Acting Teacher. Performance Coach.
In life and art, we aren’t necessarily taught how to communicate with authenticity. Let me get you plugged in to the parts of yourself that live beneath the habitual and familiar, so you can express your talents with ease, integrity, passion and joy.
Classes + Workshops: Fall 2025 NYC
Registration Open!
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Working with two different partners on two different scenes over ten weeks, you'll dig into the story and connect to character without excessive analysis. This is a process-oriented class for experienced actors seeking depth and nuance in their work. Actors meet between classes to rehearse. Enrollment is limited so that you work every week.
Mondays, 6pm-9pm, Sept 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17
Class is capped at 8 actors
$550, paid in full or two installments -
ChekhovChurch is a pay-what-you-can laboratory where we explore the fundamentals of Michael Chekhov's psychophysical acting technique. Church commences once a month, on every third Sunday, drop-in style. Feeling the need to get back to basics in a low-stress environment? Want to dip your toes into the holy waters of Chekhov's transformational tools? Chekhov Church is the place to be in fellowship with other actors and Chekhov's deeply spiritual method. Suggested donation of $20. Bring some text you like to work with and an open heart. Nothing else is needed. 2025 Dates: Nov 16, Dec 21.
Bespoke Workshops & Events
If you are interested in bringing a bespoke workshop or learning event to your people, let’s talk. I have worked with arts-in-ed organizations, community groups, theatre companies, high school and college theatre departments, non-profits and teams in the corporate space. I also create and facilitate custom classes and process labs for smaller groups of actors, writers and performing artists of every sort. Send me an email or book a free consultation to learn more.
One-on-One Coaching
Though many of my clients are actors, dancers and singers, I also work with people who practice other art forms as well as those who simply want to live more creatively. I was certified by the International Coach Federation in 2014 and most recently completed a certification program with the Jungian Coaching School. In short, one-on-one coaching sessions are as unique as you are. Send me an email or book a free consultation to learn more.
Hi, I’m Kristen
A lifetime member of The Actors Studio, I spent the first chapter of my career as an actor and singer-songwriter, performing on tour with Theatreworks USA, in new works and classic plays at The Cherry Lane, Theatre at St. Clements, The Kraine, Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre, in music gigs at Joe’s Pub and The Bitter End, and on HBO’s The Sopranos. My fascination with the process of acting led me to pursue teaching the craft full time in BFA programs around the country, including at SUNY Purchase, Oklahoma City University and The University of Kentucky. I approach the craft holistically: I’m certified by the NMCA in the Michael Chekhov technique, and by Louis Colaianni in his Voice, Speech and Phonetic Pillows method.
I’ve also had a parallel career as a trainer and facilitator in a variety of industries, from big law and investment banking to non-profit organizations. While my background as an artist informs everything that I do, how I see the world and the presence and care I bring to my clients, my experience collaborating with leaders in other fields gives me a practical breadth of knowledge and a unique perspective on how to apply the creative process to performative situations outside the arts.
I currently teach and coach privately in New York City and via Zoom, and spend my downtime with my partner and our awesome rescue dogs, Ellie and Memphis.
Actors
Actors have to ready themselves to deliver peak performances across a variety of media, which means rigorously conditioning the body, mind and spirit. I can develop your technique, coach you through blocks and help you build courage in the moment. Beginner, mid-career or seasoned professional — I will guide you to your next good thing.
Public Speakers
Whether you are preparing to deliver a keynote or ace a big interview, all of your well-researched content and hard-earned expertise mean nothing if you can’t connect with your audience organically and clearly, to share your vision and make an impact. I work with clients in a wide range of industries to move them from stiff to stellar, colorless to compelling.
Theatre Companies
My decades-long experience in acting, directing, teaching and coaching has generated a proven, portable toolbox including Michael Chekhov technique; Rasaboxes; Colaianni Speech & Phonetic Pillows; dialects and more — methods that will invigorate your company, bridge gaps, and create shared artistic language among the members of your ensemble.
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“Kristen aided me in opening up a channel that tapped into my truth on stage. Her class allowed me to dive deeper! For the gifts of truth and depth in my work, I am forever thankful to Kristen Cerelli."
Brandon Stalling, Actor
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"Kristen listens, intuits, analyzes and guides her clients to reach their goals from the Broadway stage to the corporate boardroom. She's concise, funny, nurturing, whip smart and unbelievably gifted."
Blair Ross, Actor, Broadway’s My Fair Lady
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"Kristen's work with our Wall Street Scholars greatly improved their professional demeanor, interview readiness and speaking and communication skills. Her approach helped them achieve their goals.
Dr. Wendy Liu, Associate Professor of Finance, Vanderbilt University
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"Kristen taught me how significant it is to pay attention to the 'why' in my work. She led me to probe more deeply into my choices and what's underneath them. The second I started to do that, the better actor I became."
Laura Kariuki, Actor, ABC’s The Wonder Years
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"Kristen’s intergenic, warm, personalized coaching creates a safe and inspiring place to learn, understand, and explore. I now have more confidence in my intuition and imagination. Highly, highly recommended!"
Marshall Glass, Actor
