Elena Kent

My Approach to Teaching:

I ask my students to be a real human being with thoughts. I believe every person has the potential to be a great actor.  Thought drives intention.  Listening motivates action.  Vulnerability opens the imagination to limitless possibilities.  My approach is simple: Return to childhood and play.  Listen to your partner(s) and don’t plan.  Simplicity creates honest work.  The human experience is the most important element in storytelling. This class will be focused on the simple work that should be done to create real, honest characters and scenes for film. 

My Perspectives on Training for the Industry:

I am a believer in preparation on the business end as much as continual training. Not only does it mean having your acting platforms perfectly curated, but it also means being up to date on headshots, clips, reels, and pitch emails.  You should be ready to show your materials to anyone at anytime. I also believe there’s never a perfect time to put yourself in the arena.  Failure, rejection and judgement are part of this industry, so don’t just ignore them, invite them to take a seat; but tell them you’re not interested in their feedback. (Thank you Brené Brown)  The ones who get in the arena with you are the ones who get to have a voice! Those who lift you up, support you, collaborate and say, “Tell me more,” when you have an idea.  You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! So I say, TAKE THE SHOT!

 

Meet Elena Kent: 

Elena Kent is an American stage, film, and television actor, originally from San Angelo, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas and brings over three decades of experience in the entertainment industry. Her career spans stage performance, directing, and arts leadership, including founding and serving as Artistic Director of Be Theatre, a non-profit theatre company in her hometown. Following a 25-year tenure in theatre, both onstage and in arts administration, Elena transitioned back into film and television, where she has since taken on lead and supporting roles in feature films and network television movies. In addition to her acting career, she is also a director, writer, producer, acting coach, and professional studio artist.  IMDb