Kate Ellis
Full Time Program | Part Time Program | Teens
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’. She teaches at acting schools such as 16th Street Actors Studio & TAFTA in Melbourne, Australia; and further supports artists and the broader community through her participation in Q and A’s and through government initiatives (with Drama Victoria), such as the Positive Start Program and the Blended Arts Program.
As an acting coach with over 20 years of experience with artists, I believe that sensitivity is a gift. That it is an intelligence. It allows for profound connection with self, other and environment; a greater depth of understanding, and a more sensual experience of the everyday.
We can learn a lot from artists: empathy, listening, truth and compassion. It is a privilege therefore to support, nourish and champion actors.
I believe in collaboration: I work with Actors, Directors and the script. I work intuitively with the actor to help them prepare in a way as to be able to take direction. I assist in their reading of the script, what is on the page as much as what is not (the in-between, the spaces, the 'inter-lingua').
I believe in listening: I hear and assist actors in deepening their own attention to details.
I am a great believer in the body: it speaks raw truth (far more than the words we use). Expect to use your body when you work with me.
I believe in play: when we play, we experience immersion. It is a full-bodied experience. It is limitless, creative and therefore expansive. It is joyous.
I look forward to working with you.
‘...she pulled me out of my head and into my body, and into a new respect for acting, a new understanding of technique, and a new confidence in myself'.
Connor Jessup.
Currently starring in Locke and Key on Netflix.
‘...she has always been an incredible soundboard for me as I’ve navigated the relationship I’ve had with connecting the full body to dialogue and intention'.
Marny Kennedy.
Mortified. The Saddle club. Wentworth.
'Her insight into human nature and what really makes us tick, is food for the soul'.
Aisha Dee.
Currently starring in The Bold Type on Stan.
'Kate’s passion for the arts is gleeful, infectious, and clearly reflected in her work'.
Philippa Coulthard.
Howards End. Annabelle: Creation.
'This individualised approach really allowed me to discover a deeper meaning and depth to my characters because she knew exactly what techniques I needed to bring out the best in my work'.
Chloe Bayliss.
Doctor Doctor. Backtrack.
'She gave me the confidence to approach scenes openly and ready to respond organically in the moment'.
Alice Foulcher.
That’s Not Me.
‘Playing a character in another language was challenging enough, but somehow Kate made it happen... It didn't feel like teaching at all, it was more like searching through little exercises for the real truth and needs of the character and scenes! I just loved it. She developed a beautiful "playground" for all of us on the series’.
Susan Hoeke.
The Sweet Shop. Reef Drs.
‘Working with Kate feeds the artist within and reinforces why we do what we do. TO PLAY. TO IMAGINE. TO FEEL. She has this way of creating a space so familiar and welcoming, yet distant enough you feel comfortable to explore and find something new. The art of our craft is to bring something to life, in the most effortless and authentic way, and Kate truly has a way of making that happen, which inevitably extends into the work you do on your own’.
Harley Fothergill.
‘(Kate) mentored me through 8 months of filming, always there with her wonderful, kind guidance. Her patience and knowledge of the acting craft brought out the best in me personally and my first performance (in an international television drama). Kate will always have that special place in my heart. Her teachings will never be forgotten’.
Jessica Green.
Currently starring in US production, The Outpost.
