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

COME PLAY at TAFTA!

We take our passions seriously. But we also act because it's fun, right? Research suggests that the more we play, the deeper connections we make between the learning and our entire bodies. In other words, through play we have a full-bodied experience. This is of course excellent for the field of acting.

Join Kate Ellis for three evenings at TAFTA to find nuance and colour in your audition pieces and work, through experimentation and play. Through Kate’s unique approach to scene work you will open up a multiverse of choices for any one scene, proffer unique auditions and have fun while doing it.

Kate has worked with international artists such as Lucy Fry, Aisha Dee and Connor Jessup as well as on International programs and with International
Production Companies such as ‘The Saddle Club’ and Temple Films (Anupam Sharma). She has worked on Australian Features such as ‘Judy and Punch’ and ‘That’s Not Me’ and with actors in such stage productions as Hamilton. She teaches at acting schools such as 16th Street Actors Studio & TAFTA in Melbourne/Naarm, Australia. She further supports artists and the broader community through her writing, participation in Q and A’s and through government initiatives with Drama Victoria. She recently spoke at the World Drama Education Congress in Iceland.

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.