Key Takeaways
- Vancouver Film School Acting alum Adam DiMarco delivers a standout performance as Peter in Overcompensating, showcasing his range in one of his most complex roles to date.
- Produced by A24 and created by Benito Skinner, Overcompensating is a semi-autobiographical comedy exploring identity, masculinity, and the awkward realities of college life.
- DiMarco’s impressive post-VFS career includes over 50 credits, with acclaimed roles in The Magicians, The Order, The White Lotus, and now, Overcompensating.
If you’re looking for a solid binge-watch this June, Benito Skinner’s Overcompensating is essential Pride month viewing. As a fellow LGBTQ millennial who pursued a post-secondary education around the same time as Skinner, I can confirm that he absolutely nails the atmosphere of college campus life. The hyper-excessiveness, the complete lack of self-awareness, the absolute cringe-worthy choices we made & fashions we rocked – this was the reality we faced as college students who matriculated between 2005 and 2015.
So, imagine our excitement when we discovered that the series has a Vancouver Film School connection: co-star Adam DiMarco! A VFS Acting Essentials and Acting for Film & Television alum, Adam plays Peter – a sympathetic antagonist struggling under the weight of an institution as old (and toxically masculine!) as college itself: The Fraternity.
All of us here at Vancouver Film School were truly blown away by the depth, nuance, and power Adam brought to this role – perhaps his best to-date – and we’re thrilled to celebrate his latest career success.
ADAM DIMARCO’S CAREER – FROM VFS TO ‘OVERCOMPENSATING’
For more than a decade, Vancouver Film School alumni Adam DiMarco has steadily built an impressive acting career. With over 50 credits, Adam landed his first recurring TV role on CBC’s Arctic Air. Other major roles include his performances as Todd in Syfy’s The Magicians, Randall in Netflix’s The Order, Andy in Crave Original Pillow Talk, and most notably as hopeless romantic Albie Di Grasso on the second season of HBO’s Emmy-winning The White Lotus, which earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award for Ensemble Cast.
Now, in Overcompensating, Adam takes on what could be described as his most challenging role to-date. At first glance, Peter is an archetypal, testosterone-fueled frat boy on the cusp of his ascendence to Flesh & Gold’s Fraternity President. As he’s dating Benny’s sister, Grace (Mary Beth Barone), he crosses paths with Benny early on, making it easier for the latter to secure his place as a new pledge.
But things get messy when Peter and Carmen (played by the exquisite Wally Baram) have a short side-fling, and this is really when really start to see who Peter is beneath the surface. The loud, brash, apathetic frat boy schtick is (mostly) an act, and what emerges is a deeply sensitive young man who is desperately seeking respect and a sense of direction in his post-college life. Though he nearly redeems himself, Peter allows his ego to get the better of him when he proceeds to make a series of blunders that leave him isolated. As Peter, Adam DiMarco’s incredible performance ultimately reminds us that imposter syndrome is universally experienced – especially by those who cultivate the most confident personas.
THE STORY BEHIND ONE OF 2025’S MOST AUTHENTIC TV SERIES
A semi-autobiographical comedy, Overcompensating depicts Benito Skinner’s closeted years in college and his coming out journey. In its 8-episode first season, Benito befriends fellow freshman Carmen after a failed hookup, and the two become inseparable.
Determined to keep his queerness hidden, while simultaneously tormented by a devastatingly-painful encounter with a friend back home, Benito sets his sights on Flesh & Gold – an elite fraternity led by Peter (DiMarco). We won’t spoil the finale but, suffice to say, things end on a cliff-hanger that absolutely demands a second season.
As with its Prime Video sibling, Fleabag – Overcompensating began as a stand-up/sketch piece performed by Benito Skinner. Titled ‘All the Good Ones are Gay’, Skinner reconciles with his journey of masking his queer identity throughout high school and the majority of college. Audiences resonated with his story, which led him to develop his stand-up into a fully-recognized TV series. Development began in late 2022, with the series officially greenlit in early 2024. A24 soon came on board – a sure sign of success – and we were finally gifted with Skinner’s poignantly-touching passion project on May 15. The series is currently certified fresh at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
VFS Acting students have unparalleled access to state-of-the-art facilities, including film sets, black box studios, & a professional mocap stage. READY TO START YOUR INDUSTRY ACTING TRAINING?
Your pathway to an industry acting career starts at Vancouver Film School! Recognized as a Leading Canadian Acting School VFS trains aspiring actors in just 1 short year with a powerful skill set that spans feature film, sitcom, voice, motion capture, and more! You’ll learn from an industry-experienced faculty and receive acting mentorship with working professionals, train in world-class production centres (including a film sets, black box studios, and a professional mocap stage!) and build a powerful network of connections that will last your career. If you’re ready to get started, book an appointment with a VFS Admissions Advisor today.
Before you go, read about other Vancouver Film School acting success stories, including alumni credits on Black Mirror and Barbie.
FAQ
1. Where did Adam DiMarco go to acting school?
Adam DiMarco completed both the Acting Essentials preparatory program and Acting for Film & Television advanced program at Vancouver Film School.
2. What is Overcompensating on Prime Video about?
Overcompensating is a comedy based on Benito Skinner’s experiences as a closeted college student. It follows his journey navigating identity, friendship, and the pressures of fitting in.
3. What is Adam DiMarco’s Overcompensating role?
Adam plays Peter, a fraternity leader whose confident persona hides a deeply sensitive young man struggling to find his place.
4. How can I start my own acting career?
Vancouver Film School offers an intensive one-year program in Acting for Film & Television, providing professional training, industry connections, and hands-on experience to help launch your career. Aspiring actors who are interested in pursuing an industry career in film & television should book an appointment with a VFS Advisor.