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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 15 times

Serves South Pasadena, 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

15 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:


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Shea L.

6 days ago

Hired on Thumbtack

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Nija has been an absolute joy to work with in the time that I have known her! Not only does she teach you valuable acting skills and exercises, but encourages you to explore more about yourself and having faith in yourself! Whether you are just starting or already have experience, Nija will wholeheartedly guide and support you along your acting journey!!! Thank you, Nija, for all you have done to help me be confident as an actor and a person!!

Details: 18 - 25 years old • Beginner • To prepare for an audition • To build confidence • To continue professional development • Theater • Film • TV episode • Method acting • Classical acting • Cold reading • Scene study • Improv • Physical theater and movement • 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
Lovely and talented Shea! You are a shining star. Thank you for such kind words. You always show up ready to play full out, and your hard work is paying off. Big time! Thank you for trusting me and the process! You are more than welcome! 🫶🏾❤️❤️❤️
Acting Lessons
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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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Brooke L.

7 days ago

Nija is an absolute pleasure to learn from! I don’t have a huge variety of learning experience, but from the experiences I do have, Nija is hands down the best. She works at all different angles with a vast range of knowledge. I haven’t truly been able to grow my craft into something incredible because of her work. She is grounded and present and honest and real. She has made me confident and comfortable with my acting and my acting choices. Her guidance has made such a difference in my life. I truly feel capable of making a living out of acting because of her. Sessions with her leave me feeling so inspired. I acknowledge that the price sounds like a lot, but Nija is worthy and deserving of every penny and more. I love her so much!!! I wish nothing but the best for this wonderful woman💗
Play In Your Light Studio (w/Juilliard grad Nija)'s reply
Awww! Beautiful Brilliant Brooke! Seeing you SOAR is such a gift. Thank you for trusting me by doing the work. You are a joy to coach. I’m so proud of you and your ascension! 🙏🏾❤️❤️
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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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Nija Okoro

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