A. Dean Irby

A. Dean Irby serves as Associate Professor of Acting in the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Purchase College, State University of New York. A New York City-based director, actor, and educator, his distinguished career spans over three decades with performances and direction on Broadway, Off Broadway, and at renowned theaters including the New York Shakespeare Festival, Negro Ensemble Company, Arena Stage, and Crossroads Theatre.

His academic credentials include:

• BA, Dillard University
• MFA, New York University

Professor Irby's expertise centers on theater arts with specialized focus on African American performance traditions, directing methodologies, and actor training. His work with institutions like the Negro Ensemble Company demonstrates deep engagement with cultural narratives and historical contexts in theatrical storytelling, bridging academic instruction with professional artistry.

His achievements are recognized through:

• Audelco Award for direction of the original production of 'Home' (Negro Ensemble Company)
• Audelco Award for direction of 'Boogie Woogie and Booker T.' (New Federal Theatre)

Professor Irby integrates industry experience into pedagogy, having served as acting coach for The Cosby Show and appearing in over 30 television commercials. This professional practice enriches his mentorship approach, connecting classroom training to real-world performance demands while maintaining active contributions to theater education through initiatives like his recent presentation at an Oklahoma summer arts institute.