Kenshaka Ali

Kenshaka Ali

4.9Exceptional(7 reviews)
Top Pro
Offers online services
Top Pro
Offers online services

About

I coach performers, actors, singers, dancers, speakers, and writers to find their greatest creative expression. I have over 20 years experience teaching acting and directing productions professionally and at over 15 universities, colleges, and conservatories across the United States. I hold MFA, MA, and BA degrees in Theater/Interdisciplinary Arts, as well as memberships in SAG/AFTRA and AEA. Additionally, I am a licensed Spiritual Practitioner, helping artists find greater creative insight and freedom. I grew up in the New York theater, and Method Acting was a calling, a lifestyle, a spiritual path to artistry. So, my foundation is the Stanislavski system, but is also eclectic, celebratory and physical, as Stanislavski himself advised us to never stop growing. I’ve learned to incorporate things I’ve learned through years of studying martial arts, yoga, Suzuki, Lecoq, modern, jazz and African dance, and voice. More than anything, I teach acting as an art of joy, discovery, discipline, and wonder; with the intent to facilitate transformations and spiritual growth in individuals. Also, to prepare artists for the rigors and vagaries of the industry. I love seeing students on film and television, but more than that, I love the palpable feeling of freedom and epiphany when a student expresses openly and honestly.

I most enjoy helping others become more expressive and empathetic beings. I know that everyone has something unique to offer, with latent talents and capabilities beyond what is generally recognized or accepted. I feel that acting is a spiritual skill we are born with. I have literally hundreds of techniques and exercises culled through my years teaching to help any performer unlock their greatest creative gifts. I love being a coach and have mentored countless students who've won entry to prestigious graduate programs, conservatories, or go on to have careers as working artists and/or found their own arts organizations. Nothing gives me greater joy than to witness someone transformed and empowered through the acting process.


Highlights

Current Top Pro
Hired 2 times
14 years in business
Serves Baldwin Hills , CA
Offers online services

Payment methods

Credit Card, Venmo, Paypal, Apple Pay, Zelle

Specialties

Experience level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Acting venue(s)

Theater, Improv theater, Musical theater, Film, TV episode, TV commercial, Radio, Not applicable; lessons are for personal interest

People in group

1 person, 2-4 people, 5 or more people

Acting focus area(s)

No specific focus, Hone diction and enunciation, Expand vocal range, Strengthen vocal projection, Refine vocal expression, Develop specific accent(s), Develop specific dialect(s)

Students goals

To prepare for an audition, To build confidence, To explore as a hobby, To continue professional development

Acting type(s)

I can make recommendations, Scene study, Cold reading, Method acting, Classical acting, Voice-over, Improv, Physical theater and movement

Student's age

14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Reviews

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MG

Miriam G.

Wow! Working with Kenshaka Ali is truly a rich and enlightening experience! His tools are methodical and easy to apply. Hes quite intuitive and will tune into your nature to allow you freedom to explore. He renders a promising support of your choices and offers an honest view of clarity for other ways. Unlike my previous brutal acting classes, his one on one sessions are encouraging, strengthening and powerful.
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June 13, 2018

SE

Samantha E.

Kenshaka is excellent! He is very nice and understanding and truly wants to help you improve your acting skills. I had to take some time off from getting lessons but I do plan on returning to him for more lessons soon.I would definitely recommend him! You wont be disappointed.
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June 03, 2018

LW

Larry W.

Let me tell you that Kenshaka really knows his stuff! I have an upcoming audition for my colleges school productions and I felt that I needed to prepare so I decided to look for a coach. Its definitely worth it! After 3 or 4 classes so far, I feel that Ive improved much more than I did at my own universitys level 2 acting class. Kenshaka provides the one on one experience that I believe every actor needs! Ive had many aha! moments and now have much more knowledge about the craft of acting. I definitely have much more confidence in my ability because of Kenshaka. Hes very flexible and will work with you considering payment and scheduling if you communicate properly with him! Dont pass up the chance to learn under him! You wont regret it.
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June 01, 2018

AE

Ashlyn E.

Kenshaka is incredibly patient and kind. He is also extremely flexible! We worked on two monologues for auditions. I used those two monologues to perform for a talent agency in Houston and got in!
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May 31, 2018

KG

Kayla G.

He is very invested in my growth as an actress and takes the time to help me learn new concepts and think about new ways that will help me develop my craft. He has great energy and is great to work with
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May 31, 2018

IS

Iva S.

Working with Coach (as I quickly came to call him), was an experince that literally changed the course of my life. Even though I am no longer acting, Kenshaka Ali is and will remain in the top portion of my list of personal mentors and influencers.
Not only does he require his students to participate with 100% commitment, he shows up just as committed.
The level at which he connects with his students is far beyond anything I have ever experienced. He doesn’t just train actors...he creates art with the student as the medium.
Highly recommend. Not only did I have an amazing coach, but I now have, more importantly, a friend for life. #allthethumbsUP
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May 30, 2018

Frequently asked questions

I immediately begin working with students on auditioning material.  After a few exercises to determine a student's level, I assign monologues and scenes I feel will help the student grow to the next level.  

I hold MFA, MA and BA degrees in theater, as well as training in Method Acting at several studios in New York.  

I offer discounts for 10 or 5 lesson series. 

I started teaching very early when my acting teachers would ask me to explain or demonstrate a concept they wanted the class to learn.  I found that it was a calling and have been privileged to teach acting ever since. 

I've worked with a wide range of students from many different backgrounds and abilities from beginning to professional.  

I really liked the movie "Black Panther" for it's mythical depiction of an advanced African nation.  

Look for someone who is also trained to teach.  Just because someone has credits doesn't necessarily make them capable of teaching.  


Services offered

Acting