• About WAM

    Program Details, Schedule, and More!

    Deadline to Apply: Monday June 15th, 2026

    Program Details

    The Working Actor Masterclass is a four-day immersive training experience built around one central question:

    What does it take to deliver a truthful, compelling performance when the camera is rolling?

    Over the course of a long weekend in New York City, you'll move through the same stages professional actors experience every day: script preparation, rehearsal, collaboration, adjustment, performance, and filming. Every workshop, rehearsal block, and coaching session is designed to help you develop a stronger process and prepare you for the realities of working on camera.

    Unlike many intensives that focus solely on exercises or scene study, WAM culminates in the filming of a professionally produced scene created specifically for the actors attending.

    Before the masterclass even begins, you'll be paired with another actor and meet with a writer to discuss your strengths, interests, and casting type. Using those conversations, an original scene will be written specifically for you and your scene partner. By the time you arrive, you'll already have material tailored to you and a clear objective for the weekend.

    Throughout the four days, you'll train, rehearse, and refine that scene while developing practical skills you can immediately apply to auditions, callbacks, self tapes, rehearsals, and professional productions.

    Most of our training takes place at Madame X in Manhattan, where participants spend the weekend working closely with fellow actors, instructors, and guest artists in an environment that is both rigorous and supportive. Daily catered lunches are provided by Borikén Bites NYC, giving participants time to connect, build relationships, and continue conversations outside the classroom.

    Training throughout the weekend includes:

    • Pressure Dynamics and on-camera performance
    • Script analysis and scene preparation
    • Rehearsal techniques for actors
    • Partner work and listening skills
    • Voice and movement training
    • Working under pressure and creative uncertainty
    • Adjusting performance for the camera
    • Set etiquette and professional expectations
    • Audition and industry discussions

    Participants will also train with two special guest instructors:

    Katherine Banos brings her expertise as a working actor and educator, offering practical tools for navigating performance, storytelling, and the realities of the industry.

    Merlin McCormick shares insights from his professional experience and work in higher education, helping actors expand their understanding of craft, collaboration, and creative process.

    At the heart of the weekend is the Pressure Dynamics framework, a performance methodology developed by Coach Darius that helps actors understand how pressure influences behavior. Rather than chasing emotions or predetermined line readings, actors learn how to pursue objectives, respond to changing circumstances, and create performances that remain alive and responsive moment to moment.

    Everything builds toward filming day.

    On the final day, actors step onto a professionally run set and film their scenes with a dedicated director, camera crew, and production team. Multiple takes, adjustments, playback opportunities, and professional support create an experience that mirrors the collaborative process actors encounter on film and television productions.

    After the event, participants receive an edited version of their scene suitable for reels, casting profiles, websites, and promotional materials.

    What You'll Leave With

    • A professionally filmed and edited scene
    • A repeatable rehearsal and preparation process
    • Stronger on-camera technique
    • Greater confidence working with directors and crews
    • Improved listening and partner work skills
    • Practical tools for auditions, callbacks, and self tapes
    • New relationships with actors, writers, and industry professionals
    • A deeper understanding of how pressure affects performance

    The Working Actor Masterclass exists to bridge the gap between training and working.

    This is not a retreat, a networking event disguised as a workshop, or a weekend of abstract theory. It is a practical, hands-on training experience designed to help actors develop the skills, habits, and confidence required to do excellent work when it matters most.

    By the end of the weekend, you'll leave with more than footage.

    You'll leave with a process.

  • TUITION & FEES

    Your investment in the 2026 Working Actor Masterclass is $450.

    This includes:

    Comprehensive actor training throughout the program

    Rehearsal and filming sessions

    Your professionally captured final scene footage for reel use

    WAM is designed to give you a real working-actor experience while helping you leave with material you can actually use.

    Optional Add-On: Headshots

    Want to update your materials while you’re here?
    Our Headshot Add-On is available for $350 and includes:

    Unlimited looks

    10 professionally edited final images

    This is a great option for actors who want fresh, versatile shots while already in the room and in working mode.

    Flexible Payment Options Available!

    We offer a few payment options to make registration more accessible:

    Pay in Full — $450

    2 Payments of $225

    4 Payments of $112.50

    5 Payments of $90

    Once you choose your payment option and put down a deposit equal to your first payment, your spot is officially secured.

    SCHOLARSHIPS

    WAM is excited to offer TWO (2) partial scholarships of $225. (scholarship applications for 2026 are no longer being accepted)

  • Daily Breakdown

    Days typically run 10am - 9pm with a 60min lunch and 90min dinner.

    1

    Thursday

    Orientation and first rehearsals. Today's classes are designed to get you in touch with yourself and your partner.

    2

    Friday

    Camera Work and our first guest instructor workshop. Today you'll dive deep into the conditions of the scene and learn to recognize when something has shifted.

    3

    Saturday

    Get your scene ready for the camera! Today we'll focus on adjusting for the camera and navigating life on set and beyond.

    4

    Sunday

    7am call time. Best to get to bed early the night before. Today we film!

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    Coach Darius

    Darius Journigan is an actor, acting coach, and educator who has spent years training performers, analyzing human behavior, and developing practical approaches to truthful performance. Through his work with actors of all experience levels, he observed a recurring problem in traditional training: performers were often taught to chase emotion rather than understand the conditions that create it. This led him to develop Pressure Dynamics, a comprehensive acting methodology built around a simple premise—behavior changes because conditions change. Drawing from performance practice, behavioral science, breath observation, social dynamics, and adaptive behavior research, Pressure Dynamics trains actors to detect environmental shifts, track physiological recalibration, and pursue objectives with greater precision, responsiveness, and authenticity. Today, Darius continues to coach actors while refining and expanding the Pressure Dynamics system as a complete framework for actor training, instruction, and certification.

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    Your questions answered

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