Kathleen West is a Senior Teaching Artist with Acting for Young People. She holds a B.F.A. in Theatre with a concentration Musical Theater from George Mason University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Services
Private Acting Coaching for 8-14 year olds
Musical Theater Voice for all ages
About
Kathleen West has been a teaching artist with Acting for Young People since 2017. She is our Director of After School programming, and teaches acting and musical theatre classes through our after school program. Kathleen is also the Vocal Director for our Musical and Advanced Showcase programs, and teaches musical theatre in our Summer Camps. These programs are a great example of Kathleen’s capacity for coaching one-on-one, as well as in groups.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kathleen was one of the teachers who kickstarted our AFYP @ Home program, teaching acting on Zoom! The world’s sudden shift to technology was an unexpected challenge, but Kathleen continued to share her passion for theatre to her students through a computer screen.
Throughout her teaching career, Kathleen has had the opportunity to direct her students in many plays, musicals, and musical theatre showcases. When she is not teaching, Kathleen works as a professional actor, and is currently pursuing a performance career in the DC area. Her recent acting credits include The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Art of Murder, and Xanadu at Workhouse Performing Arts Center.
As an acting coach, Kathleen offers an excellent understanding of performance from the actor’s perspective. She has coached Elementary- through College-aged performers. Kathleen specializes in establishing fundamental acting skills and instincts, workshopping monologues and scenes, and audition prep. Due to Kathleen’s extensive musical theatre background, she also offers coaching for the future triple threats! Kathleen’s Musical Theatre coaching sessions help students understand and improve their vocal technique, with an emphasis on acting through song.
Kathleen graduated Summa Cum Laude from George Mason University, receiving a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre, and awards of excellence in both academics and performance.