TheatreTheatre
The Darien Arts Center's Theatre program provides local thespians a place to nurture their interests and talent. Featuring a new director and an exciting curriculum our classes are not only about performing plays but inspiring creativity, empowerment, hilarity, physical exploration and imagination.
We offer classes for children beginning at 3 years old through the seventh grade. Our student performers will gain confidence and through our different classes have the opportunity to perfect their skills. We are also proud to present our newest class which introduces adults to improvisational theatre.
All classes end with productions of original adaptations of classic works to dazzle family and friends.
- Theatre Director:
- Chris Smalley
Chris Smalley is an actor, director and fight choreographer as well
as an acting and musical theatre teacher who has worked with multiple
programs throughout the Tri-state area. Since graduating from
Manhattanville College with a BA in Dance and Theatre, Chris has
worked as the Director of the Shakespeare Summer Institute at the EG
Conservator y in Ridgefield, CT and an Associate Choreographer for
the Danbur y Music Centre's "The Nutcracker". Chris has worked as a
fight choreographer on such productions as "Romeo and Juliet", and
"Les Miserables" for the Staples Players in Westport as well as working
with the New York Institute for Special Education in Bronx, NY. With
a performance background in Improv and Children's Theatre, Chris
is excited to be joining the Darien Arts Center and looks for ward to a
wonderful year.
Meredith Walker is a theatre educator, director and actor from Wilton, CT. She recently received her MA in Theatre Education from Emerson College in Boston, MA. Additionally, she holds a BA in Theatre Studies from the University of Connecticut. Meredith has perfor med, designed, produced and directed in Boston and throughout Fairfield County. Her greatest joy in teaching is empowering her students by encouraging them to find their own voices through writing and performing their own material.
Matthew Surapine, tenor, is welcomed at the largest opera houses and concert halls across the country. Credits include the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and most recently, the Tenor soloist in the New York Premiere of Peter Schickele's "Lincoln at Ease," at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, where he shared the stage with legendary actor James Earl Jones.