ABOUT US

Teaching Actors the keys to genuine artistic expression in Charlotte, NC since 1997 


Location
FAST classes are held evenings and weekends in an intimate studio setting in the offices of Corrigan & Johnston Casting Agency, 3006 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa (North Davidson) neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina.  Open to students of various ages and ability levels (see Classes/Schedule page for descriptions), working actors, and those interested in exploring a new art form or mode of expression.  From beginning acting classes to learning in-depth techniques to building an organic acting approach that utilizes their best strengths, students can advance to individualized independent scene studies in front of the camera. 

Individual Focus
Studio, the ongoing, invitation-only advanced class focusing on independent scene selection and rehearsal with presentation on Sunday evenings, offers those serious about achieving sensitivity and true impact in film acting a weekly, informal yet focused, individualized coaching forum.  Instruction is primarily by FAST founder Lon Bumgarner, with supporting instruction by Marilyn Carter, two of the most knowledgeable veterans in the region of the fields of both stage and film.  It is here, with warm encouragement from fellow students, and keenly targeted & insightful instruction, that the greatest advances for a student usually take place. 

Any/all prospective and interested parties are invited to come audit the advanced Studio class for a glimpse of FAST instruction in its advanced environment.  Call to schedule a visit.

Important foundational techniques, reading and other supporting curricula are provided in the two prerequisite classes, Subtextual Film Acting and Technique (See Classes/Schedule).  Each is a set of ongoing classes of multiple weeks. 

Additional supplemental material is offered in periodic workshops and ‘bootcamps’ that include special instruction for teenagers, as well as field-honed expert counsel on business matters such as how to handle auditions (“Audition Bootcamp”), etc.   In the summers, when instructors are free from their university teaching demands, additional classes and workshops are offered that focus on more intensive study in such areas as Shakespeare, the Business of Acting, Screenwriting (occasionally), etc. 

Register online at the Register page.

Instructors – (See Staff)
Our instructors have multiple degrees from some of the top institutions for theatre and film; 85 years’ combined experience in the film and theater business on both coasts, practical and high-level experience in New York and LA as well as North Carolina.  Lon Bumgarner and Marilyn Carter also teach currently at UNCC’s Department of Theatre (Ms. Carter leads classes at CPCC as well); Bumgarner has taught workshops at modeling and talent agencies and led Charlotte’s only equity theater company for six years.  He has taught over 5,000 students in his career, and can claim professional links with and intimate knowledge of nearly all elements of the film industry.  Raised in Charlotte, he returned here to be close to family and continues to pass on his wealth of experience in class. Marilyn Carter has devoted over 25 years to sharing her expertise in guiding area students. 

Our instructors are committed to fostering your sense of well-being, security and safety while exploring this complex art form; and do so with a sense of humor and accessible personalities.  You’ll find a warmly encouraging place in which to learn to relax and call on your creative impulses.

Organic, Tried-and-True technique that goes beyond gimmicks to maximize your integrity  
The technique FAST instruction is based on has been developed by Lon Bumgarner and the other instructors to include classic styles drawing from the Stanislavski school, direct observation in the filmmaking industry and experience in the classroom and in stage directing.  It enhances theatrical acting but is specific to film in terms of teaching ‘Truth;” i.e. the underlying truth in an actor that the camera will pick up and reveal.

FAST is consistently listed and recommended by agents as a prime resource for instructing their talent.
 
 

Action is Eloquence