About
Acting can be a vulnerable thing. You need a teacher that is going to ease your nerves and make you feel totally comfortable. I have been told by many of my students that their favorite quality about me as a teacher is how comfortable and relaxed I make them feel.
Hi! My name is Kelly. I've been an Acting Teacher and Coach for over ten years, and I love it.
I spent the last decade as the Senior Acting Coach at the world renowned Mosaic Youth Theatre in Detroit. I am also an award winning director and actor in the metro Detroit area. I have a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Acting, as well as post graduate studies in Acting at the prestigious Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia. The Moscow Art Theatre School is primarily renonwed for being the birthplace of method acting.
I bring with me, the the benefit of professional and collegiate connections I have developed over the years.My former students have gone on to some of the most prestigious and competitive theatre programs in the country, including Juilliard, Yale School of Drama, North Carolina School of the Arts and DePaul.
To learn a bit more about me, please visit my professional Facebook page. Link below
https://www.facebook.com/Kelly-Komlen-226986384789205/
As much as I love to act and be onstage myself, I have a special passion for teaching. I find it to be rewarding and fufilling. I love to see my students grow, excell and succeed.
All ages welcome. (I do pride myself on being something of a “teenager whisperer")
I’m available for whatever type of coaching you're looking for. For example, audition preparation (including assistance with monologue and song selection, advice on college programs or professional advice).
Fees, times and days are all flexible. I’m open for one time sessions, weekly sessions, monthly sessions. There’s no commitment.
*Normally, sessions are in person, with flexible locations. However, for the time being, for everyone's safety, my sessions are being offered over Zoom (or whatever you're preferred method is).
Photos and videos
Reviews
Nyah P.
Greg M.
Delisle L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to get to know them as people first. Find out what their background is, in terms of experience. I like to find out what they're looking to get out of the lessons, what their goals are, and what i can do to help them meet those goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Acting from Wayne State University. I did post graduate studies in Acting at the prestigious Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia, the birthplace of method acting, founded by Konstantin Stanislavski.
The first few years of my teaching career were spent assistant teaching, next to some of the finest acting teachers in the area, including original company members of Jeff Daniel's Purple Rose Theatre Company. I also spent a few summers in residency with a group of students at the Public Theater in New York City, where shows like Hamilton, Fun Home, For Colored Girls and The Normal Heart premiered.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Fees currently range from $40-$100.
I base my fees on:
The length of the session - I offer anywhere from half hour to hour sessions.
Any outside work required of me - For example, audition material selection or college research.
Normally, I also base my fees on if I have to travel to the student and where. For the time being, however, I am only offering sessions over Zoom (or whatever the student's preferred method is).
How did you get started teaching?
I began my teaching career in 2009 at Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, teaching and mentoring youth and teens ages 11-18.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with both teenagers and adults. I do have a special knack for working with teenagers, considering myself to be something of a "teenage whisperer"
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My young artists at Mosaic performed their original show, Let It Shine, at the Public Theater in New York City, where Hamilton primiered, in 2018. The show was produced by Hamilton producer, Jeffrey Seller. I was the assistant director on the show. It was a very proud moment for all of us.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
First and foremost, make sure you feel comfortable with them. Secondly, check out some reviews from former students. Espeically in this business, you want to make sure you're taking lessons with someone reputable.
You can find reviews from a few of my former students, and actors I've worked with on my professional Facebook page. If you'd like to see more, I'd be happy to offer those to you.
https://www.facebook.com/Kelly-Komlen-226986384789205/
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals are from taking lessons?
What are you looking for from me? What do you need from me?
Is this some you're looking to do more for a career or for recreation?