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Meet Elena
Elena is the founder and owner of The Kent Collective.
Why start your own studio?
"My goal is to help actors of all levels discover their own unique artistry and work on finding an approach that works for them. The flexibility of scheduling and crafting teaching methods that fit each individual student inspired me to open my own studio. This way, I can make time for my family, myself and my coaching."
MORE ABOUT ELENA
Elena Kent is an Austin-based director, acting coach, and creative artist with a lifelong commitment to artistry in many fields. She brings over three decades of visual & performing arts experience as an actor, artist, teacher, coach, and director. She holds a BFA from the University of Texas (Hook'em!) and began her career working in television and commercial projects before spending several years in her hometown of San Angelo, Texas, where she and her husband, Kevin, raised their family.
During those 20 years, Elena spent most of her time working in live theatre, involved in producing and performing arts development. In 2021, with an empty nest, she and her husband returned to Austin so she could return to her career in film and television. She immediately hit the ground running with leading roles in 2 feature films and several indy short films in 2023. In 2024, she wrote, co-produced, and directed GoodWill, a short film that is now complete and currently in the international festival circuit.
Elena's work in film and TV includes titles on major streaming networks, and you may have seen her in numerous national and international commercial campaigns, both on-camera and voiceover.
Her proudest accomplishment is serving as the founder and Artistic Director of Be Theatre, a nonprofit theatre she led for 11 years. During her time there, she co-developed programs such as Literature Alive and helped launch Shakespeare on the Concho, both developed to broaden access to theatre and engage new audiences. In addition to community outreach, Be Theatre produced large-scale musicals and award-winning plays in which Elena was creatively involved, either as a director, artist, or actor. Her work with Be Theatre defined her career in the arts and continues to influence how she collaborates with the community and artists.
Elena continues to collaborate with studios throughout Austin, working with both youth and adult actors in scene study, on-camera technique, and professional development. She has experience teaching with The Actor’s School, Zach Theatre, and Carol Hickey Acting Studio. She works alongside her studio partner, Sarah-Marie, who specializes in Scene Study and Dramatic Improv.
She is also a studio artist specializing in vibrant acrylic florals and Austin Skylines. You can find her artwork at www.elena-kent.com!
MEET KEVIN
Kevin began his career in the early 1980s in Austin’s hospitality scene with Chuy’s Comida Deluxe, growing from management to co-owner and building a strong foundation in operations and business development. He later became a licensed real estate broker and continues to work in both San Angelo and Austin.
He spent more than 20 years as President of StudioStream, a national in-store radio platform for Sonic Drive-Ins, where he oversaw operations and managed music licensing and billing for more than 3,500 locations.
Kevin is deeply committed to community, especially supporting young people in the arts and education. He has served in leadership roles with Ballet San Angelo, the San Angelo Performing Arts Center, and First Christian Church. He was also a hands-on PTO President at his children’s school and is well known for feeding hundreds of teenagers at weekly church gatherings.
Kevin’s heart for doing good is bigger than Texas, making him a natural match for Elena's creative spirit.