Dean Irby

A. Dean Irby is a New York City–based director, actor, and educator. In his distinguished career, which spans more than three decades, he has acted and directed on Broadway and Off Broadway, for the New York Shakespeare Festival, Negro Ensemble Company, Arena Stage, New Federal Theatre, and Crossroads Theatre, and at numerous regional and university theatres. He is the recipient of two Audelco Awards for his direction of the original production of Home for the Negro Ensemble Company and Boogie Woogie and Booker T. for the New Federal Theatre. Irby is also the former acting coach for The Cosby Show and has appeared in more than 30 television commercials.

He is currently Associate Professor of Acting at SUNY Purchase.

NFT Credits

Credit Type Production Season
Director Mondongo 1975-76 Season
Director Boogie Woogie & Booker T 1986-87 Season
Director The Spirit Moves 1993-94 Season
Director Puberty Rites 2011-12 Season
Director Medal of Honor Rag (2020) 2020-21 Season
Actor Toe Jam 1975-76 Season