About
I've been acting since I was 6, graduated with my BFA in acting from NYU and been working professionally as an actor for the last 23 years in theatre, film and tv. I am also a producer with a feature currently in festivals and ready for distribution. I've directed several children's plays and worked one on one with actors for auditions and scene work for the last 5 years.
I enjoy sharing my love and passion for acting and supporting actors in getting clear and specific with their choices. It's a wonderful ahhh moment feeling when text makes sense and you connect with the characters and I love supporting that discovery.
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Ella R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I want to get a sense of what they want to create with their acting. I also feel deeply that the skills learned through studying acting can support in other areas of life and vice versa so I encourage them to use whatever is available to them in the space they are in mentally and emotionally. Its important to be present to where you are; this is what I try to teach my students. And by being present to the characters circumstances and thoughts and to the where, what and whys of the script each actor get to create their own private internal vision and can pull from that well-spring to build characters and relationships with other characters.
We take the time to build this muscle of being present so it gets worked out, and when we do go to the text we take it beat by beat to build a clear character and story.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have my BFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and have been working professionally in theatre, film and tv for over 20 years. I also have been directing school plays and working with kids one on one and in groups for over 5 years. I support young artists in auditioning for theatre, tv and film.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
First class $45
$60 for 1/2 hour (2 lesson minimum)
$100 for an hour (2 lesson minimum)
SKYPE, FACETIME & IN PERSON.
IN PERSON -driving to student (add $10)
Will be starting lessons in Agoura Hills soon,
How did you get started teaching?
I got started working with the students in my daughter's class on programs and skits and then plays. Then every year I did some kind of original production with them. I worked one one with nearly all the students to give them all a sense of connection to their characters and the work. Then when kids needed additional help with auditons etc I would offer my coaching services.
What types of students have you worked with?
I prefer working with students who are interested in auditioning and/or who have reps and are currently auditioning for theatre, film and tv. We can work on audition material or on scenes and monologues to support growth in auditioning. I also am available to provide coaching for booked roles.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have a teenager daughter who also acts, and she is very good, but now that she is a teen working with her on auditions etc can be tough, so we don't work in depth together too often. ( we used to all the time) However I recently worked one on one with her close friend before an audition and so my daughter chose to give me a chance and it was so special. She and I listened to one another and I got to see her gift in a deeper way and could feel her excitement when the text began to live in her. It was exciting to share with her what I know and to see her grasp and passion. I enjoy working with and easily work with adults and kids, but it’s almost never easy to work with your own child, so I will always cherish this time when she let me coach her and I was able to be her loving and focused teacher.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who inspires trust when you speak with them. The process should not be wholly mental. When I am working with someone I want them to drop into themselves and feel the words and experiences as if they are their own. If a teacher cannot support you in finding that space then maybe it's not the right fit.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
No question is off limits that pertains to the study. The most important is .. do I thnk this will inform me as I move forward with my work? I love to connect with my students but when we are working I appreciate focus. So I appreciate students who are unafraid to ask questions, but also who take our time together seriously. When we are focused and create together it is a fun experience.