Powerful Stories
Embodied Craft
Timeless technique meets physical power & imagination
Decades shaping stages,
minds, and moments
Igniting presence
Forging connection
Sparking transformation
Craft / Connection / Creative Risk /
Craft / Connection / Creative Risk /
A Life in Art and Education
Dan Cohen is a director, actor, educator, and arts administrator with a deep commitment to artist-centered, ensemble-based theatre practice. He holds an MFA in Directing from the University of Washington, where he studied under Jon Jory, Robyn Hunt, and Steve Pearson. He has taught Acting, Movement, Devised Theatre-Making, and Script Analysis at institutions including The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (2013–present), Marymount Manhattan College, NYU Tisch School of the Arts (Meisner and Classical studios), Cal State Long Beach, and the University of Washington.
Dan’s physical training is grounded in decades of work with the Suzuki and Viewpoints techniques, shaped by long-term mentorship through SITI Company and P3/East. He completed a two-year internship with The Wooster Group and has continued to explore experimental and embodied performance throughout his directing and teaching career.
As a director, Dan’s credits span classical, devised, and new work. Highlights include The Tempest, In the Blood, Durang Durang, Language of Angels, and the staged reading of Freud’s Last Session at Barrington Stage, which helped launch the play’s full production and Off-Broadway run. At NYCDA, he directed 8 Pieces, a devised production created in collaboration with José Rivera, who contributed new material and mentored students in rehearsal. Other original works Daniel has directed include Catullus Live, Juliet, Teresa, and Back to One.
His work as an actor has been seen at The Theatorium, Pearl Theatre Company, The Performing Garage, X Repertory Theatre, and HERE Arts Center. He was a member of Richard Kimmel’s Cannon Company, performing in boundary-pushing productions including Three Sisters, Puss, and Witch’s Macbeth. Notably, he played Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream alongside Tony Award-winner Dan Fogler.
As Assistant to Artistic Director Julianne Boyd at Barrington Stage Company, Dan supported mainstage and developmental productions, including the New Musical Theatre Lab curated by William Finn. He brings to all his work a commitment to craft, collaboration, and the transformative power of storytelling.
“Dan is an incredibly versatile teacher with an extensive breadth of knowledge. He genuinely cares about his students and wants us to succeed. Learning from Dan has been a highlight of my training.”
“Dan’s assured teaching and skill set has boosted my confidence no end. From Shakespeare to Wilde and everything in between, he has improved my technique immensely. His directing notes have always been incredibly supportive and encouraging.”
“He truly cares about each and every one of his students growing in their work. He’s a very specific director and teacher, which allows students to feel confident in their choices. One of the most artistically intelligent teachers I’ve had the opportunity to work with.”
