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!