Testimonials - A BIG thank you to all my artists

It’s been a hugely glorious time her at Kate Ellis Coaching and a whole bunch of my wonderful artists (and young artists guardians) have offered to reflect with these glorious testimonials.

From Acting School auditions, to getting their first ever agent.. to landing auditions for the new Bruce Springsteen film (with Jeremy Allen White), Mystery Road Origins, the newest offering from THE Phoebe Waller-Bridge, a role beside Florence Pugh and call backs for Heartbreak High season 3, Michael Jackson the Musical and Beetlejuice the musical.

F YEAH (if I do say so myself!).

Thank you to all my artists for offering these musings… and for your joy, bravery and talent. It’s a pleasure working with YOU all.

xxKate

Spotlight - Shewit Belay (currently starring in WICKED)

This incredible human and actor is currently starring in @wickedinoz .

Shewit Belay is open and honest and therefore rumbles with truth. She’s even done it on this here post where she talks to the ‘gripping of the chair’. I for one love this; and I think the world needs it more… from our artists in scene work as much as in real time interactions out in the world.

Transparency. It’s how we connect. Understand. Empathise. It’s information we can make choices around.

A joy to work with you again today Shewit. Thanks for your openness and sense of play. For the joy and laughter, the candour and your strength xx

Some beautiful reflections from Shewit after our first sessions when she was in Hamilton the musical:

'As someone who has had a significant amount of time between formal training and actually working in the industry, Kate’s guidance has been invaluable for me. Her sessions strike the balance between addressing your specific performance needs and her coaching framework. After working with Kate, I felt challenged to expand my craft as an actor, but also well-equipped to engage in scene analysis - something that I have always had difficulty approaching. I look forward to collaborating with Kate in the future'.

@shewit.belay #actor #wickedthemusical #singer #musicaltheatre #actingcoach

MARTHA BERHANE SHINES IN RENT THE MUSICAL

Once upon a time I got to coach this incredible artist while she was working on #hamilton . UNBELIEVABLE to see her SHINE as Mimi in @rentmusicalau . GO SEE HER SHE’S AMAZING.

‘Kate’s attention to detail and thorough preparation/research makes working with her so exciting and so insightful. Her passion for her craft and for guiding actors to invite a sense of play into the space is both joyful and inspiring. She creates a safe space to both be playfully curious about the work, and learn new ways to access material without fear’. Martha Berhane

JESSICA GREEN STARING IN SPIN OFF OF THE LIBRARIANS

So thrilled for artists Jessica Green who has been cast in and now filming The Librarians: Next Chapter.

Quoting Deadline: The Librarians: The Next Chapter is a spinoff of the original TV series The Librarians, which followed the adventures of the custodians of a magical repository of the world’s most powerful and dangerous supernatural artifacts. The new series centers on a “Librarian” from the past, who time traveled to the present and now finds himself stuck here. When he returns to his castle, which is now a museum, he inadvertently releases magic across the continent. He is given a new team to help him clean up the mess he made, forming a new team of Librarians.

Green will play Charlie Cornwall, the Guardian. Charlie, having been rejected by the Library to serve as a Guardian – essentially the bodyguard of The Librarian – was at a low point in her life when she got the call to be a “special guardian” on a trial basis. Trained in the military, her dedication and martial art skills are unquestionable. If she can keep the powers that be in line, she can achieve her dream to become a permanent member of the Library.

Jessica and I worked together as actor/coach on Lightning Point and it was such a wonderful reunion, coaching her for The Librarians: Next Chapter leading her into shoot. Can’t wait to see the show!

Red Carpet premiere of RENT

What an incredible privilege to see the likes of such talent at the red carpet, premiere event of Rent the musical.

On at the State Theatre in Naarm/ Melbourne, this production features the amazing Martha Berhane as Mimi … who also happens to be a once client and legend of a human being : )

The whole audience was moved to applaud at the conclusion of almost every song. I hope all artists are so proud.

Joined in this picture (on my right) by teaching artist Claire Wearne, such fun was had. Get all your information and tickets here: https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2024/musical/rent

AACTA YOUNG STARS NATIONAL YOUTH CASTING CALL IS HERE!

I am delighted to be supporting young actors in their preparation and filming for the AACTA YOUNG STARS NATIONAL YOUTH CASTING CALL.

What is it?

‘The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), in collaboration with Casting Networks® and the Casting Guild of Australia (CGA), have launched a groundbreaking national, youth casting initiative to uncover the next wave of Australia’s brightest acting talent - AACTA Young Stars: National Youth Casting Call. 

AACTA Young Stars aims to identify exceptional, diverse, bright, young screen talent across Australia and provide tangible opportunities to help them realise their dream. Australian residents aged between 13 and 18 years are invited to submit a video showcasing their performance talent for their chance to get in front of some of Australia’s leading Casting Directors. 

Submissions close 5pm AEDT Monday 6 November 2023.’

This is such a wonderful initiative and thrilled for your young artists!

Contact me if you would like some help.

Warmest

Kate

Brisbane - GO SEE HAMILTON!

Last year was quite the work ride ... a very very special time for my career indeed. One unexpected was getting the opportunity to work with Hamilton cast members. Two such incredible actors, Martha Berhane and Shewit Belay have been kind enough to speak to my work when I reached out to them (apparently updating your website is good business practice lol. Please excuse this luddite …and her genuine preference for face to to face interactions).

If you are in Brisbane, Hamilton tours there shortly. Would so recommend seeing actors like Martha and Shewit in action. TALENTED AS F.

'Kate’s attention to detail and thorough preparation/research makes working with her so exciting and so insightful. Her passion for her craft and for guiding actors to invite a sense of play into the space is both joyful and inspiring. She creates a safe space to both be playfully curious about the work, and learn new ways to access material without fear'.

Martha Berhane (photograph by THE Bree Bain).

'As someone who has had a significant amount of time between formal training and actually working in the industry, Kate’s guidance has been invaluable for me. Her sessions strike the balance between addressing your specific performance needs and her coaching framework. After working with Kate, I felt challenged to expand my craft as an actor, but also well-equipped to engage in scene analysis - something that I have always had difficulty approaching. I look forward to collaborating with Kate in the future'.

Shewit Belay (photograph credit tbc).

A Year of Lanyards

This year I have had the incredible privilege and pleasure of presenting in Iceland, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and my home city of Naarm (Melbourne).

In Iceland I presented at the World Drama Education Congress, championing the work of actors and encouraging the integration of acting skills such as intimacy, pleasure, sensitivity, play and communication in schools education.

In Aotearoa and Naarm (Melbourne), I presented with my incredible colleague Nick Waxman on our work with Drama Victoria and the Department of Education through the Positive Start ‘Bring the Drama’ Initiative. On both occasions we had the opportunity to introduce to people from all over the world, the wonderful education resources we have put together so that ALL kids and teachers have access to drama education (see https://vimeo.com/channels/dramavictoriapresents/page:3 )

I have worn a lot of lanyards, met a lot of incredible people, and spent time in environments we should all be so lucky to have access too.

Kate Ellis Coaching is now available for Self Tapes

A self tape at home can be daunting. You are alone at home without any professional feedback and you may have to get a flat mate, partner or family member to read for you. Though it’s lovely that they support you in this way, they may not have the professional experience to help you gift your best performance.

Located in the leafy, beach side suburb of Middle Park, Kate and her studio apartment can act as a coach, a reader, and film your piece. With fresh white walls and a tripod and ring light that will hold your phone for filming, there is help available as well as great joy - it’s just that wonderful to get an audition isn’t it.

Late minute appointments can be made through the contact page as well as any questions you may have about the service.

Investment is $150 an hour.

I look forward to working with you.