Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

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Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

You can spot Jai this year in Tiny Fugitives and Superman. 

Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed at The Actor’s Scene, but we also love to share their successes with the world! One student that has really caught our attention lately is Jai Soundar. Jai has a background in theatre and commercial, but is getting ready for a big launch on the film scene this year. You will spot him in Seth Rogan’s upcoming film, Tiny Fugitives, and the new Superman film.

Let’s hear more about his acting journey so far: 

Jai, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with us! It's an honor to speak with a young actor who is filled with purpose and vision. Let's start at the beginning, what made you want to become an actor?

What made me want to become an actor is that when I was about five or so I was watching a movie, and I asked my mom, “Why doesn’t anyone on TV look like me?”. In response my mom said that I should be the change I wanted to see, which is a quote by an Indian major leader, Gandhi. I didn’t understand what she said at first, but as I grew up and became an actor I could interpret what she said all those years ago. I think she meant I could either sit at home and keep wondering or get up and try to be THAT kid on TV; that way other kids wouldn’t have to ask that question anymore. 

This is so cool! Acting is already a wonderful experience, but it is much more meaningful knowing that you get to be a part of the change you wanted to see when you were younger. What do you think 'little Jai' would have said if you told him that he would one day be acting in movies?

What I think little me would most likely feel in that moment is a sense of excitement and determination- and for a young little boy, a little excitement can go a long way! I’d also be excited because I had found a way to time travel in a later part of my life. You don’t know how much I wanted to learn how to time travel!

What would you say to those who want to make a positive change in the world, but feel overwhelmed by getting started?

To those who want to make a big change to the world through acting make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons; such as because you love it or because you were inspired. Be wary, though, of the other reasons some people go into acting. You should never do acting if you don’t want to or if you’re forced to. Don’t act for the popularity because if you act for popularity you mix up your career life and your personal life.
 
Also even though it’s scary, just try and push through the fear because it’s better than not attempting it at all!

What is it that you love about being an actor?

I can express my feelings and emotion through acting in ways I couldn’t if I wasn’t an actor. I also really like acting because I can inspire kids of all ethnicities to do what they want to do. The stories out there should include people who look different. I think that’s meaningful and makes people feel like they belong in this world. 

What was something that surprised you about first working on a set?

The first time I ever went on a set my role was a small role, but even the smallest role can have a big impact! Although my role was small, I had to stay there for a week- which just shows that there are no small roles, only small actors who don’t feel blessed about acting in any role (no matter how big or small).

I was also surprised by how much was involved in making film and TV. The crew on every set work SO HARD. They are the best, and I always try and remember to say Thank You to them. 

Yes! Staying grateful and thankful are so important! Tell us, what are some of your favorite types of acting moments?

Some of my favorite moments in filming are probably scenes with stunts because they give me a sense of exhilaration. I love doing things that are built around the concept of exhilaration, such as rollercoasters, competitions, and exhilarating video games. Also some of my favorite moments are acting with other people. I love watching other people act and I love laughing or smiling with them after Cut is called. 

So many actors are curious about what it's like doing stunts on a set. Can you tell us more about what you did (or what you saw) and what the process was like?

Since the movie I did a stunt in is not released yet I can’t say too much, but what I can say to those who don’t know what the stunt process is like, it is very safe since we have stunt doubles. Stunt doubles do stunts so that the actual actor is safe from all the trouble. Everyone on set always made sure I was comfortable and fine with everything I was doing, which was really nice. 

Very cool. Let's switch gears and talk about about your acting training. What is some of the best acting advice you have been given?

Most of the tips that have been given to me have morphed me into the actor I am now. An example of one of those tips is the One-to-Ten Energy Scale, ‘One’ meaning use very low amounts of energy (nearly the amount of energy people use when they sleep) and ‘Ten’ means go all out, be energetic, like the life of the party.

Another tip I will always remember is when someone told me to act in a way people can connect with you. I don’t know if I always do that, but I try. 

You know that at TAS, confidence is very important to us. So, we have to know, what makes you feel confident?

When it comes to acting I feel confident in a quiet place while practicing lines because I have room for error. When it’s quiet I can increase my knowledge on acting while also being able to get to know my character.

Making space to be quiet is wonderful advice! Tell us more about your process for 'getting to know your character'. Tell us the steps you take and what you find helpful.

I mark up all my scripts with the emotions I’d use for each line, the way I will move my body, and the level of energy I will use. It takes the longest part of my prep, but it’s the most helpful for me. I also try not to get too set in stone on my ways, in case the director wants me to change my tone or approach. 

What would be your dream role or acting project?

My dream project would be, to be in the expected Third Avatar the Last Airbender series because I love the series concept. I’m also a huge fan of the Sci – Fi genre.

Two other films I’d like to be in are Pokémon (the anime) and The Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie. And any DCU or Marvel movie would be icing on the cake. 

Finally, what advice do you have for other young actors just getting started?

I’d give them the advice, “No matter who you are or where you’re from you can do anything you want… you just have to put your mind to it” As well as to do what you want to do, if you want to be an actor that’s great and if you don’t want to be an actor, that’s okay. Don’t let anybody pave the way for you.

I also learned something important from Johnny Knoxville when I worked with him on a recent film. He told me that if there isn’t a movie or a role you’re getting out there, MAKE a role for yourself. Create something and make yourself unique. I will never forget that. 

Parent's Corner

Parents know that it takes a lot of hard work to make sure their babies shine brightly in the spotlight. We are so thankful to have Jai's mother, Devi, join us with some tips and advice for parents of young actors.

Devi, thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions. To start off, what is some advice you’d give to other parents of young actors?

We are fairly new to this ourselves, but I would say what has helped us as a family is:

  1. We check in with Jai often on his feelings about the industry. We often ask him if he is enjoying himself, as this process can be very confusing when you submit tapes and are not expected to hear feedback- especially at such a young age!
  2. We also reassure him that we are just here to support him and if at any point he wants to stop, we can! That way, he doesn’t feel a certain pressure or harbor a feeling that he is letting us down.
  3. We rely heavily on advice from his wonderful acting/music coaches, as they’ve navigated this much more than we have as his parents.
  4. We listen to podcasts about how to help support child actors in such a tough industry (Parenting in the Spotlight by Denise Simon) is a great one. 

That is wonderful advice! Do you have any helpful tools you picked up along the way?

 My husband and I poured into all the research we could regarding how to properly support a child actor. We have watched a few helpful masterclasses on voice and acting, as we ourselves have no personal background in performing arts. In our family, we keep it simple by asking Jai 3 questions after every set day. 
1. Are you gaining joy out of this? We remind him a ‘win’ is not booking. He should enjoy the character breakdown, self-tape, audition, and callback process too–because they are all a part of his craft. We also tell him that every part of acting is just self-betterment. If he doesn’t end up an actor, at least he will have an immense understanding of emotional intelligence, confidence, public speaking skills, etc. 
2. Do you feel like you’re using your own voice? Through our research, we noticed child actors can especially be overlooked or feel the pressure of acting in a way unnatural to them to impress adults. Even during our self-tapes, I try to remind myself that I can’t ask Jai to change the way he’s acting, because he’s the experienced one in it, not me! And if he’s not using his own voice and own approach, it just won’t come out authentic. 
3. Are you giving back? It’s pretty unconventional for a 10 year old to have a job in general!  After a project he did in school, Jai really felt compassionate about donating to Smile Train, a nonprofit organization and charity providing corrective surgery for children with cleft lip/palates. Jai came to us and said he wanted to donate some of his last earnings from his film to the charity, and we were proud to hear it. 

Honestly this is a side of acting that you don't hear talked about very often. There is such a tremendous opportunity to spotlight those in need; you must have been incredibly proud to hear your young actor want to get involved and help. How did you foster that conversation and desire to make a difference?

Thank you, we are so very proud! To be honest, I don’t know how, but Jai has always been very emotionally aware. When we travel to India, he is always overwhelmed with the disparities he sees in some of the areas we travel. What made him specifically passionate about assisting children with cleft lips is after a discussion at his school when he saw pictures and heard stories of kids who struggle, not just with physical appearance but with some abilities to speak due to the disability. We like Smile Train because they do so much more than surgery–they also help children with nutritional, speech, orthodontic support, hearing care and psychosocial counseling.  

Tell us what makes it all worth it? Why do you keep going, even when things get hard?

Jai looked up at us when he was five and asked us- point blank- why no one else on TV looked like him. We were shocked and didn’t know what to say at the time, mainly because it was so young for him to pick up on that. Fast forward to now, what makes it all worth it is when we see Jai get so excited about seeing diversity on the screen.

We keep going because his mission is to tell stories and work with actors/directors who want to cast all ethnicities. Even though he gets half (if not a third) of the auditions his peers receive, because he doesn’t always fit the description, he works several hours a day because he wants kids watching him at home to feel they can be a part of any narrative, too. Though acting is a completely new territory for our family, we do it for that five year old Jai who taught us how impactful representation can be. 

That is amazing! Way to go Jai, and thank you Devi, for taking the time to answer these questions for us. We know that other parents will find your input a valuable part of their own journeys.

Want to keep up with Jai?

Check him out on:

IMDb

Instagram

Actor’s Access (Resume)

Jai and his family support Smile Train, a charity that benefits children around the world who are born with cleft lips. 

Read more about Smile Train HERE.

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Get to know TAS Coach (& Front Desk Assistant), Madison Stuckey

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Get to know TAS Coach (& Front Desk Assistant), Madison Stuckey

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 Madison Stuckey?” Read on to find out!

What Makes You Feel Confident?

Preparation is always a great place to start. I feel most confident when I’m passionate about what I’m doing and I can have fun with it. At the end of the day, reminding myself of where I’ve come and trying to be authentic and in the moment keeps me sane.

How did you first get into acting?

Through theatre first, like many other actors! I have always loved telling stories and admired how they can connect people.Through storytelling, I can live a thousand lives and get to play and build worlds with other people.

Madison's First Headshot

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

Learning the technical differences between theatre acting and on camera acting and putting it into practice was definitely a challenge. I started in theatre, then focused mainly on acting for Film/Tv at SCAD, and I’ve been trying to practice switching between the two regularly ever since. I would also say developing myself as an artist and individual has been a journey, but that’s life.

What advice do you have for others who are in the process of developing their skills as an actor?

I still am tackling it! Practice helps a lot, but so does personal growth and life-experience. I hope to be a life-long student and never stop growing and learning. Additionally, improv is an incredible tool that changed my life. I urge everyone to give it a chance, I believe it helps make people more connected with the world and those around them.

Check out Dad's Garage take on The Christmas Carol in a family friendly matinee.

December 14, 21, & 22. Click below for more details.

Find Out More and Buy Tickets Here

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

Oh my gosh, yes. I have always enjoyed writing, and it was going to be part of my degree at one point during college, until I switched into a Film/TV minor. Most of my writing has been comedy and sketches, but I would love to branch out into writing plays and longer films/episodic content! Producing (mainly pre-production) was what I had the most experience in when it came to working crew in college. I love the team-building and organizational aspects of it, and as hard as it is to pull off, it sure is rewarding! Directing wasn’t something I realized I wanted to do until I started working at TAS, actually. Coaching actors through our taping services has made me realize how much I love to direct, so it’s one of the many hats I would like to try on in the future.

How did you come to The Actor's Scene?

I first found TAS as a private student (Shoutout to my former coach, Sanna Erica!) while still in high school, because of my long-time best friend and current TAS Coach Molly Pass! Fast forward to earlier this year when I started my current position as a Front Desk Assistant. Since then, I have also become a Taping Coach, and I’d have to say that’s my favorite part of the job. The joy I get from helping students grow in their careers and hearing of their successes is unmatched. We have so many talented students!

What is one bit of advice that you always love to share?

Please do not be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone, both in life and in your creative choices. Embarrass yourself often in the name of comedy! Find a way to practice self-taping and “play Casting Director” with other actors. Coaching students in tapings fundamentally changed the way I approach on camera acting and self-tapes and taught me many invaluable lessons. Try not to do more than three takes when self-taping. It will save you from a lot of frustration in the audition and headaches when you go to edit. 

What is an acting accomplishment that makes you proud?

Reflecting on all of the projects I’ve been able to be a part of and where I’ve come as an artist in general over the last five years brings me a lot of joy and pride! I’m very proud to have worked with so many talented creatives. At TAS, I’m overwhelmed with pride anytime students report back to me with their successes or tell me about what projects they’re working on!

What do you hope that your coaching legacy will be?

I would love to help grow confidence in the students at TAS and help them achieve success not only as well-rounded actors, but also as well-rounded artists. I want to foster a fun, safe space where everyone is welcome to have a seat at the table. The community that I have always found in theatre and creative spaces changed my life, and I hope that students at TAS can find that community here.

Finally, do you have any acting resources that you love?

I’m a big reader, so most of these will be books. For those looking for non-book resources, I recommend the Armchair Expert podcast. They always have a rotation of phenomenal guests. I also recommend an app called Actions: The Actor’s Thesaurus. I still pull this app out from time to time when I’m breaking down my action verbs in a script and I need synonyms that either are stronger or will make my choices more specific.

Book List:

  1. The Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual by Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh. My copy is super worn from how much I’ve used this over the years. It’s an easy read and funny!
  2. Directing Actors by Judith Weston. Despite the name, this is definitely a book actors will benefit from. It is sectioned into small parts, which makes it easy to read, and it has so much helpful information packed in it.
  3. Producer to Producer by Maureen A. Ryan. Not an acting book, but a FANTASTIC resource for anyone interested in producing or filmmaking in general. (Hint hint: OSE students!)
  4. The Great Acting Teachers and Their Methods by Richard Brestoff. A great overview!
  5. Tips: Ideas for Actors by Jon Jory. It is also packed full of information!
  6. How to Audition On Camera by Sharon Bialy. The industry has definitely changed since this book was published, especially post-Covid, but this is still a great read.

Madison Stuckey Bio:

Since a young age, Madison has held a strong passion for all forms of art, but she was particularly fascinated with movies and the characters within them. She fell in love with theatre in high school and began to search for any way to keep herself involved- whether onstage or in the wings. She was introduced to TAS by Coach Molly in 2017, and was amazed by the welcoming and supportive environment fostered by all of the coaches at TAS.

In 2023, Madison received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts with minors in Casting and Film & Television from the Savannah College of Art and Design. In her time at SCAD, Madison further discovered her love of voiceover, improv and comedy. Madison was heavily involved with the improv department from 2018-2023, taking on leadership roles and becoming a student coach under the supervision of David Storck. She worked on SCAD animated projects, short films and in multiple sketch groups over the years. In her senior year, she was a part of a student-written and performed sketch show directed by Matt Walsh.

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Get to know TAS Coach: Jemarcus Kilgore

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Get to know TAS Coach: Jemarcus Kilgore

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 Jemarcus Kilgore?” Read on to find out!

What Makes You Feel Confident?

Confidence, for me, comes down to two factors.

1. Practice. Through practice I build not only my acting abilities but also a knowledge that helps me feel at ease when needed. Through practice I learn more about myself and also feel ready for what’s ahead of me.

2. My faith. Faith helps me remember what is really important in all that I do. It’s the reassurance that even if things don’t turn out the way that I want them to, then they will still turn out the way they are supposed to be. 

How did you first get into acting?

I told my mom I wanted to be a Power Ranger. She explained to me that they were just actors, so I settled on the next best thing 🙂

That is pretty much how it happened. At the time, Power Rangers were on Disney, who held the rights to the series. The Red Ranger was a black man and I thought, “Yo, cool. That guy. I want to be a Power Ranger!” So my mom decided to take my newfound interest in acting and sign me up for plays at church. The director saw something in me that stood out and continued to cast me in church plays. Eventually I began taking formal acting lessons and got my first professional gig at 12 years old; just a little featured extra role playing Tyler Perry’s son in Single Mom’s Club. It was a good experience that helped me see that anything was possible.

At 16 I began doing live community theatre. My first role was Prince Eric in the show, The Little Mermaid, at CYT Atlanta. After reading a book where CYT was mentioned, I decided to google them and found out that they were launching auditions. I showed up with the only Disney song I knew, which was, ‘Proud of Your Boy’ (from the theatrical version of Aladdin). I only knew that song because I sang it to my mom for Mother’s Day. And I got it! I got the main part! That really got the ball rolling for my career.

**Imagine how I felt later on when they told me that they would have cast me either way because they didn’t have enough boys audition. They were ecstatic that I could actually sing and act!

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

Two things: 

  1. Dealing with the era of self tapes, and only self tapes. I have never had the gift of auditioning in person for film or TV. I have only auditioned in person for theatre. I have heard stories from my friends of how amazing it is to audition in person for an industry project, and I really want to try it. I feel like I can sell myself better than I can sell any character, and I would really like the opportunity to do just that. It would be cool to have a personal connection with a casting director.
  2. Learning that, “What is for you is for you”. Not every, ‘No’ means No; it just means not right now. I’ve learned to take every audition with a grain of salt. It’s taught me resilience and persistence. 

It’s not easy, especially as my career has grown and the parts that I have started auditioning for have gotten bigger and more well known. Recently I have been auditioning for some IP’s that I am familiar with; projects that, if booked, would take me out of the country to film. It’s like a whole new level of giving it my all, seeing the potential, and still being okay with the fact that that at the end of the day it may not be right for me.

That mental struggle is something that all actors must learn to confront and contend with. Do you have any advice for new actors or maybe those who are feeling that sense of pressure right now?

I feel like once auditioning becomes fun, and you learn to enjoy the process of auditioning, you realize what a Win it is in itself. 

It could be that thousands submit for a breakdown, while only hundreds get to audition. Out of that only ten get a callback, two get pinned, and only one person gets the job. So if you think about all of the numbers that are in the audition process, you realize how much of a win it (the audition itself) is. 

Accept the small wins, no matter how small they may seem. And know that the booking is just the sweetest bonus that you can get.

-Coach Jemarcus Kilgore

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

I write for film and TV. I have written two pilots, one feature film, I’m halfway through my second feature film, and I have the breakdowns ready to start on a third. I want to be able to tell my own stories one day, so having these ideas laid out and ready to go, has always been beneficial for me.

Outside of that I also sing. I have an EP that I am ready to record, and I enjoy both writing and performing music. I play seven instruments. Being able to take that avenue (music) whenever I want to, gives me something creative and artistic to fuel me in the days ahead. 

Why did you get into coaching?

I never got consistent coaching in my career, and I think that is something I look back on and wish that I had. A lot of the learning that I was blessed to receive was in the latter part of my career. There is so much to learn when it comes to the industry and about our craft, most of which I had to be proactive in learning for myself. I think that the gift of that knowledge is something that you want to pass on.

I want to give back to the next generation of storytellers, whether they are my age, younger, or older. I want to give back and be the gift of knowledge and mentorship that I wish I had when I was just getting started. And as actors, we never stop learning, or growing. Even since I started coaching at TAS I still find myself in learning mode, which inspires me all the more to make it a shared experience with my students. 

What is one bit of advice that you always give your students?

Have fun. At it’s core, we get to play make believe for a living and there is nothing more cool than that. As long as you’re having fun the other pressures of the work don’t matter as much.

I had an audition a couple of weeks ago where I got to practice this very thing; having fun in the audition process. I had a blast taping it and I fell in love with acting all over again. 

If every audition we do, or every class that we take, or every piece that we write is fun to do, then it is worth doing. Even if we are not winning Oscars, or starring next to Denzel Washington, we should focus on having fun doing it, just like they are having fun doing it.

What is your proudest coaching moment?

Recently I got an email from a parent that my student would be out of class for a few weeks due to a booking. Best feeling ever! It is so cool to work alongside your students, to watch them grow, to know their dreams, and be there as those dreams start coming true. Another similar moment was taping a student’s audition for a major network and hearing from his mom 3 days later that he booked it! Those moments are almost as satisfying as booking a project for yourself. 

I also want to share a proud moment that I have as an actor. This is one of my favorite stories to tell and it takes us back to the earlier discussion of performing The Little Mermaid for CYT. I will never forget that it was after the last show, a Sunday matinee, when a tiny girl came running up to me. She said, “It’s Prince Eric! Hi!”. And I was taken aback, mainly because I wouldn’t expect a little white girl to accept my character that easily (since the Eric that she was familiar with was the Disney version). That alone almost had me in tears. I was like, “Hi sweetheart, how are you?” to which she replied, “I’m good now”. After I asked what she meant she replied, “I was sad when we got here, but when you started singing it made me happy”.

In that moment, I realized that my gifts and talents were not given to me FOR me. Rather, I use them now to tell stories to help people get away from what they are going through or find a moment of escape. To give back those gifts to people who need them the most. 

My dream role has always been to play the older version of T’challa’s son in MCU. I think one of the coolest things about stepping into the role of a superhero is your potential to inspire millions of people; kids, adults, anyone who loves these characters and look to them to be better people. 

What do you hope that your coaching legacy will be?

I hope I get to leave a little bit of LIght in the world. We are in dark times in the entire world. I think that people go to the movies to escape, even for just a couple of hours. I love the idea that I can be a part of something that brings people joy- even if I am the bad guy! If people feel good because I lose at the end, and they’re like, “Yeah! He got what he deserved! Yay” Cool. Because I got to contribute to that feeling of joy that good overcomes bad. We all need to be reminded from time to time about the message of hope, and I want to be a part of projects that help people remember it.

A lot of actors say that they would never want to be famous. I won’t say that fame is my goal, but if I were (famous), I wouldn’t mind it. I always think about the opportunity to make someone’s day when they see me at the airport or out on the street. But ultimately, I try to be a person who brings light to people no matter what. 

Finally, do you have any acting resources that you love?

Yes! I love Actor’s Access. When I first got started, I spent hours on actor’s access and think it’s a valuable resource that actors should utilize. 

I really enjoy movies. I think we underestimate how much we can learn from just sitting down and watching a good movie. My family hates watching movies with me now because I will sit there and call out what’s about to happen. And my girlfriend is starting to, as well. I both hate and love the fact that I can see what’s coming, just from watching so many other movies. Over time, you build up a sixth sense.

I love being able to dissect the filmmaking elements and seeing how those play into the overall big picture, on top of the actor’s choices. Right now I am going through the Lord of the Rings trilogy for the first time, and I am loving it. (Shoutout to Andy Serkis! He is crazy talented.) The fact that you can see the acting under the CGI. The average watcher doesn’t understand that when you are performing motion-capture, your performance has to be turned up to like, 12, because if the (tracking) dots don’t move on your face, then the expression is not going to get picked up in post. These actors are standing around in goofy looking suits, looking at nothing, and giving these believable performances based on imagination alone. It’s incredible. To me that’s the purest form of acting. 

Lastly, I love Self Management for Actors, by Bonnie Gillespie. As actors we love the creative side but we have to learn the business side as well. I think this book has been really helpful in teaching me those aspects of the industry which I did not know before. 

Jemarcus Kilgore Bio:

Jemarcus is an actor who’s been acting in the TV/Film and Theatre Industries for the past 12 years.  He’s worked on several projects and including hit shows Black Lightning on The CW and BMF on STARZ. He’s beyond excited to bring his years of skills and knowledge to TAS and to help mold minds that are eager to learn more about acting. 

Would you like to work with Coach Jemarcus?

Coach Jemarcus is currently teaching On Camera Foundations, Improv Foundations, Taped Audition, and Scirpt & Set Study.

Coach Jemarcus is also a vocal coach offering private singing lessons!

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

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

Want to keep up with Coach Jemarcus? 

Check out his:

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IMDb

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Get to know TAS Coach: Kirsten Krehbiel

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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:

Actor’s Access

IMDb

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Happy 10 Years to TAS Coach Rick Goins

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Happy 10 Years to TAS Coach Rick Goins

We want to wish a very Happy 10 Year Anniversary to Coach Rick!
 
 
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 Rick Goins?” and below you will find out why Rick is such a beloved coach! 

How did you first get into acting?

I have two older sisters who were into acting, so I started getting involved vicariously through them. When I was in middle school I got picked on and bullied a lot, so theatre became sort of therapeutic for me. You get the chance to play pretend, escape for a little while and walk in the shoes of someone else.

When I auditioned for AMDA I did it on a whim. It was a surprise to me, and my family, that I even got accepted. After New York I moved to Los Angeles on another whim. It was a true leap of faith. I knew no one when I moved there and didn’t even know where I was going to stay when I got there. As I was driving through Texas, on my way to California, a friend of mine from New York called and said he had a friend in Burbank, CA and I could stay with him when I got there.

Ultimately, I am glad I made that move because my wife is from California. I would have never met her had I not trusted God and just moved out there.

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

Booking! I have been pursuing acting for 20 years and, like most actors, my goal has been to be able to make a living off of acting. There has been moments where that was achieved, but I can’t say I have ever been consistent.

Aside from having talent, networking is a very important attribute to be successful. I’m an introvert and am still challenged, as an adult, with being shy- going to networking events are often my own personal nightmare. But my advice for the introverts is to be friendly, meet people and get to know them for who they are not what they might be able to do for you one day. Also be genuine. Recognize that we are all peers, wanting to do great work together.

How have you learned to maintain a healthy outlook when it comes to the slow seasons?

There are a lot of variables involved in booking a job, other than just your talent. Many of them you can’t control. Work on the ones you can control (talent, professionalism, networking) and don’t waste your life on the things you can’t control. Fame or money can not be your motivation. You do it because you love it. Also, work on your own content! If people won’t hire you, you hire yourself.

Besides acting, do you pursue any other interests from behind the camera?

I got the chance to produce a talk show, a couple of Christmas specials, and full length feature. Producing is a lot of hard work and is under-appreciated by most people. As an actor you have a lot, mentally, on your plate but ultimately you are concerned about your job.

As a producer my job was to be concerned about the cameramen, the sound, script, actors, all the cogs of the machine. If someone doesn’t/can’t do the job correctly, the producer has to go in and correct it, however deemed fit. If the show does great people applaud the actors but if the show falls flat, only then, does the producer get any attention. But my favorite part about being a producer was giving someone that first opportunity. I wanted to be that person who gave someone their first break. That was a cool feeling.

A few years later I was commissioned to adapt a book into a screen play, which was later sold to Sony. The project got stuck in development, but it was exciting that executives were putting money on something I wrote!

Why did you get into coaching?

Acting was a way for me to shine, get out of my shell of insecurities. Making it a profession was icing on the cake. I hope that I can turn and give the same inspiration to the next generations.

What is one important bit of advice you always give the students in your class?

My favorite piece of advice I ever got and that I like to pass on to my students is: “You’re a banana, but they want apples. You’re not going to get the job because of that but you have to keep at it. One day they’re going to want a banana and you need to be there.”

Also, I often remind students to remember their externals in performances. Externals can be defined as surroundings or any other “external” factors that contribute to our movement. Examples of these could be what one wears, the people surrounding us, the weather, etc. So often we forget all of the little habits we build as humans due to our externals. It is important for our characters to have these as well to make them more relatable to the viewers!

What is your proudest coaching moment?

I love watching everyone at the TAS Showcase. Most of them, from kids to adults, have their nerves getting the best of them- but they push through it. Some of them, their goal isn’t to get signed with an agent but just to be able to perform (under pressure)- and they do it. I love seeing the ones that have that “Ah ha” moment where doing a great performance was the reward. If someone gets interested in them professionally… that is just icing on the cake.

Coach Rick with his family

What do you hope that your legacy will be as an acting coach?

My goal is not for students to have fun, although I hope they do. I can’t even say that I want them to be working actors. What I want is for all of them to grow. I want them to be more self-aware, to be more confident. I hope they get excited about the mundane. These make you a better actor, but they also make you a better human being.

Lastly, tell us what makes you feel confident?

To be confident I have to make sure I’m in the moment… and that doesn’t just speak to scene work. It’s great to have goals, but if you are so focused on your goals that you are not enjoying the moment you’re in- you’re doing it wrong. The times I’ve wanted to give up I have to remember to have a purpose bigger than myself; give a ‘Why’ to my wants.

Rick Goins Bio:

I was born in Marietta, GA. After attending college at Truett McConnell in Cleveland, GA I got accepted into the American Musical Camp: Dramatic Academy in New York City. While in Manhattan I performed in various Off (and way off) Broadway shows, including a 3 season national tour of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” as the Tin Woodsman, for the Theatre for Young Audiences. Shortly after I found myself in Los Angeles and getting the chance to appear in various TV shows and movies. I co-founded, managed, and toured with a short-form improvisational troupe, Fishes and Loaves. Got married and moved back to Georgia where I produced a live talk show for a local TV station for 4 years and produced a full-length theatrical released film. I now am a Stay-At-Home-Dad with three kids. As of April I have been coaching at The Actors Scene for ten years!

As a coach you learn that everyone who walks through these doors have different back grounds and different goals in mind so they can not all be trained the same way. Everyone is at a different point in their journey and no one’s path looks the same, recognizing that is what helps make a great coach.

Would you like to train with Coach Rick? 

This year he will be coaching a variety of programs, including:

Adult On-Camera Foundations

Improv Expanded

Meisner & Beyond

He also works with private students on working actor techniques and improv.

To book an appointment, call 770-904-6646.

Or you can register HERE

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Student Highlight: Ailani Flowers

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Student Highlight: Ailani Flowers

You’ve seen her on The Color Purple and The Wonder Years; get to know her here! 

Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed at The Actor’s Scene, but we also love to share their successes with the world! One student that has really caught our attention as of late is Ailani Flowers. Not even ten years old and she is already wowing the film and tv world!

Let’s hear more about her acting career journey so far: 

Ailani, thank you so much for taking the time to share with us! It’s not every day that someone so young knows what they like and want to do with their life. What made you want to start acting? -

It has always been a dream of mine to act after watching other people on TV, especially on the Disney Channel. Specifically in the show “Stuck in the Middle” (which aired in 2016-2019 and starred a young Jenna Ortega.) 

That is an excellent show. It makes sense you were inspired by it. Now feels like a good time for a reboot!

It is my dream project! I’d love to play Daphne Diaz. (Originally played by Ariana Greenblatt). I second the call for a reboot! 🙂 

So “Stuck in the Middle” is what inspired your acting career, but what is it that you love about acting that keeps you going?

I love seeing the variety of people I get to meet on set.

Oh that is such an incredible part of this career and you have already had the opportunity to be on some stellar sets. What was something that surprised you about first working on a set?

I always get surprised by seeing how talented other actors are on set.

Yes! It’s so fun to experience that and really work together with talented people to make something awesome. With all your amazing experiences so far do you have some favorite memories from being on set?

Yes, my favorite acting moment was having Halle Bailey (who played Young Netti) passing me the broom in “The Color Purple”. (Ailani played Lil Cat.) -I also loved meeting my step mom (Young Celie played by actress Phylicia Pearl Mpasi) in “The Color Purple” -And having the cast sing Happy Birthday to me on set for “The Wonder Years” (where she played 4 year old Kim).

Wow! Those all sound really special. How sweet of everyone to sing to you and what neat moments to have with such talented actors. What keeps you feeling confident when you are working on set?

The people who are around help me feel confident. Humor helps me a lot and hearing words of encouragement.

Oof yes, that is great advice! Everyone can use that whether they’re actors or not. Are there any other parts of filmmaking you are interested in aside from acting?

I think Directing is fun and would love to direct a film one day

We can’t wait to see what story you tell as a director. You’ve got some great on-set experience this early in your career. With a focused drive and a solid support system there’s no telling what other incredible skills you will learn on the path to your directorial debut. Thinking of the future, what would you like your acting legacy to be?

I’d like my acting legacy to be “an African American who loves her career and never gave up”. That is an excellent legacy to leave behind!

We have full faith that you will never give up on this career! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and the world! We are excited to see your continued acting journey and wish you much success!

Parent's Corner

Not only did Ailani share all of her awesome adventures with us, but her mother, Aranne, also answered a few questions for parents of young actors.

Aranne, thank you so much for taking the time to answer these! To start off, what is some advice you’d give to other parents of young actors?

You are the eye for your child at all times. Always listen when your kid(s) speak. Keep their surroundings positive and with good energy.

That is wonderful advice! Do you have any helpful tools you picked up along the way?

Talking to other parents and doing my own research.

Those are super key! It is so important that we are all doing our own research into our projects. What do you do to help protect your child’s mental health in this crazy industry?

I limit her to what she needs to know especially when it comes to call backs. I run her social media so she doesn’t know much about what is going on until I communicate that with her. I keep her active with things she likes.

Those are great ideas to help young actors out! You have been full of such helpful advice! One last thing, do you have a favorite personal memory from helping Ailani?

My most memorable memory was having the director of The color purple speaking to me about how natural her talent is and her having a bright future ahead.

That is amazing! Way to go Ailani, and thank you Aranne, for taking the time to answer these questions for other parents out there!

Want to keep up with Ailani?

Check her out on:

IMDb

You can also see her in Season 2, Episode 3 of The Wonder Years (Netflix)

and The Color Purple (MAX)

 

 

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Get to know TAS Coach: Kate Leek

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Get to know TAS Coach: Kate Leek

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 Kate Leek?” Read on to find out!

What Makes You Feel Confident?

I feel most confident when I learn something new. I get embarrassingly excited about knowledge and being able to share that makes me feel empowered. That, and high heels.

How did you first get into acting?

My mother always had a passion for musical theater and she passed this passion onto me. I soon fell in love with movies and would insert my own dialogue into films so I could pretend I was a character. I was absolutely obsessed with Lord of the Rings as a kid and I wanted to be a character in that world more than anything. When my parents asked me what I wanted for my eighth birthday I replied, “an agent”. I started lessons at The Actor’s Scene soon after and the rest was history.

Kate with family

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

When I was younger and living in Los Angeles with my mom, I missed my family terribly. As a kid, it was difficult to choose between chasing my dream and being apart from them. There was no video chat at the time so it was easy to feel disconnected. As I got older and decided that my true passion was coaching, it was a little tricky to make the shift into a new position. Having to explain my preferred role in the industry to all of those who supported me through my acting career was a bit of a struggle, but ultimately, my loved ones and representation supported it. It was the best decision I ever made. I love coaching actors so much and although I love performing for myself, I find true happiness
in being a coach.

How did you tackle the inner struggle?

It is important to always stay true to yourself. As a kid, I decided to come home to the Atlanta market. It simply wasn’t worth being away from my family. As for the professional shift, I studied the works of many successful acting coaches and used my knowledge as a performer to become excellent at what I do. Even today, I am always continuing to educate myself so I can best benefit the actors I work with. I feel validated by the progress I see in my students every day and that just confirms that I made the right move.

Acting is the ultimate exercise in empathy. As actors, we have the honor of recreating life. I always encourage my students to tap into the details that make us human so they can do their characters justice. Empathetic practice yields genuine performance and in doing so, we exercise self-discovery.

-Kate Leek

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

I have dabbled in producing with some of my friends who are filmmakers and I have published a research thesis through Georgia State University entitled “Drama Therapy: A Character Analysis of the Self”. I am very proud of the year-long research that went into my written experience as a coach and the emotional healing I witnessed in my students through their acting journeys.

Why did you get into coaching?

When I was sixteen and I had just started college. I was working in admin for a talent development company. I would travel for work and there was this one weekend where our acting coach missed their flight and because of my performance background, I was asked to fill in. I was nervous. I was young and I had a serious case of imposter
syndrome. When I taught that first class, I felt invigorated. I was so proud of each performer and they improved so much in such a short amount of time. I remember thinking, “Wow, I think I am pretty great at this”. Based on the feedback from the students, the company hired me on as a coach. I traveled for three more years with the company and coached thousands of actors all across the United States before taking a full time position at a local Atlanta studio.

What is one important bit of advice you always give the students in your class?

Acting is the ultimate exercise in empathy. As actors, we have the honor of recreating life. I always encourage my students to tap into the details that make us human so they can do their characters justice. Empathetic practice yields genuine performance and in doing so, we exercise self-discovery.

What is your proudest coaching moment?

It is hard to pick just one because over the years, I have been blessed with truly magical moments in my classes. That said, there is a student that has always had a special place in my heart. When she was a teenager, she was going through a really tough time. She almost quit and I am so glad she didn’t. We spoke together and I gave her a script that was almost identical to what she was going through. At first, she didn’t want to do the scene so I told her we could pick another one, and we did. She came back to class the next week and said she decided to do the original script. She gave the most raw and honest performance I have seen to this day. I cried, which, if you know me, you know is a rare occurrence. I will never forget what she said next. She said, “feeling someone else’s pain allowed me to heal from my own”. That is probably one of my proudest moments as a coach.

Kate in a Spotify Commercial

What do you hope that your coaching legacy will be?

I just hope that my students feel a fraction of the pride I feel when I see them succeed. I am a huge advocate for drama therapy. I have seen the performing arts function as a platform for healing, confidence, self-actualization, and flat out fun. I aspire to be a coach that caters to the individual needs of each student I cross paths with.

Kate Leek Bio:

Kate Leek has been working in the entertainment industry for nearly twenty years. She has worked and trained as an actor, singer and dancer in the Southeast, Los Angeles, and New York markets. Kate began her performance journey at the Actor’s Scene when she was eight years old and her endeavor as a performer led her to her true passion for coaching. She has been coaching actors, singers, and dancers for twelve years. Kate feels such pride and joy from her client’s successes. Some notable projects her clients have appeared in include, “Stranger Things”, “The Vampire Diaries”, “Dear Evan Hanson”, “The Summer I Turned Pretty”, “Salem”, “XO, Kitty”, as well as starring as Simba in the Broadway to urof “The Lion King”.


Kate has her BA in Anthropology from Georgia State University where she
conducted a research project and published a thesis about Drama Therapy, particularly in adolescents. It is her belief that the performing arts not only serve as an artistic outlet, but as a form of healing and growth that nourishes our minds. Her passion for educating actors is evident in her detailed approach that specifically caters to each individual performer.


In addition to this, she is a mother to a three-year-old boy and is currently obtaining her degree as a registered respiratory therapist.

Would you like to work with Coach Kate?

Kate is currently offering private lessons for both acting and singing.

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

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

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Student Highlight: Chadrick Whitmire

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Student Highlight: Chadrick Whitmire

Get to know Writer, Filmmaker, and TAS Alumni: Chadrick Whitmire

Periodically The Actor’s Scene likes to reach out to students and chronicle their success in the industry. Case and point: Chadrick Whitmire. Here’s what Chadrick has to say…

Hi Chadrick! We would love to hear more about what you do:

I’m Chadrick Whitmire! I am a writer and filmmaker based in Flowery Branch, Georgia. 

The story goes all the way back to when I was three years old. I had always wanted to be an actor. As I grew up, I started doing theater in middle school. I did years of school plays, as well as community theater plays, once I started high school. I pretty much quit after graduation. Life took over and I thought it was a distant memory. However, after years of low self esteem and thinking I wasn’t good enough, I decided to make a change. I scheduled a class audit with The Actor’s Scene and took the beginner class, Acting Foundations. I really needed this in my life- to possibly prove something to myself. I took the class with Coach Kristi Taylor. I enjoyed every minute and appreciated the individual time she gave us in our classes.

What is a memory that you have from your time taking classes with Coach Kristi?

My biggest memory would have to be…the time I did one of my last monologues. She said I did amazing, and that was an awesome moment for me! She said I did great and had no notes for me.

So what made you decide to pursue filmmaking?

Once going out into the world of acting, I realized that it wasn’t for me. However, the classes took me back to what I loved. I learned that what I wanted to do was be behind the camera. In 2021, I began my journey into filmmaking. I wrote a short called Barnes Funeral Home and then decided it was time to take this seriously. I began casting the roles, and once everyone was onboard I took all of the cast and crew to Warm Springs. The drive was three hours, but the location was amazing. I had issues with it being my first film, but the experience was worth it. I had successfully made a 12 minute short film and completed it. I gained a lot of knowledge on that film set. 

I would say that it wasn’t too long after that I wrote another short film called Changing Malcolm. Changing Malcolm was a hit, so I went on to make more episodes. I couldn’t believe the response from everyone. People I didn’t even know wanted to be in my series. A while went by, and after making seven episodes we decided that we would just edit it as a feature and get it out that way. We ended up getting, Malcolm, our feature onto five different platforms. The top two we were happy to get were Tubi and Amazon. I can’t believe I pulled it off, and it’s actually a great movie!

Congratulations on the streaming releases! That’s awesome! What’s something that you learned about filmmaking from that experience, and what advice would you give to any aspiring filmmakers out there?

Honestly, I’d probably tell them to stay true to themselves. If you want it, go for it. One more thing: do something that has to do with your dream EVERYDAY. It’s a lifestyle and it’s NONSTOP!

Throughout the process I had doubts, of course. I wouldn’t say it was hard, but dealing with my own mental health put me in check. I write all of my films surrounding mental illness. Malcolm is a movie about a man struggling with his mental health. His name is Michael Russo, but when he kills he has turned into Malcolm. We were going to do a part 2, but decided to make just one and move onto something else. I can say I still don’t believe I have a feature film under my belt. If it weren’t for Coach Kristi Taylor giving me the boost of confidence I needed, none of this would have happened. I just want to thank her for believing in me. I remember taking her a brochure from Barnes Funeral Home. Coach Kristi Taylor never stopped believing that I could accomplish these goals I had set for myself. Even after the class, we stayed in contact and chat from time to time. 

That is amazing! So what is next for you? Do you have other projects in the works?

Now it’s 2024, and I have written a feature, made a feature, and have two more in the works. My next project is called Lattimore. It begins filming January 2024, and my other project will film late 2024. That film is untitled at the moment, but is in development. Even though it didn’t work out with being an actor, I found my passion in writing. I have been in this for 3 years now, and want to continue entertaining people. The biggest thing I got out of those acting classes was a sense of self worth. I am now part of something, and I will continue to do my work until my time here is done. I want to thank Coach Kristi once more and thank you all for reading.

Before we end, what would you say to someone who is doubting themselves in the early processes of filmmaking (or struggling to take a step towards their dream)?

I would tell them that you get what you put into it. Like before…you should be doing something focusing on your dream/career everyday. You just need to do what you can. I know this can be very overwhelming, but if it works, do something. Network, write, edit, write a story and make it into a short film. There are many things that can be done to make progress with your dream/career. I have heard so many excuses from people. Don’t make excuses, be a doer.

Mental health means a lot to me. I am a NAMI facilitator for support groups. I am also certified to do training as well. NAMI, NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS, has taught me to keep going in everything I want to do in life.

You can follow Chadrick!

Check out his:

IMDb

Instagram

Facebook

 

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Get to know TAS Coach: Nyah Bass

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Get to know TAS Coach: Nyah Bass

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 Nyah Bass?” Read on to find out!

How did you first get into acting?

In high school, I took a Technical Theatre class, which opened my eyes to the entertainment industry. I loved the production element of theatre, but I always knew that I wanted to try acting as well. Flash forward to watching a popular Netflix show, this was the true catalyst for me. I saw these child actors, the exact same age as me, doing the thing I wanted to do and absolutely loving it. After searching the internet for acting classes, that’s when I found The Actor’s Scene. I still remember my first class and how excited and motivated I was because it honestly felt like the perfect decision for me.

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

When I’m not acting, I love production work. Going to a film school definitely helped me spend time appreciating various areas within the industry. For example, my most memorable moments were in either my Screenwriting or Production Audio class.

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

My biggest struggle within the industry was comparing myself to others. I was constantly comparing others’ success, skills, etc. to my journey. This hit an all-time high during the lockdown in 2020. When everyone was stuck at home, people were still auditioning and training, but in a whole new way. I would go to workshops and industry Q&As, and at times, I would get auditions, but the slower parts were the most challenging for me. I always felt like I wasn’t doing enough for my career and/or I was always doing the wrong thing. This created a lot of self-doubt and “imposter syndrome” within myself.

So, what helps you overcome self doubt and comparison?

A lot of self/ inner work had to be done to combat those emotions of not feeling like I belong, I wasn’t good enough, etc. I had to think all the way to the beginning; before acting classes, the Netflix show, etc. I had to remind myself of why I was doing this. It was for the little girl who would put on plays with my sister in our living room for our family. It was for the little girl who always wanted to be “on the TV”. I also had to re-learn that no one’s timeline is the same, nor should it be. This was the hardest but most important thing that I had to teach myself. This gave me so much of my confidence back and helped me believe in myself and my skills.

"We as actors always should and need to be our biggest advocates"

-Coach Nyah Bass

Why did you get into coaching?

I actually didn’t realize that I would be interested in coaching until after interning with TAS. This gave me a whole new perspective on acting in many ways. After being the student, and being blessed with some really impactful coaches, this inspired me; I wanted to do the same for future actors. When I got into interning, this helped me value the importance of the “student & coach” dynamic. Interning helped me gain skills that I could take into my coaching; for example, effective communication with actors, from an actor. This was very important for me because I believe there are more productive ways to get a stronger performance from actors than just “being really sad or really happy” within a scene.

What is one important bit of advice you always give the students in your class?

The one thing that I always try to express to my students is the importance of one’s voice. As actors, our voice is one of our superpowers, and we need to be able to use it effectively on and off-set. Whether that is through networking opportunities, collaborations, or even setting certain personal boundaries. 

What is your proudest coaching moment?

One of my proudest moments during my time with TAS was when I was interning various summer camps a few years ago. Seeing the evolution of all the students during those weeks is something that I still think about. I saw students of all ages find their own confidence in many ways; whether it was going through with their creative decisions, effective collaborations, or just using their voices to express their opinions. Knowing that I was a part of that is very rewarding to me.

What do you hope that your legacy will be as an acting coach?

I hope everyone will remember and recognize my passion and dedication to the industry. This field is ever-changing and there are always learning opportunities; I want to become multifaceted within the industry and hope that inspires others to do the same.

Lastly, tell us what makes you feel confident?

Planning and preparation make me confident. Whenever I am uncertain about my decisions or the future, I like to reflect on the work done beforehand that got me to where I am now. I always like to consider that everyone’s journey is different and there’s not one “right” way to go through life and achieve your dreams.

Nyah Bass Bio:

Nyah’s love for the entertainment industry sparked when she was a little girl. That little girl’s confidence and determination lead her to stop at nothing in order to achieve her dreams. Her acting journey started right here at TAS, and she hasn’t looked back since!

From climbing the ladder of student, intern, to coach, Nyah gives The Actor’s Scene immense gratitude for the extraordinary time she has spent here growing not only as a person but as an actress.

Nyah is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film & Television at Savannah College of Art and Design. She is also represented by Carol Shaginaw Talent Agency & The Actor’s Scene Management.

When Nyah is not working, she has a couple of hobbies she always comes back to including movie nights, listening to one of her many playlists, or taking a drive.

Would you like to take classes or private lessons with Coach Nyah?

Coach Nyah currently teaches Foundations classes and Working Actor: Taped Audition JR. For more information on our classes, click HERE.

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

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

Would you like to follow Coach Nyah? Check out her:

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20 Questions Coach Feature

by Highlights

20 Questions Coach Feature

Get to know Coach Kate, Coach John, Coach Kirsten, and Coach Molly

September 2023

What is the best sushi place in Atlanta? Which two coaches hold a negative view about Harry Potter- and which two love Lord of the Rings? Who would you most likely find in space? And how does each coach view the importance of community for actors? Find out the answers to these questions, and more, as you read through:

20 Questions with TAS Coaches.

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Who are you? 

Oh, I didn’t even see you there. I’m Kate.

How long have you been in the industry? 

For about 20 years now.

What is your dream acting role? 

My dream role? It wouldn’t happen right now. I’d have to time travel back in time to the original Lord of the Rings filming and play out the role of Legolas’s long lost daughter, of which I wrote the fanfiction for when I was in elementary school. So I’m more than willing to send that over to Peter Jackson if we want to recreate some stuff.

Where are you from? 

I’m from Jersey

What inspired you to start acting? 

Bringing it back to Legolas. I was like obsessed with those movies as a kid. And I loved the world that they lived in. I wanted to be a part of it, and I also had a giant crush on Orlando Bloom, and I really wanted to meet him. So that’s what started it all. But then I started acting for myself and found out that acting was the love I had that was bigger than Orlando Bloom, and that’s a big statement. 

What is your favorite movie? 

My favorite movie is Lord of The–No, I’m just kidding. It’s Dead Poets Society. I love that movie, it makes me cry every time. And it is my goal in life to have a student stand on top of a desk and say, ‘Oh, Captain, My Captain’ to me. (Interviewer: Coach Kate’s students, make it happen! Let us know.) Hint, hint, guys, extra credit.

Who is someone you admire? 

 I very much admire Ilana Glazer. She is from Broad City. She’s an amazing activist, an amazing comedian and amazing mom. And all in all, I just find her to be kind of like my idol.

What is the most fun character you’ve played? 

So I was in a student film at UCLA and I played the character of this girl who had a condition called synesthesia, which is a neurological condition where your senses kind of get crossed over sometimes, to varying degrees and whatnot, but I loved this because I have always loved science and I got to kind of combine the two. I actually had to learn how to play clarinet just a little bit, because her condition was that when she heard music, she saw colors. So she would close her eyes as she played and blue would be C or red would be D, and it was just a really cool role. It was really interesting.There was a lot of research and it was just awesome to kind of represent people with that condition.

What is your favorite part of character creation? 

 I think it challenges me as a person because I don’t like to see the world in black and white, right or wrong, and character creation really like forces you to see the gray in the world and kind of connect with a character that you may have nothing in common with, but you find ways to rationalize and understand them. And I think that using that in character development makes me a better person as well. So I find that to be like the most beautiful part of it.

Who is your favorite fictional character? 

Ok, so I love Dennis Reynolds from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. His character is ridiculous and a horrible, horrible person. Obviously the actor is not like that in real life, but I find the intricacies of his character just to be absolutely hilarious. 

Who is your least favorite fictional character? 

It’s not going to go over well with everybody, but I cannot stand George Costanza. That is the type of person that if I met in the real world, I would be like, ‘Get Me Out of this Room!’. Oh my gosh, I find him so infuriating. And I love Seinfeld. I love the show and it wouldn’t be the show without George, but he drives me mad. So George is probably like my biggest button-pusher of character.

What is something you can’t live without? 

Other than practical things like my car, my family, or a sweet answer like that, on a more superficial level, my Dyson vacuum, which recently died. So I guess I’m trying to confront that right now if I can live without it. But yeah, I’m going to be on the phone with them. I want another one. I can’t…I can’t do this for much longer.

Who is someone you can’t live without? 

My son. That’s easy!

What is something that’s helped with your acting journey? 

I think that something that really helped me, I’ve always said acting is recreating life and that’s really hard to do organically. We spend a lot of time dissecting scripts and getting in character and creating this back story, this inner monologue. There’s so many details that we do when we’re being an actor that we don’t do in real life, so it can come across as faux. When we’re being that character, the biggest take away for me is just do all that homework, do all that research, and then let it go. Let it go, let it sit in the back of your mind so that you can be present in the moment and let it be as authentic as possible so that you can accurately portray that life.

How long have you been coaching? 

I’ve  been coaching for 12 years now.

What is your favorite part of coaching? 

So other than the fact that instead of my own successes, I have like 100 to brag about because of all these students… Because I’ve been doing it for so long now, I’ve been able to see students that I started coaching at like ages 9-12, these kids are adults now and they are like living in LA. One was recently in a Steven Spielberg film and another is in a Netflix series. And just being able to go have dinner with them now that they’re adults and see how the things that they struggled with when they were adolescents have been something that’s been a power for them as an adult and as an actor, just that full circle and the growth and journey that I’ve seen in these students over the last decade gives me purpose and it makes me feel really great about what I’ve committed to.

Where is your favorite place to be in Atlanta? 

Hmm. Other than home? I work in the hospital in Atlanta too, and I love it there. I’m doing great work there. I’m helping people. And so as of right now, as of recent, that’s where I spend the majority of my time. But I love it.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at TAS? 

Well, what do I like to do or what do I do? Honestly, I’m a simple person. I find a lot of joy in just being home with my kid. I love building forts with him. I love when he takes his nap and I get to go sit on the back porch, get some sun, read a book, and yeah, we do a lot of, like, arts and crafts stuff. We save all of our boxes for little theaters with things like parchment paper and shadow puppets and I find that stuff to be super fun because I’m really just a grown up kid. I just love being home with him, doing that kind of stuff with him.

What is something you’ve always wanted to do? 

 I want to take an aerial silks dancing class. That’s what I want to do. I want to conquer my fear of heights by doing it. But also, I feel like it would be so cool. Every time I see videos of people doing them, I think, I could do that, right? It’s probably so much harder than it looks, but I really want to do it. It’s on my bucket list.

What is next for you? 

Next for me is, um, well, graduating. Really ready to do that. It’s been a long journey, a LOT of school, but it will be well worth it. And then, you know, I can just start being a normal person who’s not saturated all the time doing something, but having more free time. Take a yoga class, I don’t know. Go on walks! Hopefully we’ll be going to Thailand next year for a family trip, so that’ll be amazing too. So that’s it. Just keep moving and grooving. 

Who are you? 

I’m John Castle.

How long have you been in the industry? 

Well, probably about three to four years now.

What is your dream acting role? 

Dream role? One that I think is revered across the world.

Where are you from? 

From right here in Atlanta, GA, but was raised in Texas.

What inspired you to start acting? 

Oh boy, What inspired me to start acting? The community, the community of people, the people that I’ve met, they’re the ones who really inspired me to start taking it seriously.

What is your favorite movie? 

Dirty Dancing.

Who is someone you admire? 

My mother. I admire her resilience. She just went through a lot and still managed to come out unscathed, so to say, on the other side.

What is the most fun character you’ve played? 

Goodness gracious. The most fun character that I’ve gotten to play is one that I’m working on right now and that’s a Cowboy, So, I’ll let you know in a couple months how fun it actually was.

What is your favorite part of character creation? 

Understanding how somebody would feel about something that I might not necessarily understand or feel that same way.

Who is your favorite fictional character? 

My favorite fictional characters are Venom and Eddie Brock. They’re my favorite fictional characters.

Who is your least favorite fictional character? 

Harry Potter.

What is something you can’t live without? 

Air. Like, something you seriously can’t live without or just like something? Air. Love. Relaxation Water. Probably water and air.

Who is someone you can’t live without? 

God. Oh but someone? Nah, I’m gonna go with God.

What is something that’s helped with your acting journey? 

I hate to go back with ‘community’, but community and having an open mind.

How long have you been coaching? 

This will be my second year.

What is your favorite part of coaching? 

Seeing people learn about themselves naturally.

Where is your favorite place to be in Atlanta? 

Like the greater Atlanta area, Lake Lanier. If I was to say in downtown Atlanta, probably Ru San’s Sushi.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at TAS? 

Kayak on Lake Lanier, be a dad, read, listen to music, and workout. I like a lot of things.

What is something you’ve always wanted to do? 

Become an actor. Raise a family successfully. Fly. Working on that one.

What is next for you? 

I’m probably going to get on my kayak and go over to Lake Lanier and think about the next big role that I’m gonna get.

Who are you? 

I’m Kirsten Krehbiel.

How long have you been in the industry? 

I moved to Atlanta in 2014, so roughly since then.

What is your dream acting role? 

Any sort of recurring role, whether it is a drama where I’m making you cry constantly and hurting your feelings or something like Saturday Night Live. I want it all!

Where are you from? 

I’m originally from Kansas, small town Kansas.

What inspired you to start acting? 

Since I’m from a small town, we were able to do just about any extracurricular activity you wanted. In fact, we kind of had to, otherwise there wouldn’t be enough people for anything.

So I got involved in theater in high school, just like I did with sports. But it turns out I’m not good at sports. So here we are!

What is your favorite movie? 

The Matrix.

Who is someone you admire? 

Right now in the industry, I really admire Zendaya. I think she makes brilliant choices with her acting career, especially as someone who’s come from Disney stardom, that’s a really hard transition to make and I think she did it flawlessly. Any interview or anything I’ve seen of her, she just seems like a genuine person and I think that is something very inspiring.

What is the most fun character you’ve played? 

I’ve gotten to play a lot of fun characters, but I think some of the most fun come with my work with Sketchworks Comedy. I have a character that is recurring. Her name is Susan. She’s a little rough around the edges and really ridiculous. And then we just finished in New York doing Vape the Musical and I get to play Marty Maraschino, so it’s just complete opposites that I love. 

What is your favorite part of character creation? 

My favorite part of acting is character creation. I love pouring over a script to find hints and details into your character’s life. That internal work of figuring out their backstory and why they say/do what’s in the script. Then you get to play with the external: the character’s voice, walk, stance, ticks. Doing this work, finding out who the character is, that’s what I love about the art of acting.

Who is your favorite fictional character? 

My favorite fictional character is probably Samwise Gamgee .Because he is so wonderfully sweet and works so very hard and really, in my opinion, is the true hero of The Lord the Rings.

Who is your least favorite fictional character? 

Probably Professor Umbridge from Harry Potter, because she gives cat ladies a bad name. I mean, I love to hate her, just beautifully acted.

What is something you can’t live without? 

Coffee.

Who is someone you can’t live without? 

My sisters.

What is something that’s helped with your acting journey? 

Definitely having a community. I’ve been blessed to be a part of Sketchworks and now with The Actor’s Scene and just making great connections on set. But no matter how supported you are outside of acting, by your family, by your friends who aren’t in the industry, it’s still really hard for them to understand sometimes. So it’s really helpful to have a community that you can talk to, to discuss certain things with. If you’re having any issues or are excited about something, they’ll actually get it. Or especially when you’re feeling down because it’s an industry of rejection, so it’s nice to have people who support you, love you, and understand. 

How long have you been coaching? 

With The Actor’s Scene, since 2020, I came in during the Pandemic.

What is your favorite part of coaching? 

 I love seeing the progression that the students make, so by the end you’ll be able to see that difference. But even just in every class when you see something click or… you know, I had a student who’s now been at The Actor’s Scene for three years and my first year with her, every time she did her first take, it was awful. She would always fail her first take, and we just did a recording the other night and she nailed her first date. So just to see people click with what’s been hard for them in the past.

Where is your favorite place to be in Atlanta? 

The trees outside in my backyard are really cool. I like to go down the beltline, just anywhere where I can be outside. I come from Kansas where trees are not a-plenty.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at TAS? 

Binge TV. Take naps. Uh, go on adventures. I like to read, I started reading Scott Pilgrim so that’s been exciting! And yeah, just hanging with my cat.

What is something you’ve always wanted to do? 

Go into space. Or the bottom of the ocean but at this point for some reason, that seems more terrifying these days!

What is next for you? 

Next for me is not quite space, as far as I’m aware. But hopefully soon. I am in Act3 Productions’ next show. It’s called Perfect Arrangement, written by Topher Payne. I’m so excited. Uh, Amy Cain is directing it. And it’s a great cast. It’s gonna be an amazing show. I’m so excited about this.

Who are you? 

I’m Coach Molly. I’m also the Media Director for The Actor’s Scene so if you’re seeing this on the internet, you’re welcome!

How long have you been in the industry? 

I have been in the industry since 2007. I signed with my agent, shout out to Houghton Talent in 2009, and I’ve been working in Atlanta ever since. So even before there was stuff here to work on, I was here before it was cool.

What is your dream acting role? 

My dream role is to be on an ensemble procedural drama cast. I would love to be like the quirky tech analyst in a crime drama situation. Like Abby Sciuto in NCIS or Penelope Garcia in Criminal Minds. I love working with the same group of people for an extended period of time, and I also love quirky zany characters!

Where are you from? 

I am from right here in Georgia. I have lived here all my life and I was born here. We’ll see what’s next, but so far the greater Atlanta area is my home.

What inspired you to start acting? 

I have wanted to act for as long as I can remember, like as long as I have understood what movies are and the fact that people can be a part of making them both in front of the camera and behind the camera, I’ve always wanted to. So I started classes when I was 7, but I think that was just my mom being very protective of  me and wanting it to be my decision to start taking acting classes which I really do appreciate and admire that she did that. But yeah, the desire has always been there.

What is your favorite movie? 

As somebody who has a film degree and does videography and directing work and is an actor, this is just a super hard question. But a movie that I’m diving into right now in sort of my personal learning that I love that I think is definitely worthy of being a favorite is The Creature from the Black Lagoon. I’m actually reading a book about it right now and I was prepared for this, so I have it with me. It’s called The Lady from the Black Lagoon and it is about Milicent Patrick who designed the creature, but for various reasons in Hollywood at the time, they didn’t credit her. Learning about the lost history of this designer has been cool. So as of right now, my favorite movie is The Creature From The Black Lagoon.

Who is someone you admire? 

I have always admired Elliot Page. You know, I think that I grew up on his work and in my early days people told me I had that dry humor vibe that he’s very famous for in like the 2010s comedies. And then now, you know, seeing the person that he’s become and the projects that he’s a part of. I love The Umbrella Academy and all of the amazing performances there from the entire cast. But I feel like he is always somebody that I have looked up to as far as talent and work ethic.

What is the most fun character you’ve played? 

This is a dual answer I feel like, because the most fun performance that I’ve gotten to do is probably in The Yellow Wallpaper, which is adapted from a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman into a short film. This is my Jodorowsky’s Dune. Like, truly. It has taken so long to make and I don’t know if it’ll ever get finished. But just to truly be able to be, you know, I mean unhinged and kind of behave in a lunatic manner was very unusual and very fun for me. But I also really enjoyed the character creation and working on DanyVlogs with my friend Rae. We did a first-person vlog style sort of horror mystery and it was really cool to work in the new format of like the first-person POV and all the challenges that come with that, but also dual perspective storytelling. And I got to do some really cool stuff, which I won’t tell you about because you should watch it. So I’ll put that in the description below. But either the yellow wallpaper or I played Jane or DanyVlogs where I played Xania.

What is your favorite part of character creation? 

My favorite part of character creation is the humanity of character creation. I think that we learn so much about ourselves and about the world around us from the characters that we look to and the characters that we create and the characters that we perform as. I love finding what I have in common with characters that I’m playing and seeing how I can play up those aspects of myself, especially when there are aspects of myself that I do not like. I think that wrestling with your flaws and wrestling with your actual real vulnerabilities in your art is really powerful. But I also love observation as a character creation tool. I love self observation and kind of learning my tendencies and also learning how to read the people around me and kind of seeing what I can use from my daily life and the people that I know and and the places that I go and all these experiences that I have and seeing how they can help further my performances.

Who is your favorite fictional character? 

I’m going to say two, I’ve decided, from Good Omens, both the book and the show. Aziraphale and Crowley. I feel like they’re both my favorite characters because I really love how we have the duality of man represented in these characters of the angel of the demon. I love how a big part of their relationship is seeing things that they have in common with each other and seeing areas where it is a little bit more gray than black and white. And so I really love that they explored that idea with those characters and I think that both of the actors just do an absolutely phenomenal job with them. I’m excited to watch Season 2, I’m behind!

Who is your least favorite fictional character? 

My least favorite fictional character is Caillou because he’s a little whiny baby and I’m really not about that. I’ll say it because nobody’s brave enough to say it!

What is something you can’t live without? 

Something that I can’t live without is a little bag with all my stuff in it and it’s so impractical. I walked in today with like 4 bags. My computer bag, my purse, a separate bag, and my camera bag. My family always calls me The Bag Lady. I even was in a car accident and I had a bag full of charcuterie stuff because, I don’t know why I decided to carry it in that manner, but it was in a cute, canvas tote bag. And so one of the kind pedestrians that found us put my snack bag with me. They’re like, “Oh, this must be important, that’s her bag.” My actual wallet bag, I think, stayed in the car, so I just had a bag full of cheese and grapes on me. It was so wild. But I always have multiple bags on me, so I guess I’ll say my bags. 

Who is someone you can’t live without? 

I feel like my best friend Madison is probably someone that I can’t live without. We have been friends for so long that we’ve seen each other grow up, and I think it’s really special to have that relationship with somebody, especially that’s not your family. I love my siblings and I love my parents, but you know, I think having that sort of familial relationship with somebody that you built out of nothing is really spectacular. So, Madison, my best friend.

What is something that’s helped with your acting journey? 

You know, I think that there are so many things filming, so many and there are so many things that we can create, but there is really no reason to be comparing ourselves to one another. Because in teaching, I’ve really seen that every single person that I’ve worked with has something unique to offer. And again, like that is our humanness. Like your uniqueness as a person. And I really feel just that lack of need for competition, like I don’t even really need to know what’s going on with other people because their successes don’t take away from mine. So I think just this idea of community within acting and sort of, you know, competing with yourself instead of your neighbor because there’s really no point in that.

How long have you been coaching? 

I’ve been coaching here for three years, I would say I’ve been largely coaching for five years, I was kind of dipping my toes in with private lessons and things like that, but I’ve been teaching at this studio for three years.

What is your favorite part of coaching? 

My favorite part of coaching as a massive extrovert is literally just meeting everybody and getting to know their stories and working individually with people to figure out where they are and where they want to go and what their strengths are. I love, you know, teaching vocal lessons and hearing beautiful music for hours. That’s like one of my favorite things to do. I really just enjoy getting to know the actor as a whole and working with them to achieve their goals.

Where is your favorite place to be in Atlanta? 

I love the little Snack Shack in Piedmont Park. I think it’s called Sean’s Heart of the Park. I could be lying. I’ll hopefully put something in the video  if I am, but it’s just this cute little snack shack in the middle of Piedmont Park. They have pickle mac and cheese and other funky faves. Go check it out.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at TAS? 

I’m rarely not here, but when I’m not here, I love working in a directing and DP capacity. I own a videography company and I really enjoy doing work there. I also like reading, watching spooky movies, and hanging out.You can find me lounging, I guess, if I’m not working, in film or TV in some capacity.

What is something you’ve always wanted to do? 

 I have always wanted to travel outside of the country. I’ve never really been. I’m very intrigued to especially visit, like, where my ancestors came from, because I’m very in touch with the indigenous side of my ancestry and visiting Cherokee, North Carolina. But I would love to visit, you know, places from other lands that I also come from. Hopefully going to Scotland, to Ireland, really the whole UK. My partner has a lot of German ancestry and he still speaks German, so I really would love to visit Berlin and maybe do a little Europe tour one day.

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What is next for you? 

I have a lot of big announcements coming up with my anonymously named videography company. I would love it if you kept up with that on social media, so I’ll leave my information below. But in addition to that, just kind of cooking up some local things and hopefully I’ll be able to announce more about all of them very soon. (Wink, wink, nudge nudge.)

Ready to get started? Reach out today!

TASFRONTDESK@GMAIL.COM

770-904-6646

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About The Author

Molly Pass

Molly Pass is an Atlanta-local actress, acting coach, and wedding videographer who loves to help new and seasoned actors alike find their purpose and passion through performance. She holds her bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies from Georgia State University and enjoys discussing movies, shows, and all things new media. Her favorite part of working at The Actor’s Scene is being able to inspire folks to pursue their dreams and helping them to gain confidence in themselves along the way. When she is not acting or working in the digital media realm, she enjoys reading murder mysteries and desperately trying to keep a garden alive. 

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