“Janis Dardaris is an “actor’s actor” on stage; always working, always listening. She brings characters to life within the logic of the work, with seeming effortlessness. Of course, this is only possible with extraordinary effort and instinct. Janis is ready to respond in performance because she is comprehensively prepared. I have known Janis as a performer and teacher for decades and her talents are evident in both areas. For a serious student of acting, Janis can be that pivotal guide one hopes for but rarely encounters. Casual or uncommitted would-be actors should avoid her, as she expects the same high standards in students that she sets for herself.”
Joel Ruark
Executive Director, New Dramatists, New York
"Janis Dardaris is a passionate performer with years of experience in regional and New York theater. Over the last 20 years she has performed in many productions at the Wilma Theater with skill, professionalism, commitment, knowledge, and deep understanding of all the detailed steps it takes to create a riveting performance. I always thought that Janis should share her knowledge with others and encouraged her to teach. I'm glad to know she is taking that path."
Blanka Zizka
Artistic Director, The Wilma Theater
"Janis is one of the most dynamic and authentic theatre artists I know. She has long been one of Greater Philadelphia's most daring, dazzling actors -- fearless, funny, focused, with tremendous passion, craft, and range, at home in any style, from Shakespeare to farce to the work written yesterday. Among her many awards and honors, she won Philadelphia's Barrymore Award for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Play in 1997, when I directed her in the role of Josie in A Moon for the Misbegotten - a once-in-a-lifetime process during which I came to understand that Janis was not only a brilliant actor but a gifted teacher. Her own exacting standards are matched by generosity and love for her fellow players, and her unflagging attention to text, moments, and possibilities makes everyone's art richer, more truthful and meaningful. She has in abundance those qualities most important for the acting teacher and coach: a lifetime of experience, warmth, wit, patience, enthusiasm, razor-sharp focus, kindness, a keen mind and infinite heart.”
Harriet Power
Artistic Director, Venture Theatre, 1994-98
Associate Artistic Director, Act II Playhouse, 2008-12
Professor of Theatre, Villanova University, 1990-present
"BEST acting teacher I ever had! Be happy to recommend you to EVERYONE!"
Kevin Glaccum
Artistic Director, Azuka Theatre
“She has a deep standard of truth, a sophisticated and complex sensibility, and a very impressive tonal range and technique. She is super at communicating with her fellow artists in pursuit of the highest standards and ferocious in her determination. All these qualities, her real personal magnetism, and her fabulous sense of humor as well, are signature qualities for a first-rate acting coach or teacher."
I would unhesitatingly recommend a developing actor to work with her."
Dr. James J. Christy,
Professor Emeritus, Theatre Department Head, Villanova University, 1979 - 2000
"Janis Dardaris - is one of the most talented people I have ever worked with.
When I started the Walnut Street Theatre School as a place where people from all walks of life and all ages would get actor training from highly skilled working professional actors in Philadelphia, Janis was among the first teachers I hired.
Her talent and skill as an actor are clearly of the highest caliber. She is also articulate, filled with energy and enthusiasm, and very focused on the elements of her craft. Her teaching was excellent, and her classes were highly popular and filled for every session.
I cannot recommend anyone more highly for a teaching position in the field of acting than Janis Dardaris- she knows what she is doing and communicates in a way that is accessible and effective."
Andrew Lichtenberg
Walnut Street Theatre School Head, 1984-88