I'm Jo Kelly, a director and non-acting coach committed to helping artists shed their programming to rediscover true freedom and authenticity.
Born with a passion for freedom and truth, I’ve spent over 20 years guiding actors and other artists to break free from the chains of social and emotional conditioning.
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My mission? To remind you how to BE—not act—so you can show up alive, raw, and deeply authentic.
Starting with little more than an unwavering belief in the power of instinct and a commitment to freedom, I’ve had the honor of coaching thousands of professional actors to land roles with industry giants like Netflix, HBO, Disney, and more.
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Here’s how I might help you:
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Feeling full of doubt and struggling to tap into your true potential as an actor? I’ll facilitate you so you can break free from your conditioning, and unearth your instinctive, free and uninhibited self.
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Tired of acting classes that offer formulas but no real transformation? I’ll guide you back into your unique instinct so you can once again feel fulfilled when you act, defend your characters ( instead of your ego) and impact your audience from a place of truth and freedom.
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Feel like “something”is holding you back? I’ll assist you in Resetting your instrument to its original state of freedom, helping you stand out and book meaningful roles.
I didn’t start out knowing how to do this. In fact, my journey began with the same struggles most actors face: potential that was locked away by resistance. Like so many others, I took so many acting classes that offered methods and techniques but ignored my true power within—my instinct, freedom and truth.
From Resistance to Freedom: My Story
Growing up half Belgian, half Irish, I felt very curious and driven. But when I started acting, I quickly realized that while I had potential, something was holding me back. It wasn’t until I began to research the matter of instinct that I succeeded in resetting my instrument to its original state: FREEDOM & PURPOSE. ( You can watch my Acting Reel here)
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The moment I was Reset I won an award for the woman lead in a feature film with Danny Glover and Robert Englund and everything changed. I knew I had to share this transformation with others. So I began coaching, and the results I witnessed were nothing short of mind-blowing.
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Why To Act Or Not To Act? There’s nothing in life you can’t express, embody, or bring to life on stage or screen—as long as you’re willing to dive deep, commit fully, and embrace the craft of acting. We can guarantee that.
"To Be or Not to Act" is a philosophy.​
It’s the essence of being an actor: the willingness to fully experience every aspect of your humanity and bring it to life with authenticity and freedom.
My mission is to help you embrace your innately free and authentic humanity and provide you with the container, structure, practices and unwavering support you need to reach your fullest potential as an actor so you can awaken the audience to their own humanity.
People often ask, "Jo, how did you get started on this journey?"
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For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the human condition and the art of storytelling. I wanted to understand what makes a performance truly brilliant and impactful…
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How do some actors manage to connect so deeply that they transcend acting to create true life? Why do some struggle while others flow?
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I started studying and researching a wide array of disciplines: method acting, physical theater, dance, singing, Vipassana meditation, energy work, authentic tantra teachings, somatics and psychedelics to be the best acting coach.
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I have diplomas and certifications in: MBA in systemics psychology and the management of uncertainty, coaching, energetics, somatic psychedelic facilitation.
My Philosophy: Freedom Over Formulas
"Kids play to experience. Adults play to win."
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Children are the most authentic and free actors. They haven’t been conditioned to behave in a certain way yet, so they are still like perfectly nature intended: free, unique, and incredibly truthful. I believe that as adults, we must break free from the conditioning that stifles our instinct and rediscover the joy of authentic play.
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You can’t be taught how to act. You already know how. My job is to help you work through the resistance, train your instrument back to its original freedom, and reconnect with the truth that makes your performances impactful.
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My Approach: Discovery Over Technique
I don't believe you can teach acting. So I am not an acting teacher. I am more like a non-acting coach;-)
Every coaching session with me is a discovery. I don’t believe in rigid methods, techniques or recipes. I actually believe these are the only reasons why actors actually struggle…
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I like to say:
“ I won't teach you how to act,
I’ll remind you how to be”
So if we work together, it’s never going to be about learning more, but about un-doing all the learning so you can be your pure self.
You Might Have Seen Me On
Which brings me to you.
I’m here to help you “re-member”.
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Through our GUARANTEED (or you don’t pay) To Be Or Not To Act workshops, journeys and online training we aim to reconnect you with your authentic instrument, and bring that freedom and truth to every character you defend.
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Whether you’re a pro seeking to expand or you are just beginning your acting journey, we’re here to support you in reaching your highest artistic potential. We believe in the power of absolute presence, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to truly live your art.
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Let’s embark on this journey together to explore the depths of your creativity and embrace the fullest expression of who you are.
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Yes, this is a business. Yes, we offer training and journeys. And yes, I’m deeply appreciative and proud to make a living doing what I was born to do.
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And here’s the thing: a big part of what we create is shared with you, free of charge, because this work is about more than just making a living—it’s about contributing to the artistic community.
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I’m not here to be your teacher. I don’t believe anyone can teach acting. And I also don’t believe anyone can learn how to act. Because acting is the art of being fully alive in the only unique way you can.
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So, I am not another authority figure; I don’t know better than you. ONLY YOU KNOW WHEN YOU ARE FREE AND PURPOSEFUL. So our relationship will never be one where you depend on me or my opinion of your work. Quite the opposite.
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My commitment is to take a stand for your perfect humanity and to never back down from this truth. So don’t expect me to tell you what to do, but do expect an unwavering dedication to providing the practices that will unlock your fullest, most expressive self. GUARANTEED.
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If you’ve read this far, thank you. I hope this is just the start of our connection. I’d love to learn more about you and continue this journey back to who you really are together.
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The best way to stay connected is by signing up below with your name and email. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Want to join the ride?
At ‘To Be or Not to Act,’ I’m joined by a team of dedicated acting coaches who share my commitment to truth and freedom. We provide coaching in English, French, Spanish, and passive German, ensuring that language is never a barrier to your growth as an actor.
Join the To Be or Not to Act Community
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As you might know, even though I run a digital company, I prioritize spending as much time offline as possible. If we’re not connected on Instagram yet, come join me there! And for the inside scoop, our To Be or Not to Act community is where it’s at. You’ll usually hear from me on Mondays and Wednesdays—unless something urgent or important pops up.
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When you subscribe, you’ll also receive our free downloadable training: “Stop Trying to Be a Good Actor So You Have a Chance at Being Great.”
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This training will help you:
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Identify and ditch the habits that are holding you back.
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Discover the essential habits that set you up for greatness.
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Receive instinctive acting coaching delivered straight to your inbox every Monday.
You're Going to LOVE this Free 40 min Training.
Throw away the rules, feel fulfilled, book more and better jobs.
By entering your info, you’ll become a To Be OR Not To Act Insider – with FREE access to exclusive insights, and inspiring content on the art of acting straight to your inbox. (Unsubscribe anytime with just a click.) You also agree to our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
In this free training you will discover how to stop feeling that you are "not good enough" when you audition so you can be PRESENT. You will discover how to avoid the TOP 3 mistakes actors make about their instinct & WHY it’s costing YOU ALL your bookings and freedom. "Reset" to unleash your natural instinct to always get in "flow state", EVEN in stressful audition rooms & on difficult set. This is guaranteed ;-)
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Thank you so much for being here. I’m thrilled that we’re connected and look forward to sharing this journey with you.
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With all my love,
Jo Kelly has become a famous acting coach, because her “undoing" work stands in radical contrast to traditional acting methods and techniques. Her non-acting philosophy enables actors to reconnect with their innate instinct, freedom, and authenticity—stripping away conditioned responses.
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With decades of experience and a profound impact on thousands of actors, Jo empowers them to move through the limitations of their conditioning, allowing them to fully recover their unique human experience.
In this space of liberation true art is inevitable.
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Jo’s unwavering commitment to helping individuals undo their conditioning and rediscover pure truth has earned her recognition as one of the best acting coaches in Los Angeles and abroad. Her transformative guidance continues to inspire actors, artists, teachers and high-level performers worldwide.