Get to know TAS Coach: Kirsten Krehbiel

Get to know TAS Coach: Kirsten Krehbiel

All of our acting coaches are highly qualified working actors who participate in the Film/TV industry in a variety of ways, in addition to coaching acting classes. But we want to give you a more in-depth look at who they are as people. 
 
This month we are sharing some insights that will help answer the question, 
“Who Is Kirsten Krehbiel?” Read on to find out!

What Makes You Feel Confident?

Confidence is key to everything! In my day to day, a good outfit and a bright lipstick makes me feel confident. As far as acting goes, being PREPARED! Learning as much information about a project as you can and knowing your character inside and outalways leaves me feeling confident walking on set.

How did you first get into acting?

I’m from a small town. So naturally, in high school I participated in all the extracurricular activities, including drama. I’m so thankful for this, too, because I don’t think I would have had the confidence to try acting had I been at a bigger school.

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

Managing time to grind and also have selfcare. Constant and consistent hard work is key in this industry, but you also have to find time to take breaks, rest, and just enjoy yourself. If I start getting bogged down, I find things to do that will help me reset (ex: picnics with my cat or long facetimes with my sisters).

One thing that concerns many actors is rejection. How have you handled rejection in this industry?

I got to sit in and help cast three other roles for one of the first shorts I did here in Atlanta. It changed my perspective infinitely. I realized rejection in this industry isn’t the same as in anything else. Not getting a part could be one of a million things that has nothing to do with you or what you did in your audition. I had to change my thinking from it being a rejection, to it having been an opportunity and challenge. Don’t get me wrong, it still stings when I don’t get the role “I was meant to play”. But now, I cry for a bit, then take it as a learned experience and a challenge to work harder on the next one! You can never practice something too much.

Practice your script 100 times, then try it 100 different ways. Always play with your script!

-Kirsten Krehbiel

Besides acting, do you pursue any other interests in the entertainment industry?

Yes! Covid really brought this out in me. I had created a few shorts and a Youtube show prior to Covid, but the lockdown made me realize how much I love the “bigger picture”. I love writing down the vision I see and making it come to life. Through my comedy group Feminine Odor, I’ve been able to write, direct, and edit films which has been a wonderful new discovery in this industry for me!


TAS has also changed the game for me! I am now the monthly blog writer, which has been so much fun! I get to chat with our coaches, students, and staff about different industry related topics. Hearing all of their stories and advice really brings me joy. Plus, I’ve got to write or update some of our syllabuses including one of our newest classes Theatre Foundations. My background is in theatre so I LOVED creating this AND write an original script for it! I cannot wait to see it performed live!

Why did you get into coaching?

I started coaching with the comedy group Sketchworks Comedy a few years ago. In all my years of childcare, coaching has been the most inspiring. To watch these kids find their confidence, their voices, their abilities; it’s pretty amazing. So when I learned there was an opening at TAS, I jumped on the opportunity!

What is your proudest coaching moment?

It’s common that students don’t rush to perform first in class, and it’s always in the back of my head that it’s a confidence issue. I learned recently that one student likes to go last so that she can listen to the notes I give other students and make adjustments to her own performance. And I must say, she always comes across very prepared and professional.

What do you hope that your coaching legacy will be?

Joy. Even when I have to cry in a scene, I am filled with joy because I’m getting to act. I hope to always have that, and to get to see it in others.

Kirsten Krehbiel Bio:

I’m from a small town in Kansas, the middle of three girls. I fell in love with being on stage in high school and continued to pursue it into Tabor college. Post graduation, and not sure where I was wanting to go, I bounced around for a few years before finally settling here in Atlanta. I did a few shows here and there in those days, but Atlanta was my move to make acting a career.

My two biggest passions are acting and teaching which brings me great joy to be a part of The Actor’s Scene’s coaching staff. I love watching students discover and grow in their own unique talents.  

 After years of writing shorts for myself, I’m thrilled to have started my writing journey with TAS as the blog writer and syllabus creator. When I’m not creating or teaching, you can find me snuggled up with her cat and a good book.

It’s been an interesting journey, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

Would you like to work with Coach Kirsten?

Kirsten is currently offering virtual private lessons

To sign up for a private lesson with Coach Kirsten, click HERE. 

You can also give our Front Desk a call at 770-904-6646.

Also, Kirsten is our chief Blog contributor. Check out Kirsten’s blogs HERE. 

Want to keep up with Coach Kirsten? 

Check out her:

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Keeping Your Child Safe On Set

Keeping Your Child Safe On Set

Advice for parents of child actors to maximize their on set experience.

Here at TAS we pride ourselves on being confidence makers. Whether it’s encouraging a shy student to boldly perform their lines or educating students about how to navigate this industry, our main goal is to help students feel confident in whatever part of their acting journey they find themselves.

It’s not just for students though! We believe that parents should feel the same confidence when bringing their child to set.  As the parent of a child actor you have the normal responsibilities of your child as well as making sure you are professional on set and that your child is safe. 

It’s a lot. Thankfully our TAS staff is here for you and I could think of no better person to talk to about it than TAS Owner and Acting Manager Nicolle Campbell. Nicole’s knowledge of the industry will empower you to have the confidence to keep your child safe and professional on set! 

Being new to set can be scary. What are some simple steps that parents can take to feel comfortable and confident bringing their child to set?

  • Just knowing that a parent has the right to be within eyesight of their minor child at all times during their time on set should bring comfort to the parent. 
  • Also it’s good to have an understanding of what being onset is like. There are going to be moments where you’re going to be idle for long periods of time. Be prepared for that. There will not be a day where you’re active the whole time. So bring things for you and your child to do during that idle time. Simple things that will keep your child’s attention and help them stay calm and occupied during that time. If it’s a union job there will be craft services on set so there will always be food available. If it’s a nonunion job bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you and your child hydrated and hunger abated. 
  • The other thing to understand is to come with an attitude of patience above all else. You may have an early call time and arrive at that time, but they may not be ready for you for hours. You may wonder why did they have you arrive so early. The call time is the best approximate guess of when they will need you. However shots or takes before you could go longer than expected, equipment can fail, it can take longer to set up lighting. All kinds of things can happen that can delay when you get sent to film your scene. Once your time comes they need you right then. So you have to be there and be ready to film at the exact time they need you. Please understand that you have to be patient and understand the full process. Knowing this will help you not get aggravated because you’re waiting a long time. That’s why you have to prepare ahead of time .
TAS Owner and Founder, Nicolle Campell

If a parent feels uncomfortable about something happening on set who should they talk to? And how should they go about speaking up for their child?

If something happens on set that you feel uncomfortable with contact your agent or manager immediately. Do not try to handle the situation on-site yourself. Your agent or manager is the best advocate for you in the moment. They are the ones who can take care of things for you and get things done. Then you are not the problem or the “bad guy”. This is one of the jobs and responsibilities of your representation. If your agent or manager is not immediately available there are child advocates on set on a union job that can help you handle the situation. On a nonunion job your best bet is to contact your agent/manager and to know that you are the best advocate for your child. You can always say that you need to talk to your agent or manager about something you feel uncomfortable with before agreeing to film a scene.

What are some red flags parents should note once they are on set?

Red Flags on set can include: taking the parents off where they are not within an eyesight of the child, not allowing you to converse with your agent or manager if there is a situation, or having the child do a stunt or activity that places them in danger. These are all things that should alert the parent and have them contact their agent or manager immediately. 

"Helicopter Parenting" how do parents avoid this while feeling confident about their child's safety?

A parent should never interrupt filming or give advice to the Director on how to do something even if their child is misbehaving or not following direction. This is helicopter parenting, and the Director will not like this. If the Director needs help, they will ask the parent. The Director has to establish a connection or bond with the child, and if the parent interferes, the child will learn to always look towards the parent instead of the director. That is not good. Allow the Director and the child to work out any kind of bumps along the way. Do not be that parent that complains about how long things take, or things that go wrong on set. A parent can easily ruin a child’s career, even if the child is really talented. Directors won’t want to deal with a ‘difficult’ parent’s behavior. There is a difference between advocating for your child’s health and safety and overstepping your bounds and being a complainer.

Thank you so much Nicolle for all of this amazing advice. When it comes down to it, the best thing you can do is educate yourself. If you still feel a bit insecure or have more questions about being on set with your child, contact us here at TAS. We would love to book a Career Coaching or Private lesson with you to get you feeling as confident as possible on set! 

Ready to get started? Reach out today!

TASFRONTDESK@GMAIL.COM

770-904-6646

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About The Author

Kirsten Krehbiel

Kirsten Krehbiel is an Atlanta based actress, director, and writer who enjoys bringing people new truths through the art of storytelling. She has a love of acting both on camera and on stage, having been lucky enough to be a part of incredible productions in both worlds. Kirsten joined the TAS team in 2020 as a coach, a job she loves because it lets her watch first hand as students grow and gain self confidence as actors. When she is not creating or coaching, you can find Kirsten hanging out with her grumpy cat on their back porch. 

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