"Peter works harder at what he does than anyone I know... it means so much to have someone who really knows and cares. Thank you, Peter, for all the help."

– Eliza Dushku

  

 
PRIVATE COACHING with PETER KELLEY
professional actor coaching for film and television

Acting is a group endeavor. It explores relationships, and (solo performance pieces aside) it requires at least two to do so. Therefore I strongly believe that acting should not be learned solely in a one-on-one environment.

Still, there are times when private coaching can greatly benefit an actor. Many of my students have worked with me privately; others are interested but not sure if private work is right for them or how to proceed. I hope the following frequently-asked questions and their answers are of help.


So what is private coaching?

Usually, the term "private coaching" refers to any one-on-one work an actor does with a coach hired for a set period of time.

This work can include:
  • monologue preparation
  • cold reading
  • career counseling
  • work on either a specific audition or role in a project in production
  • work focused on specific blocks the actor may have in other classwork or performance.
Much of my private work is with actors either auditioning for or cast in a substantial role in a film (sometimes even a commercial). We work on preparing all the scenes in which that character appears so that the actor will walk onto the set or into the audition "performance ready."


I'm just starting out – should I work with a coach?

That depends. I do not recommend private coaching as a new actor's primary source of training, and I strongly advise beginning actors to get themselves into a class. Private work with beginning actors focuses on fast-forwarding that actor's artistic and career development and is geared to augment --not replace-- the work done in a group class.

(The only exception to this occurs with celebrity clients whose schedules would hinder participation in an ongoing group class. I have substantial experience with such clients and can tailor a program to suit that client's needs.)


What if I'm enrolled in a class already?

In fact, about half of the actors I coach are in a class during their period of study with me. Our time in the private sessions focuses on acting issues not covered in their class.


Can I bring in assignments from
my group class for private work?

If it's from one of my classes, sure. Otherwise, no.


What's the time commitment?

I tell clients it's similar to seeing a therapist (the structure, not the content). Most clients book one hourlong session per week, and either party can reschedule with a day's advance notice. An hour slot is 55 minutes long (give or take). Once we agree on a time that works, that becomes "your time" and I automatically schedule you for that time each week unless you inform me otherwise.

I request that most clients commit to a minimum of four sessions up front, and we take it week by week from there. I have clients for as little as four weeks and working actor clients who have been coming to me for years, booking a session now and then when they've got a project or big audition coming up, or they're rusty and need a push.




What's done in the sessions?

Unlike a group class, where class curriculum is pre-determined, the agenda for private work is different for each client and we work together to set that agenda. I stress that the client must be prepared to take an active role in setting the agenda for private sessions.


Some examples:
  • monologues: 1-2 sessions on piece selection, 1 session on trimming, 2-6 sessions on the pieces themselves. Clients without pieces should expect to work at least 6 sessions to prepare two performance-ready pieces.
  • audition/role prep: client comes in with two copies of the material. Client comes in off-book, if appropriate. We rehearse and prepare the scene/s.
  • career work: client comes in with materials (headshots, etc.) and a prepared list of questions. We talk. Generally 1 session with a later follow-up.
  • audition training: Client comes in with no preparation, is given sides from a film/tv scene. Client prepares alone, then reads the scene, sometimes on-camera.


So how much, and when?

I charge a sliding scale between $95 and $195 per session. Current and former group class students receive a $5 per hour discount.

New York: Mondays through Thursdays; generally 10 AM - 6PM. Other times by advance arrangement.

Los Angeles: by appointment


If you haven't worked with me before, send me an e-mail or contact me at (2 1 2) 4 3 1 - 4 0 0 0 to set up an interview.



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