Actors will learn how to bring themselves to each role and on-camera techniques. A great class for those who live outside of NYC and Connecticut area or those who do and want to double up on their training.
Writing for Stage and Screen (VIRTUAL CLASSROOM)
January 24; February 21; March 21; April 25; May 16; and June 6
2pm – 3:30pm EST
Fee: $400
Our writers’ workshop is ongoing, and aspiring writers can join anytime. Students will work with our professional writing teacher to develop their writing. Students are encouraged to send drafts regularly in between meetings for written feedback. During classes, portions of the students’ work will be read aloud for feedback (students also have the option for written feedback only.)
Midsummer’s Shakespeare Camp for Rising 6th Grade – High School
July 6-10
Monday – Friday
10 am – 3 pm
Fee: $675
Join The Acting Gym, a unique summer adventure with the Bard for rising sixth graders through high school students. Students will spend Monday-Friday immersed in Shakespeare training. Students will work on scenes, which will then be “shared” on the last day of the session with invited friends and family. All participants must commit to attending all workshop sessions and performances. Registration needs to be completed by June 15. Class size is limited. The camp and performance will take place at Darien Arts Center, 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT.
Sign-up for a for a fun-filled week!
THE ACTING GYM SUMMER FILM PROGRAM
SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW TODAY!
EMAIL: CLASSES@THEACTINGGYM.COM
WEBSITE: WWW.ACTINGGYM.NYC
SHORT FILM PROGRAM
MONDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 20 – 25 (SATURDAY, JULY 25 IS A RAIN DATE)
10 AM-6 PM
THIS UNIQUE PROGRAM BRINGS STUDENTS OF ALL AGES TOGETHER TO PRODUCE A SERIES OF PROFESSIONAL SHORT FILMS (2-5 MINUTES). GUIDED BY A PROFESSIONAL CREW, OUR COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL DIRECTORS WILL BRING THEIR SCRIPTS OR THE SCRIPTS OF OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL WRITERS TO LIFE, STARRING OUR ACTORS. EVERYONE INVOLVED WILL HAVE PROFESSIONAL SHORT FILMS TO KEEP FOREVER (AND FOR USE FOR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS OR PROFESSIONAL REELS).
FEES: $795
FEATURE FILM PROGRAM
JULY 27 – AUGUST 9 (ALL DATES MANDATORY)
CALL TIMES ARE TREATED JUST AS A PROFESSIONAL SET BASED ON LOCATIONS AND SCENES SHOOTING ON THAT PARTICULAR DAY.
THE FEATURE FILM PROGRAM IS FOR STUDENTS COMMITTED TO PURSUING OR ALREADY PURSUING A CAREER IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. IT ALLOWS FOR A LIMITED NUMBER OF HIGH SCHOOL WRITERS, ACTORS, DESIGNERS, AND TECHNICAL CREW MEMBERS TO WORK ALONGSIDE A SMALL CREW OF WORKING PROFESSIONALS TO CREATE A FEATURE FILM. THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN EVERY ASPECT OF FILMMAKING, FROM WRITING TO PRE-PRODUCTION TO POST-PRODUCTION EXPERIENCES, WITH THE CORE EXPERIENCE BEING THE FILMING OF THE FILM CONCEIVED AND WRITTEN BY THE PARTICIPANTS ALONGSIDE PROFESSIONAL WRITERS, DIRECTOR, AND CREW. WRITING FOR THIS SUMMER’S FILM HAS ALREADY BEGUN, SO IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING ON THE WRITING TEAM, PLEASE LET US KNOW ASAP.
WHEN NOT FILMING, ALL STUDENTS WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR WORKSHOPS WITH PROFESSIONAL CREW MEMBERS. OUR ON-SET TEACHER WILL COORDINATE WITH THE STUDENTS TO FACILITATE THIS TEACHING. WORKSHOPS WILL INCLUDE CINEMATOGRAPHY, EDITING, AND EQUIPMENT SKILLS TRAINING.
OUR NEW PAID INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WILL EXPAND THE COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS AND GIVE OUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS A CHANCE TO WORK WITH ALUMNI AND FUTURE PEERS FROM TOP FILM SCHOOLS.
PRIVATE LESSONS (in-person and virtual)
For those who want more individual focus in addition to the group acting classes or to dig deeper into their training with one-on-one sessions when there are fewer school extra-curricular activities, these lessons will be individually tailored for each student. Lessons will be scheduled at standard times to ease teacher and student schedules. If there are students who are focusing on similar skills, we are open to discussing a small group of two or three students. Discounted rate available only to students currently enrolled in Sunday or Wednesday classes and adult students.
PRIVATE COACHING – FIVE CLASS PACKAGE
Five classes. For those who want more individual focus in addition to the group acting classes or to dig deeper into their training with one-on-one sessions when there are fewer school extracurricular activities, these lessons will be individually tailored for each student. Lessons will be scheduled at standard times to ease teacher and student schedules. If there are students who are focusing on similar skills, we are open to discussing a small group of two or three students. A discounted rate is available only to students currently enrolled in Sunday or Wednesday classes and adult students.
REGISTER FOR FIVE CLASSES OF PRIVATE COACHING
PRIVATE COACHING – TEN CLASS PACKAGE
Ten Classes. For those seeking more individualized focus beyond group acting classes, or for students who wish to delve deeper into their training through one-on-one sessions during periods with fewer school extracurricular activities, these lessons will be tailored individually for each student. Lessons will be scheduled at standard times to ease teacher and student schedules. If there are students who are focusing on similar skills, we are open to discussing a small group of two or three students. A discounted rate is available only to students currently enrolled in Sunday or Wednesday classes and adult students.
REGISTER FOR TEN CLASSES OF PRIVATE COACHING