Spotlight - Shewit Belay (currently starring in WICKED)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY TAKE UP COACHING?

Why take up Coaching? 

In America, actors seem keen as to talk to ‘class’ and thank their acting coaches in acceptance speeches. 

Here in Australia, there is a little more reticence…perhaps a feeling that if you need coaching you’re not good enough???

There are many reasons to take up class or coaching, 

Firstly, as eastern martial arts practices would suggest, THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS MASTERY. Ie you can always learn more. Get excited about this prospect. Learning can be fun and it means growth, expansion and experience. You’re truly alive when you’re growing!  

Secondly: 

ACTING IS FUN right? 

Why wouldn’t you want to do it as often as you can? Fun also cultivates a feeling of aliveness…and tops up the tank when other areas of your life might not be as playful, creative, expressive or imaginative. 

Come play! Contact me via my contact tab.

SCHOOL INCURSIONS AND YEAR 12 DRAMA EXAM/ AUDITION TUITION

Kate is available for school incursions leading up to productions, to teach acting skills for the camera or general drama work for wellbeing and fun. She also teaches year 12 students leading up to their exams and auditions for drama schools such as NIDA, VCA and 16th street Actors Studio (full time course).

Kate has a Masters in Education (Melbourne University, High Class Honours) and teaches the next generation of teachers at MGSE (Melbourne Graduate School of Education, Melbourne University). Kate is currently on the board of the Australian Children’s Theatre Foundation and has been invited in 2023 to teach the next generation of Directors at Swinburne University (how to work with actors).

She works as a specialist teacher for the peak body for Drama Education, Drama Victoria. She delivers programs for regional and metro students (and their teachers) so that ALL students have access to Drama, no matter their socio-economic circumstances.

Her work as an Acting Coach for children has seen her running Youth Programs for acting schools such as 16th Street Actors Studio and TAFTA, workshopping and filming self tapes for young actors (8-18 years old) and is recommended by casting agents such as Oh Jackie O and Centrestage.

In 2023 Kate has been invited to write the Education Pack for Victorian Opera and Opera Australia’s Idomineo (alongside the wonderful Tim Ryan), and Galileo (alongside Tim Ryan and Claire Wearne). She will continue this work in 2024.

Kate has been the Head of Drama and a Language & Literature specialist at Australia’s first progressive school Preshil, The Margaret Lyttle Memorial School.

She use’s contemporary contexts and stimuli pertaining to the world of young people today. She promotes creativity, critical thinking, concept and inquiry-based learning which she believes contributes to a holistic educational and well-being practice.

Her work as an innovative teacher of Language and Literature and Drama was recognised by Victoria’s Independent School’s body in 2018. ISV filmed her teaching practice as part of a project that aims to start conversations with and between teachers regarding their current innovative practices in curriculum and pedagogy. She was also invited to speak at the World Drama Education Congress in Iceland in 2022, the New Zealand Drama Conference 2022 and was a Keynote speaker at the 2023 Victorian Drama Conference.

Kate has designed and taught specialist programs such as ‘The Artistry of Science’ for Victoria’s Arts Learning Festival. Here she facilitated workshops on those fundamental questions that unite the sciences and the arts.

Kate has been a guest director for regional schools such as Alexander Secondary College; taught acting for the camera at TAFTA for secondary schools; and offers private tuition for those students undertaking VCE Drama or the International Baccalaureate program DP Theatre. She also offers tuition to those wanting to audition for acting schools here and across the globe such as NIDA , VCA , and WAAPA.

MARTHA BERHANE SHINES IN RENT THE MUSICAL

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

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

JESSICA GREEN STARING IN SPIN OFF OF THE LIBRARIANS

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

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

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

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

Red Carpet premiere of RENT

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

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

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

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

VCE / ACTING SCHOOL AUDITION NEWS...YAY!

It has been my absolute pleasure to support Year 12 students this year auditioning for acting schools here in Victoria, interstate and overseas. It was a THRILL too when news came through of their CALLBACKS!

Callbacks can be a super fun thing to prepare for too and over the last few weeks each of my wonderful students have spent time with me workshopping many of the various things that might happen in their call back… taking direction with their audition monologues, workshopping with people to create short, original pieces, or just warming up with improvisation.

I have two Year 12 students signed up with me for next year already. Don’t hesitate to get in touch parents and would be acting school candidates if you would like some support : )

KEYNOTE SPEAKING AND WORKSHOP PRESENTING AT THIS YEARS STATE DRAMA CONFERENCE

It was such a pleasure to speak with Toby Wilkins and Hayley Gamble-Curran (lead by the amazing Kelly McConville) at this years state Drama Conference (brought to you by Drama Victoria). Being a keynote was a little bit of a life high too! Hopefully some glimmers provided in amongst the harsh realities of in school drama education figures right now (the topic of our discussion).

I also had the pleasure of presenting a live and streamed workshop with Nick Waxman on our Next Stage Program - a free initiative for government schools that teaches 21st century skills through drama games and processes.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the conference.

AACTA YOUNG STARS NATIONAL YOUTH CASTING CALL IS HERE!

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

What is it?

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

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

Submissions close 5pm AEDT Monday 6 November 2023.’

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

Contact me if you would like some help.

Warmest

Kate

COME PLAY at TAFTA!

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

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

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

Idomeneo - Vic Opera and Opera Australia Edupac goes live!

Idomeneo is a most incredible Opera by Mozart. It is on now at the Palais in Naarm/ Melbourne and will have its Sydney season at the Opera House.

It was such a pleasure to work with Tim Ryan (Vic Opera Education Manager) on this wonderful edupac/ resource for all patrons including school audiences.

And go see the opera!

I was at opening night and it was fantastic!

Directed by the amazing Lindy Hume

https://www.victorianopera.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Victorian-Opera-2023-Idomeneo-Education-Resource_FINAL.pdf

Idomeneo EduPac by Kate Ellis (and Tim Ryan)

A thrill to work with the team at PARKS VICTORIA

A thrill for a scruffy Kate like me to work in a corporate setting with humans who are doing great work.

I was invited to work with the team who create content for Parks Victoria, a team with a vested interest in getting people into nature. The content they are creating is emotive, driven by story, land and connection.

It was a pleasure to work with them all!

Miranda Harcourt Masterclass and Auditing opportunities

THRILLED to be auditing Miranda Harcourt 's masterclass at 16th Street Actors Studio.

Miranda has worked with actors like Nicole Kidman and for creators like Peter Jackson. The below is text taken from 16th Street Acting Studios website… secure a position or audition my wonderful actors. FUN!

“(Miranda) is Intuitive, Unique, Amazing”

Nicole Kidman, Academy Award-winning actress and producer

Miranda Harcourt brings her sensational 2-day Masterclass to the Melbourne studio.

A unique opportunity to work intensively with one of the most celebrated film coaches in the business. In her active workshops and with her unique slideshows and case studies she gives you a direct insight into how top actors and directors work on major feature films around the world.

Renowned as a performance-pilot, not only does Miranda support stars at the highest level, but also guides emerging talents into stellar careers.

Her clients have won and been nominated for multiple Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, BAFTAs and AAFTAs, most recently a 2022 Golden Globe win and Best Actress nomination at the 2022 Academy Awards.

Neighbours is back... and auditions are happening!

It’s been wonderful to be working with actors on their auditions for the Neighbours reprise. SO MUCH WORK ON OFFER!

As per the ABC NEWS (link below), ‘We know four cast members are definitely returning: Jackie Woodburne (who has played Susan Kennedy since 1994), Alan Fletcher (aka Dr Karl Kennedy), Ryan Moloney ("Toadie" Rebecchi), and Stefan Dennis (who has played the ruthless businessman Paul Robinson since the show started in 1985)’ .

Casting is done by the wonderful Thea McLeod of McLeod Casting.

Go get em actors!

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-19/neighbours-returns-what-do-we-know/101673778

Brisbane - GO SEE HAMILTON!

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

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

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

Martha Berhane (photograph by THE Bree Bain).

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

Shewit Belay (photograph credit tbc).

A Year of Lanyards

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

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

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

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

Kate Ellis joins the ACTF board

ANNOUNCEMENT! Been desperate to say something but can now finally announce… I am now on the board of trustees for the incredible Australian Children’s Theatre Foundation (ACTF).

I went to my first meeting the other day and was that chuffed to sit as equals beside people who’ve made and are making huge contributions to the arts, specifically the dramatic arts. We also had Junkyard Beats come to our meeting to talk about how they used the funds provided by the ACTF this year… yas!

Can’t wait to read applications over the holidays and work with the board and artists next year. Insert :-)HAPPY FACE

ABOUT THE ACTF

The Australian Children's Theatre Foundation (ACTF) supports the delivery of arts-based programs into primary schools across Victoria as well contributing towards the commissioning of new theatre works for young people aged between 6 and 11. Regional Arts Victoria’s Arts & Education program brings inspiring arts experiences to children and young people throughout Victoria.

Every two years the ACTF commissions a work in development aimed at primary aged school students. This $20,000 commission must meet the ideals of the foundation and becomes part of the Arts & Education Program the following year.

The ACTF is a proud partner of Regional Arts Victoria’s Arts & Education program and supports schools across Victoria to access to the program. We provide subsidies of up to 75% for schools affected by low socio-economic circumstances; remoteness; high numbers of students for whom English is not their first language; bushfire or other disaster; and schools with specific learning needs. To see if your school is eligible contact the Arts & Education team at Regional Arts Victoria.

https://www.actf.org.au/

Kate Ellis Coaching is now available for Self Tapes

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

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

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

Investment is $150 an hour.

I look forward to working with you.

Q & A with TAFTA

During the May/June 2021 lockdown in Melbourne I sat down with TAFTA to talk about about acting, how we can learn more about humanity through acting, celebrating your successes in times of uncertainty and finding your creativity in your voice, your body and the text.

A recording of the full Q&A is below:

https://www.tafta.com.au/blog/qakateellis

Iso Intimates - a panel discussion for MPAVILION

In isolation, 40-year-old Kate became as lascivious as what we once only reserved for 15-year-old boys. Where she had previously been at work tending to the mechanics of the daily grind, light previously unobserved in the middle of the day awakened her to the erotic nature of her home space. As a single in isolation this could have proven significantly frustrating however Kate instead discovered someone who was worthy of being wooed… herself.

In a world that prefaces the number 2 when it comes to romantic relationships, when an Australian government accommodates those who are having sex (‘intimate partners’) in their Covid restrictions; and when touch is removed at a time when we are most vulnerable, how was intimacy challenged and magnified in the age of isolation? How was it embodied? How was it left behind?

ISO INTIMATES invites diverse perspectives around notions of intimacy and romantic partnerships. It encourages a conversation through shared stories around togetherness, connection as well as a more freely chosen alone time of reflection and personal growth.

ISO INTIMATES invites a laugh around stories of App dating in iso or that strip tease moment with face masks (if you’d never actually seen the person/people you were dating); about an enforced, somewhat old-fashioned approach because you had more time to get to know others… or around learning to love yourself and your friends up good and realising you were anything but ‘single’.

Iso Intimates aired at PARKADE in Melbourne city. Joined by Mia Muse / Vanessa Murradian, Maya Ward and Lucienne Shanti Di Tempora, the conversation was recorded and can be found here:

https://mpavilion.org/program/iso-intimates/