Darius Journigan
About
[5.0⭐ rating over 27 reviews from another lesson platform]
I'm Coach Darius, a New York City–based actor, director, and private acting coach with Detroit roots and over two decades of professional experience in film, theatre, and commercial work. I trained at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, California Institute of the Arts, and Marymount Manhattan College, and have continued my development through advanced classical training with Shakespeare & Company. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of learning from influential artists and teachers including Dennis Hilton-Reid and Thomas René.
My performance career has taken me from New York stages to international festivals, including playing Christian in Ruined at the Athens & Epidaurus Festival in Greece. I performed in How Black Mothers Say I Love You at The Public Theater’s Joe’s Pub under the direction of Tony Award winner Kenny Leon. My additional credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Shakespeare & Company, the feature film McKenzie McCoy, and the short film Clearing House alongside Norbert Leo Butz.
As a director and educator, I’ve taught and directed with Shakespeare & Company over the past two years, where I directed The Tempest and Hamlet in their Fall Festival of Shakespeare. I’ve also taught and directed with The Family Repertory Company since 2016, designed seasonal theatre programming for Youth Theatre Interactions in Yonkers, and taught at the Thespian Arts Program.
I’ve coached actors for over 10 years through private sessions, group classes, and my annual Working Actor Masterclass. My students range from complete beginners to SAG-AFTRA and Equity actors, and many have gone on to book commercials, film, television, conservatory programs, and professional theatre work.
My coaching focuses on truthful behavior, strong technique, confidence under pressure, and helping each actor develop a process they can rely on in auditions, rehearsals, and on set. Whether you’re just starting out or already working professionally, I’m here to help you level up your craft and career.
Reviews from Another Lesson Platform
My teenager has been taking lessons with Darius since last year and is really enjoying the process. We weren't sure how well online lessons would work, but my child has learned a lot. We also have found Darius to be very willing to work with us when we need some flexibility, which is another plus. All in all, loving the experience!
Darius is an excellent teacher. I was lucky enough to have some of the first classes as the only student so I actually had an acting coach for a few sessions and he taught me so much more than I had even hoped for. Later, when other students joined the class, Darius was equally engaging. He gave such good information that I took copious notes and often refer to them when I am stumped on how to proceed with a part. My father was an acting teacher so I came in knowing a bit about acting and was extremely satisfied with his coaching/teaching. You will not find a better teacher out there. Highly recommend.
Coach Darius provides coaching and training that is really beneficial for working actors. His feedback is tangible and helpful to enhance your craft.
If you're wondering who to pick for lessons, Darius is the teacher to pick. For me, I had no clue who was naturally a great teacher. I had to buy lessons, cross my fingers and hope o found someone who could teach me what i was searching for. Darius is experienced in what he does. Yet even better, he knows how to access where you're at in your goals and teach from there. He is able to see where you have natural talent and where theres a need for support in becoming better. He's able to teach high quality classes at every level. I suggest buying three classes from him and notice how lucky you'll be to have finally found someone who can and will bring you to your full capacity. Experience is one thing. Being able to teach is another thing. Sometimes they don't go together. With Darius it does.
He provided good practical information along with song exercises.
This was my first lesson but I was given some great tools to learn by so far. I can't wait until our next session.
Darius is a great teacher. I enjoy our sessions and i am learning a lot. I am a beginner Actor and Darius is very knowledgeable and explains things very well.
Darius is very knowledgeable, open and engaging. I look forward to our future sessions!
Excellent instructor. I have learned so much in such a small amount of time!!
Top teacher. Enthusiastic, dedicated and brilliant. Almost a coach! Super!
Darius is absolutely fantastic! He is professional, patient, knowledgeable, a good listener, fun and provides a safe supportive learning environment. I have learnt so much from our first lesson and as a result, I booked five more lessons with him. Darius's enthusiasm, passion and his excellent interpersonal skills makes learning easy. You will get invaluable feedback throughout the lesson as well as homework to consolidate learning and enhance your acting skills. Darius is so relatable, I am happy he is my teacher. I would highly recommend him for all your acting classes.
Darius is great! He really taught me a lot about character and monologue work, while also making me feel comfortable and giving me great advice during each lesson. I highly recommend him. He’s a fantastic acting coach who can you teach you pretty much about anything having to do with acting.
I knew nothing about acting and just wanted to learn a new art form (I am a martial artist) and Darius' knowledge, wisdom and instruction reminds me of a great sensei AND a coach who inspires and motivates. I, now, Love this craft and am beginning to understand it more and more. I truly appreciate and highly recommend, Darius.
I’ve never thought acting was a learned skill, but Darius changed that. He is the reason I feel better about who I am as a actor and making acting real for me
best acting teacher in the world he was nice and he had amazing scripts for all of us to practice
He has very good energy and very knowledgeable. After my first session I feel more confident and excited to keep working with him!
I have been taking groups lessons and private lessons with Darius for about a year. He is a great teacher who always makes it fun, but also makes sure you are mastering the foundations of acting.
Mr. Darius is an amazing teacher. I’ve learned a lot about acting and the different emotions when it comes to acting. Mr. Darius is truly devoted to teaching acting and, he’s really dedicated to helping his student learn and he’s always there when you have questions.
Darius is the definition of someone who loves what they do. He doesn’t look at the dollar sign when he is teaching he looks at your improvement. Which is something you don’t come by often. Every session was improvement and he helped each step of the way. His teaching methods are out of this world and really get you out of your comfort zone
After a long time of searching for an acting coach, I finally met Darius. His coaching approach is very unique and truly changed my career and skill as an actor. He has a depth of knowledge and is very caring. I highly recommend Darius.
Taking classes with Darius was tons of fun. Helped me through a few problems with a monologue I needed to learn and helped add another layer to it that I didn't even think of. I definitely recommend taking one of his classes as it'll help you reach into whatever piece you're working on and draw out something new for your character work and overall understanding of the play/film/show. if you're wondering whether you should do it or not, I say, take the class! In the long run, you'll be grateful for the help.
Darius is a great teacher. Not only does he care about his students, but his attention to every detail is spot on. A true theatre artist in every respect of the term, Darius is just as talented as a performer and playwright. Take class from him before he becomes the next Lee Strasberg and the waiting list is eons long
I’ve booked 90% of the auditions I’ve worked with Darius on. He should write a book!
Darius really gets it. After 3 years working with him, he still manages to know exactly what I need as an actor for every audition and for every role I land. He’s my coach for life.
Darius helped me develop a sense of awareness that has helped me in every aspect of my life! Since beginning our training together, I am much more confident in my work and continue to book gigs. Highly recommended!
Very helpful experience! The lessons are wonderful and I'm learning so much!
Rated this class 5 stars.
Teaching Style
In my lessons, you can expect a focused, dynamic approach that develops both craft and confidence. We work on the technical side of acting: voice, speech, movement, text analysis, audition technique, and on-camera presence, while also strengthening the actor’s ability to respond truthfully under pressure.
My teaching style blends classical and contemporary training, with an emphasis on breath, behavior, relationship, and adaptability. I help actors understand not just what to say, but what is changing moment to moment and how to let that drive authentic performance. We train the voice, body, imagination, and instincts so your work feels grounded, specific, and alive.
I believe great actors need both freedom and structure. Lessons are collaborative, challenging, and tailored to the individual. Some students need stronger fundamentals. Some need help breaking habits. Some need sharper audition technique. Others need support expanding range or reconnecting to spontaneity. We meet the work honestly and build from there.
Whether you're preparing Shakespeare, contemporary scenes, self tapes, auditions, monologues, or professional set work, my goal is to give you reliable tools you can use again and again, not just for one performance, but throughout your career. You’ll leave with stronger technique, clearer instincts, and greater confidence in your instrument.
Curriculum
Check out my self-paced course, "So You Want to Be an Actor"!
This course will take you step-by-step through the basics of Acting. Welcome to Acting 1!
>> Click here for more information. <<
Check out my downloadables
Welcome to a curated collection of resources designed to support actors at every stage of their journey. These downloadable guides are packed with practical tools, exercises, and insights to help you build your skills, deepen your craft, and approach performances with confidence. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an experienced performer looking to refine your technique, there's something here for you. Click below to explore and take the next step in your acting journey!
- What is Acting?: Explaining the basics of acting, including what actors do, the different types of acting (stage, film, etc.), and why acting matters.
- How to Get Started in Acting: Practical steps to begin acting, such as finding classes, exploring community theater, and choosing beginner-friendly material.
- Acting Resume Template: An editable word document formatted for an actors resume. Options for actors with and without acting experience!
- Understanding the Script: How to read and understand scripts, including identifying characters, setting, and the basic flow of a story
Credentials & Affiliations
Associate of Occupational Studies in Acting - American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting - Marymount Manhattan College
Member of the Actors Society