Online Scene Study
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Act from anywhere.
Do you live outside of Los Angeles but still want professional training? Do you live near LA but would looove to not have to deal with traffic? Are you looking for an ongoing practice and a supportive community? Are you looking to get more comfortable with self tapes and virtual auditions?
These are some of the many reasons actors turn to our ongoing, online scene study.
Acting Done Different.
Our Non-Dominant Approach to Acting centers the humanity of characters. Removing character-dominating language from the actor’s process, actors are brought into greater equality with the character, restoring the actor’s autonomy as they work in the world.
Ongoing scene study is for those seeking a more fulfilling and sustaining way to work as an actor today.
Be part of a supportive and ever-growing community that has included guest and series regulars on network television and major motion pictures, Grammy and Emmy award winners, and Ovation and Tony award nominees.
Meet your Instructor
Kelsey Cally
(she/her)
Kelsey has been an actor for over 15 years. Hailing from the Mitten State, aka, Michigan, she grew up running barefoot by the stream and catching frogs, instilling in her a freedom that she encourages within her students. She has a BA in Theatre Performance and Minor in Dance from Western Michigan University and an MFA in Acting from UC Irvine. Kelsey also trained at Bournemouth University where she was certified in Lecoq Technique and Mask. She also worked closely with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Donmar Theatre. Her teaching is deeply influenced by Fitzmaurice Voicework, Clowning, Improv, Mime Techniques, and Jerzy Grotowski’s Movement and Counterbalance. Directing for 8 years, Kelsey now runs Rat + Cat Theatre co. with her husband, Landon. Directing credits include Medea Redux, Face Divided, Fat Pig, and The Salem Project. As an actor she has appeared in multiple film and commercial projects, as well as major theatres around the country. Kelsey has worked closely with Ben Mathes since 2017 and in 2022 was certified a designated instructor of Crash Acting’s unique approach to actor training. Kelsey is currently based in Chicago with her husband and 2 cats Merry and Pippin. A part of the south east artistic community, she does private coaching, leads classes, and is currently directing for the long running children’s youth theatre company, Mudlark.
Working with Kelsey
“Her positive energy, enthusiasm, and support are constant and contagious! Kelsey has guided me in exercises and scene work that have helped me develop a better relationship with my body as an instrument, and I am learning to work with my intuition and impulses rather than fight against them. She encourages freedom, play, curiosity and provides a fun and truly judgement-free environment for each student to discover deeper levels of connection with character. I have watched other actors in class perform truly transformative work, and I have felt it myself. I've also coached with Kelsey outside of class for auditions with challenging, potentially triggering material, and I always felt completely safe with her guidance. Besides being an amazing teacher, she also hosts an inclusive online community - I now have relationships with actors in different markets all over the country (and some in Canada!). Taking virtual classes has expanded my network, my practice, and my confidence.”
— Melissa Haas | The First Lady • Dynasty • NCIS: New Orleans• The Resident
“I have loved being able to take classes online with Kelsey. She’s not only an amazing teacher by pushing us, asking us questions and digging deeper into what we want out of our performance, but she listens and gives space for us to create, play, and “fail.” I have representation across the country and am often traveling to work in different states. Being able to take class with me and participate in class no matter where I am at is incredibly helpful to me.”
— Teo Santos | Hallmark • Delta • Peleton
“Kelsey is a one of a kind teacher. Every week, even when she’s not speaking to me, she says exactly what I needed to hear that day. She has a wonderful ability to find the question behind the question to bring us all into a deeper experience. She has eased so much of my stress around auditioning and self doubt as an actor. I am forever grateful for her as a mentor. If you’re looking for a class that is challenging, supportive, honest, and fun, then work with Kelsey. It’s an acting class sure. But I am transformed for the better in my life every time I go to class.”
— Aidan Rees| Stumptown
“I am incredibly privileged to have worked with Kelsey for over three years now. Knowing her and working with her has transformed me as both an artist and a human. Kelsey is more than just a teacher. She is a guide. She nurtures her students and operates from a heart beautifully centered in compassion. She instills in us a trust so profound that we feel safe enough to admit our dreams. And when we admit our dreams, she listens and lights the path for us to follow them. Her belief in her students is so strong that if you ever begin to doubt your capabilities, Kelsey will become the voice in your ear reminding yourself that you are good enough for this work. After working with Kelsey, you’ll believe that you can do anything. And after working with Kelsey, you’ll be right.”
— Skylar Haustein
How Class Works:
1) Ongoing online class is for actors who live outside of Los Angeles and for anyone who don’t want to deal with traffic. Class meets Wednesdays from 3pm to 7pm Pacific Time. Class is $250 for each 4-week period and students may join at any time. (LA Actors can apply to audit here)
2) Each online class is structured into these 3 parts:
Part One: Presence/Warm-up/Exercise
We warm up using principles of Fitzmaurice Voicework and unique techniques developed at Crash Acting to center actors in their bodies and deepen their work on script and character. Ongoing exercises are often implemented to help develop certain skills like self tapes, block integration, movement, etc.
Part Two: Performance
Monologues and scenes are scheduled and actors work in a traditional scene study format. Receiving deep and lasting instruction, each actor is challenged with lessons designed to shape and deepen their practice. Working via Zoom also allows for discussion and practice of virtual and self tape audition principles.
Part Three: Return
We return to presence and stability as we reflect on the class and exit with intention for deeper practice and purpose of artistry.
Not Every Class is Right for Every Actor
Use the form below to apply to audit an online class. If you live in Los Angeles and want to audit our IN PERSON class, please apply here.
Tell us as much as you can about yourself, your experience as an actor, and your hopes for your career. We’re excited to know more about you.
Note: To protect the quality of the room and the audit experience, a payment of $25 is required to audit.