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Active - Public

Acting

Originally from Detroit but currently based in Chicago, I have been dedicated to the art, craft, and business of Acting for over two decades! After studying acting at California Institute of the Arts, then Marymount Manhattan College and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, I went on to train with some of the best acting and speech coaches.

I am a well-trained actor and coach who has had the privilege of performing in various regions across the U.S. and even in Athens, Greece! Throughout my career, I've worked on films, plays, commercials, audio series, and music videos. One of my most significant accomplishments was working with Tony Award-winning Broadway Director Kenny Leon at The Public Theater's Joe's Pub on HOW BLACK MOTHERS SAY I LOVE YOU. In 2022, I directed a virtual acting showcase featuring some of my Acting students and in February 2023, I performed the lead role in a play called "The Realness" in honor of Black History Month. Most recently, I appeared as a supporting role in the feature film "McKenzie McCoy," now available on Amazon Prime. February to May 2024 I'll be on tour with Shakespeare & Co playing Lysander in "Midsummer Nights' Dream". I am not just a well-trained actor and coach; I am a working actor who is passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with others.

Who's YOUR Acting Coach?

Bring Your Own Scene! Indulge in an extraordinary acting class where you're invited to bring your own scene, monologue, or audition piece for invaluable live feedback from a professional Actor and Acting Coach. This unique and interactive class is specifically designed to empower actors by providing personalized guidance and support, allowing you to fine-tune your audition pieces and cultivate your acting prowess collaboratively.

Throughout the class, you will immerse yourself in the art of character development, employing techniques and exercises that breathe life into your roles, while also honing your skills in script analysis, emotional connection, audition readiness, physicality, vocal variety, camera technique, and audition technique. Delve deep into the intricate craft of embodying a character and learn the secrets to captivating performances.

In this nurturing and innovative environment, each student is granted the opportunity to perform their chosen script, allowing the instructor to provide invaluable, personalized feedback. By leveraging their expertise, you'll gain insights into your strengths and areas of improvement, empowering you to refine your performances and take your acting talents to new heights.

Take the leap into this transformative acting class, where you'll collaborate with like-minded individuals, elevate your performances, and unlock your true potential as an actor. Join us in this supportive and dynamic environment, and let your passion for the craft of acting shine.

Don't have a monologue? Don't sweat it! Your instructor will have plenty to choose from, just in case. 

*Working time is reserved for the first six actors in each class*

Scene & Audition Coaching for Adult Actors

Method Acting

Theater Acting

Film Acting

Film and TV Acting

Stage Performance

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Together we share a common story in our individual pursuit for truth and deeper knowledge of self and the craft. This narrative continues to unfold each year from our past alumni and with each new graduating class, adding to the richness of our connections and impacting our world for the better.

Acting Coach of the Year

Best of Lessons.com 2020

California Arts Scholar

Resident Actor/ Director/ Instructor

CEO / Acting Coach

English

Learn from a working Actor! Unlock your potential with lessons tailored to your needs. In every session, we will work on a scene, monologue, or upcoming audition. Learning script analysis, character development, imagination strengthening, audition technique, a wide range of acting techniques, expressivity, mastery over the body & voice, and confidence like you've never known!

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

My Acting Reel

In this Emotion Recital Challenge, you'll push your acting skills to new heights with 20 rounds of dynamic emotion and line recitals. Each round, a randomly selected emotion and line will display for 10 seconds, giving you the opportunity to practice and perfect your performance. Follow the tips provided, immerse yourself in each emotion, and repeat the lines with variations to explore the depths of your emotional range. This fast-paced and engaging exercise is designed to enhance your acting abilities and keep your skills sharp. Get ready for an intense and rewarding acting workout!

Emotion Recital Challenge: 20 Rounds of Acting Practice

Welcome to the Emotion Wheel exercise! This video is designed to help you practice expressing a wide range of emotions through various lines, enhancing your emotional depth and flexibility in performances. Here’s how to use this tool effectively: After the introduction, the exercise will begin. A sentence will appear on the screen for 1 second, and an arrow will spin, landing on an emotion from the wheel. You must pause the video to read the sentence and see the emotion. This will generate a random sentence/emotion combination for you to work on. Press play to continue and repeat this process for new combinations.

Focus on delivering the sentence using the specified emotion. Practice it a few times to fully embody the emotion. Keep in mind your facial expressions, adjusting your eyes, eyebrows, and mouth to naturally express the emotion. Pay attention to your vocal variety, modifying your tone, pitch, and pace to reflect the emotion. Use your body language, considering your posture, gestures, and movements to enhance the emotional expression. Aim to spend 2-3 minutes on each sentence/emotion combination. This allows you to explore different ways of expressing the emotion and refine your performance. Repeat the pause and play process for at least 5 different combinations during each practice session.

This exercise is all about experimentation and discovery. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches and see what works best for you. The goal is to achieve a truthful and compelling emotional performance. By using the Emotion Wheel exercise, you’ll practice and refine your ability to convey a wide range of emotions authentically. Consistent practice will help you develop a deeper connection to the emotions you portray, making your performances more dynamic and believable. If you enjoyed this exercise and want to further enhance your skills, join our live weekly group class, "Emotional Range." In this class, you'll learn to express a wide range of emotions truthfully and effectively, with personalized feedback and support from fellow actors.

Emotion Wheel: Level 1

In this video, I explore essential tips and techniques for building confidence as an actor. Confidence is crucial for delivering powerful performances and feeling secure in your abilities. I'll cover how to acknowledge your achievements, practice and prepare thoroughly, use visualization techniques, engage in encouraging self-talk, and seek constructive feedback. Plus, I'll end with a practical exercise called the "Power Pose and Affirmations" to boost your confidence instantly. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced actor, these strategies will help you shine on stage and screen. Keep practicing, and happy acting!

Building Confidence

Video 2/3 for the letter C. Master industry terminology with this series! 

Acting Terminology: Chekhov - Commercial

Dive into the captivating world of acting with "Remembering vs. Imagining: Deep Dive into the Actor's Mind," a thought-provoking video exploring the deep connection between remembering and imagining, and how these processes shape an actor's craft. Through engaging narratives and striking visuals, this video unveils the scientific parallels between these two mental processes, highlighting how the brain's hippocampus and prefrontal cortex are key players in both.

Discover how actors use personal memories as a foundation to build complex, relatable characters, blending their real experiences with imaginative elements to bring authenticity to their performances. Witness how imagination colors and enriches these memories, allowing actors to explore diverse emotional landscapes and scenarios.

"Remembering vs. Imagining: Deep Dive into the Actor's Mind" not only delves into the theory but also offers practical exercises and techniques for actors to harness the power of their memories and imagination. The video encourages actors to embrace their unique journey, blending their personal experiences with their creative minds to create truly compelling performances.

Concluding with an inspiring message, this video is a celebration of the artistic fusion of memory and imagination, emphasizing their role as powerful tools in the realm of acting. It's a must-watch for aspiring and seasoned actors alike, and anyone interested in the intricate dance between the mind's ability to remember and imagine.

Remembering vs. Imagining: Deep Dive into the Actor's Mind

Embark on a transformative journey with my 'Acting Industry Fast Track Course', an intensive four-week program designed to propel aspiring actors towards success. This course encompasses four pivotal areas: Marketing, Submitting for acting jobs, Auditioning, and Sustaining Success, each tailored to equip you with essential skills for a thriving acting career.

This unique course structure allows flexibility, offering classes every Thursday to Sunday over four weeks, twice a year. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced actor, this course adapts to your schedule, allowing you to absorb the material in a sequence that best suits your learning style.

Don't miss this opportunity to fast-track your acting career. Enrollment is open twice annually for this exclusive program. For more details and to sign up, visit the 'Group Acting Class' page on Takelessons. Seize the chance to turn your acting aspirations into reality!

Fast Track into the Acting Industry: Master the Art of Acting, Auditioning, and Industry Navigation

Dive into the exciting world of Backstage.com with "Mastering Backstage: Creating Your Account," the premiere episode of my vibrant series aimed at navigating aspiring actors through the digital stage. In this episode, I break down the ABCs of kickstarting your acting journey on Backstage.com. From creating your account to setting up a profile that shines, I've got you covered. Explore the camaraderie of the Backstage community and discover how to glide through the navigation bar to make the most of what's on offer. And that's not all! We delve deeper, unveiling more features that Backstage harbors, setting you on a path to mastering the platform. Get ready to unveil your potential, connect with like-minded artists, and step closer to the spotlight. Your spotlight awaits!

Mastering Backstage: Creating Your Account

In this episode of Industry Q&A, we sit down with actor and director Imani Youngblood to discuss the ins and outs of life as a working Actor, the impact of social media on the industry, and how she navigates depressive ruts as a creative. With her wealth of experience in the entertainment industry, we dive deep into the challenges and rewards of being in the spotlight. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of acting and directing and learn how to overcome obstacles to achieve your creative goals.

Sources:
imaniyoungblood.com
https://www.actorsequity.org/aboutequity/
https://nofilmschool.com/what-is-dubbing
filmlifestyle.com


Industry Q&A the Podcast: Ep2 - Imani Youngblood

Meet Traci Timmons, Voice Coach. Join us every Thursday LIVE on Takelessons while we discuss what it's like working in the industry and share tools that you can use on your own journey! 
Follow Traci @ https://www.facebook.com/TraciTimmonsTheater

Industry Q&A the Podcast: Ep1 - Traci Timmons

What if you disagree with a note given to you by the director? Find out here! 

Scene & Audition Coaching for Adult Actors - Acting Class

About Darius J.

Class reviews

Darius's Acting videos