New! Zoom: Auditioning for Thrillers and Vertical Dramas Online Intensive with Chad Darnell, Casting Director, Producer, Screenwriter and Director

Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 7pm ET / 4pm PT

If you love thrillers and dramas, don't miss this new intensive with casting director Chad Darnell!

A native of Atlanta, Darnell has cast talent on over a hundred and fifty television series and feature films. 

His credits include Selma, Magic Mike XXL, Florida Girls, and Lizzie.  Recent credits include The Other Zoey, Double Down South, One Fast Move, Bride Hard, Golden and the thriller, The Vampires of the Velvet Lounge.  He is currently casting numerous commercials and the Amazon feature, Goodbye Girl.

He's also currently writing for three vertical studios. 

Intensive Overview:

For this intensive, Chad will assign scenes based off your headshot and resume. The event will start off with an informative Q&A, followed by your presentation of the scene with a reader in a group. Be prepared to take feedback and adjustments.

This intensive is for adults (18+).

***Actors Connection provides readers for all events.

WHAT TO PREPARE:

Payments:

Please follow the procedures listed below:

• Please update your headshot and fill out the MY INFO section of your AC account upon registration.

• Arrive at least 10 MINUTES before your event is slated to start. Your host will give important information about the event at this time.

• Instructions and the ZOOM link for access to this online event will be emailed to you in advance. If you have not received the link by 12pm (EST) the day-of the event, please reach out to registration@actorsconnection.com at least one hour PRIOR to the start of class.

Additional Information:

Our online office hours are 9am-6pm Monday-Friday

If you have an emergency for a class you are participating in outside of these hours, please email help@actorsconnection.com and your host will be able to respond.

**No recording of any kind is permitted by participants during class.**

**Actors Connection classes and programming are for ADULTS (18+). Unless it is disclosed above, with permission, some teens (14+) are allowed to take adult programming. To inquire about getting permission, please send an email to: info@actorsconnection.com**

**Please keep in mind that all programs at Actors Connection are for educational and professional development purposes. Participating in any class or event is not a promise of employment.**

Chad Darnell

A native of Atlanta, Darnell has cast talent on over a hundred and fifty television series and feature films. 

Credits include Selma, Magic Mike XXL, Florida Girls, and Lizzie.  Recent credits include The Other Zoey, Double Down South, One Fast Move, Bride Hard, Golden and the thriller, The Vampires of the Velvet Lounge.  He is currently casting numerous commercials and the Amazon feature, Goodbye Girl.

His screenplay Darlene will begin filming in Winter 2026 with Mary Lambert directing.  His screenplay The Telling will begin filming in Spring 2026 in Savannah.  His screenplay Malcolm Mitchell is expected to begin filming late 2026.  He's also currently writing for three vertical studios.

Darnell started Base Camp Savannah in 2014 to help train and develop actors in the Savannah area.  In the past decade, Darnell has taught over a thousand students all over the Southeast.

As a writer/ director, his award-winning film, Murder Queens just finished a successful festival circuit run.

Recent acting credits include Exit Interviews, The Righteous Gemstones, Will Trent, English Teacher and Love! Valour! Compassion! at the Island City Stage.

Darnell's novel Buying the Farm is currently in development as a television series.  The sequel, Frances Hunt's Body Shop and Boneyard was released in November 2024.  

https://chaddarnell.net