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Play In Your Light Studio (w/Juilliard grad Nija)

$145/hour
Starting price


Acting venue(s)
Acting goal(s)

Responds in about 4 hours


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About
Nija Okoro, Juilliard-Trained Actress. I love helping actors do their best work. I’m a working actress with a passion for sharing the tools I’ve learned at Juilliard and with top coaches in Los Angeles and London, while building a career in television, film, and theatre. I’m from the Bronx, NY, and I caught the acting bug at age 10 when I starred as Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion. (Very grateful cell phones didn’t exist yet 😄.) After studying at LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts, I earned a BA in Psychology, then went on to Juilliard on a full merit-based scholarship (solely based on my audition). I’ve since returned to Juilliard as a guest artist to speak about my work on August Wilson, for which I’ve received numerous Ovation and LA Drama Critics Circle Awards. Most recently, I won the LADCC Award for Best Leading Performance (tied with Bryan Cranston) for Blues for an Alabama Sky at the Mark Taper Forum, directed by Phylicia Rashad. You can view my full TV and film credits on IMDb. My approach to coaching centers on: • Calming nerves • Activating instincts • Building confidence through craft • Making acting fun again Acting is play. It’s make-believe. And the best work comes from openness, curiosity, and joy. I work with a limited number of private clients and offer in-person and online sessions. We begin with a complimentary 15-30 minute consultation to make sure we’re a good fit. If you’re ready to play, I’d be thrilled to guide you. My rate is $150 a session. (Actors please note: I only work via zoom. Please reach out if this works for you. Serious inquiries only. Thank you!)
Overview

Hired 14 times

Serves Los Angeles, CA

Background checked

1 employee

6 years in business

Business hours

Sun10:00 am - 7:00 pmMon10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Instagram

Services offered
Acting venue(s)
Level of experience
Acting goal(s)

To prepare for an audition

To build confidence

To explore as a hobby

To continue professional development

Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, value, and professionalism.

Exceptional 5.0

14 reviews

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Morgan Q.

Apr 22, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

Outstanding!! Nija, is present, grounded and gifted and has taught me tools and exercises that translate to my daily life, in addition to acting. She has learned from the best and has gathered years of experience years from teaching that there is absolutely no gatekeeping when you take a classs with Nija. She is willing to push you, be honest but always uplifting and allows you the space to evaluate yourself for yourself as well. Her class has been a gift, truly one of the best I’ve ever given myself and I would recommend her as a coach to anyone, 10/10 times!

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No experience • To prepare for an audition • To build confidence • To explore as a hobby • To continue professional development • Theater • Improv theater • Film • TV episode • What the teacher recommends • No specific focus • Refine vocal expression • 1 person • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Play In Your Light Studio (w/Juilliard grad Nija)'s reply
It is a JOY getting to play with you! Your work is soaring. Your light is a gift! Keep shining! (I will of course remind you to do so ☺️). Thank you and see you!
Acting Lessons
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Kelley G.

May 5, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

I've been working with Nija for months now, and I honestly couldn't imagine being on this journey with anyone else. She has this incredible way of drawing so much more out of me when I least expect it. She has this way of getting a shovel and delving deep into a character, story or monologue, and in turn helping you dig deeper also. She is encouraging but in an honest, constructive way. Never negative, always positive and hopeful. She's professional, fun, and playful all in one. I know she is WITH ME in this process and her support means a lot. She truly cares and loves what she does. Even on my grumpiest/laziest days I always feel happier, lighter and motivated after our sessions.

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No experience • To prepare for an audition • To build confidence • Film • TV episode • What the teacher recommends • No specific focus • 1 person • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Play In Your Light Studio (w/Juilliard grad Nija)'s reply
Kelley!!! You are a beautiful, brilliant and buoyant light. Watching you soar has been such a joy for me. Thank you for your dedication to the work. And brava on showing up every week for your craft. Here’s to an exciting career ahead! 😊
Acting Lessons
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Karl N.

Apr 30, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

An Incredible coach, trustworthy and brilliant. I am down-to-earth and professional, and I have incredible responsiveness. The greatest coach an actor can have. Extremely grateful.

Details: 26 - 44 years old • Beginner • To prepare for an audition • Not applicable; lessons are for personal interest • What the teacher recommends • No specific focus • 1 person • Remotely (phone or internet)

Play In Your Light Studio (w/Juilliard grad Nija)'s reply
Karl! It’s been a joy to witness your light. Your dedication, focus and talent are things of beauty. Your growth has been awe inspiring. I’m grateful to get to guide you in this process. See you soon!
Acting Lessons
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Nina S.

Jun 12, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

Nija creates both a safe and profound space of play. Acting for me definitely challenges my comfort zone even as I call it into my life more and more. And yet, with Nija, no matter how many nerves I have, I always walk away feeling like I belong here and equipped with practical tools and powerful insights to take with me to whatever stages (or just places in life) that I go. I have seen myself grow bolder and more myself in my performances. Most of all it's just super fun, TGIN - thank god it's Nija!

Details: 26 - 44 years old • Beginner • To prepare for an audition • To build confidence • To explore as a hobby • To continue professional development • Improv theater • What the teacher recommends • No specific focus • 1 person • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Play In Your Light Studio (w/Juilliard grad Nija)'s reply
NINA! I am still thinking about last week’s session. You are on fire! Your journey has been a gift to witness. You are fierce. And you are trusting it now. And you are doing some brilliant work (play). Your voice is singular and necessary in this world. Keep on shining that bright light. See you later this week. 🤸🏿‍♂️🎉💪🏾⭐️🎭👑🙌🏾
Acting Lessons
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Akua N.

May 7, 2025

Nija is a master of her craft! She is brilliant and absolutely loves the world of drama—and therefore being her student has been joyous. I have learned so much about myself through working with her. She is excellent!!
Play In Your Light Studio (w/Juilliard grad Nija)'s reply
Akua! Your brilliance is breathtaking. I’m grateful to get to bask in all of your yumminess! Thank you for your light and always playing full out. See you soon! ☺️
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Nija Okoro

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