Business & Tech

Encore Theatre Actress Opens Performance Studio in Dexter

New voice and acting students are being accepted at the Carrie Jay Studio.

A new performance studio opened in Dexter this week that offers private acting and singing lessons for local residents.

Carrie Jay Sayer, assistant director at the , opened the studio in her home. A graduate of Chelsea High School and Michigan State University, Sayer has been involved in professional theater for the past 10 years.

"My studio is attached to my home, and could be considered not only as my own Christmas present, but as my gift to the Dexter community," she said.

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Sayer, who moved to Dexter in February, said the performing arts have always been a part of her life.

"As a kid, I knew I wanted to perform. I grew up on a farm in Chelsea, and acted out shows with my dog, Cookie, on my own makeshift stage," she said. "My early skills of hamming, singing, playing to an audience of 20 acres of alfalfa were formed there."

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Since graduating from MSU, Sayer has performed on and off stage at the Encore, Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, the Performance Network and Wild Swan Theatre in Ann Arbor, in Rochester Hills, Boarshead Professional Theatre in Lansing and Croswell Opera House in Adrian.

"I'm thrilled to now offer private coaching lessons just blocks from downtown Dexter, which is close enough for people living in Chelsea, Ann Arbor and Saline," she said. "My purpose is to inspire others to do and be their best."

Sayer has studied theater through a year-long Actors' Equity Association internship program at Boarshead Professional Theatre, in addition to years of private lessons.

"I have gained so much from my own education, training and mentors, that I understand from personal experience what a tremendous positive impact coaching can have on a person's life. It helped me realize my dreams," she said. "Having the chance to help others live out their own dreams is immeasurably rewarding. We grow together through the experience."

Sayer said she is currently accepting clients for 2012. Acting or singing lessons are $50 per hour or $35 per half hour. Gift certificates are available online.

"Consider giving a gift that can change someone's life this Christmas. Confidence, career-building and audition preparation are all priceless presents that can have long-lasting impact for future success," she said.

For more information, visit Sayer's website, www.CarrieJay.com or call 734-408-1857. A grand opening is planned from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 19. Check out Carrie's blog on Patch.com.


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