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Kate Lacey
Education
Kate Lacey-Kiley studied with Kristin Linklater and graduated with a BFA in Acting from Emerson College. She began her casting career as legendary casting director Marion Dougherty’s intern at Warner Brothers Feature Film Casting. Upon Marion ‘s retirement a year later, Kate became assistant to Marcia Ross, head of Feature Film Casting for Walt Disney and Touchstone Pictures.
Experience
She was eventually promoted to Manager of Feature Film Casting and oversaw the casting of films such as The Kinky Boots Factory, Casanova, and Step Up. She also served as casting director for feature films including Stick It, starring Jeff Bridges. Kate Lacey-Kiley left Disney in order to refocus her energies toward acting, producing, and coaching actors. She produced the Emmy nominated, award winning HBO feature documentary Casting By, which tells the story of Marion Dougherty and gives insight into the casting process. She also recently completed co-producing the feature documentary Thank You For Your Service and is currently in pre-production for the independent feature film Beard’s Creek. As an actress, she has appeared in the television shows such as NCIS, Private Practice, Rizzoli & Isles, and the feature films College Roadtrip, The Proposal, and more.
Philosophy
I have always been fascinated with artists who can use their talent to make others experience various emotions. Actors allow us to escape their lives for a period of time and I think that is so desperately needed sometimes. Actors take us on journeys with the help of incredible writers, directors, casting directors, editors, costume designers, and so many others. I love that the Maggie Flanigan Studio not only provides a place for actors to learn the craft of acting, but also how to handle themselves in professional auditions. Our students get artistic and professional business training at one studio.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I love the fact that I get to be such an important part of introducing fresh new actors entering this professional acting life, I love that I get to be a part of introducing them to that business side and being able to share that knowledge with them and being able to really implement in them from an early stage how important that business side is to an actor’s eventual success.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“I was placed in the intense reigns of Charlie Sandlan. I became a better artist, actor, friend, sibling and daughter because of the studio. Even now, I crave the studio every day. What I learned is present in my work every day. I truly believe in everything they stand for.”
Jes Macallan
“Maggie taught me that I could control my work, my acting, and to throw all of the bullshit out that I had in my head about ‘what I should be doing’ and to just listen and respond honestly, in the moment. She gave me a craft. She is, quite simply put, THE BEST.”
Leslie Bibb
“Maggie Flanigan taught me the true meaning of artistry, passion, and professionalism. I am certain that I continue to work as an actress because of my training with Maggie. At every audition and every performance, her guiding voice is with me. It is a gift beyond measure.”
