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Linda Kuriloff
Actor and writer, Linda Kuriloff studied acting at the Yale School of Drama, where she got her MFA and Howard University, where she received her BFA. Further training came from classes with Folger Shakespeare Theater, Circle In the Square, American Conservatory Theatre, and the Actors Center. Acting for television training came from Upright Citizens Brigade, Chicago City Limits, Joanna Beckson, Acting for Commercials (DC), and Paul Cook’s TV Actors Studio (Chgo).
Ms. Kuriloff worked in such theatres as the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival, Actors Theatre of Louisville, New York Shakespeare Festival, New Victory Theatre, Crossroads, Theatre for a New Audience, Ubu Repertory, Kennedy Center, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Long Wharf, the Yale Repertory, Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, Folger Shakespeare Theatre, Asolo Center for the Performing Arts, and Chicago Theatre Company.
To her television credits, she played a recurring role in a short-lived pilot called “3 lbs,” starring Stanley Tucci. She also played various characters on daytime serials, “One Life to Live,” “All My Children” and “Loving.” Her film credits include “Down to Earth” with Chris Rock, “Everyone Says I Love You” written and directed by Woody Allen, and “Angie” directed by Martha Coolidge.
Over the years, Linda served as Director of Programs, Teacher, and Curriculum Development Specialist to the Education & Industry Partnership whose mission was to empower youth from at-risk communities to bridge the transition from school to the work world through exposure to life skills training and professional role models. Further, she taught acting for television, with an emphasis on commercials at John Robert Powers Acting School. Currently, she trains young people in leadership skills, acting and writing and is excited to work with the students, young and adult, of Next Star Studio.
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Kathi KennedySmith
Kathi KennedySmith, a native of New York, trained, educated, and directed by some of the finest talent in the industry. Kathi studied for her Masters and Bachelors from New York University and Brooklyn College, respectively. Kathi has worked at Yale Repertory Theatre, Lincoln Center, The Mint Theatre, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Pennsylvania Stage Company, Crossroads Theatre, Soho Repertory, and Playwrights Horizons. Her theatre training was honed under the direction of Dennis Scott, Essene R, Gates McFadden, Jonathan Bank, Trazana Beverly, Kelly Morgan, Robert Mooney, Mark Teschner, and William Roudebush.
Kathi's film and television experience and training include work with Kim Todd, Bernard Barrow, Joan D’Incecco, Judy Henderson and Gordon Rigsby. Kathi has trained and worked with Nora Dunfee and Linda Gates for voice and speech. Kathi’s film work includes, The Hard Way, directed by, John Badham; Best Intentions, directed by Kevin Hooks; and Identity Crisis, directed by Melvin Van Peebles. A combination of television, radio, video and commercial appearances led Kathi to Elsie Stark for her informative commercial training. In 1986, Tanden Hayes invited her to teach commercial acting classes to the clients of his company, Creative Talent Management. In 1990, Kathi founded, On Camera Commercial Techniques, and has since assisted actors in achieving career objectives.
Kathi has extended her talents as a teacher, director, and program coordinator to multiple institutions in New York and abroad. She has encapsulated 33 years of experience into a course of study that permeates the actor's confidence, encourages distinct individuality, and sharpens the intellect, so that the actor’s abilities are personified. These techniques are designed to break barriers and diminish fear, which can erode auditions. Kathi's classes are safe, supportive, creative, intensive, and fun.
It is Kathi’s mission to coach each student to realize his or her vision; therefore, the curriculum is designed to accommodate the needs of a selected number of students to ensure the maximum time on camera.
Lasting success requires intelligence, an often overlooked prerequisite, in this industry; but when intelligence is coupled with talent the actor soars to the greatest heights.
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