From Passion to Purpose: How Kelly Young-Silva Empowers Actors

For our legacy series, we caught up with Kelly, a client whose passion for acting burns bright. She shared her inspiring journey in the performing arts.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself, perhaps how your journey began and your passion for nurturing current and future talent?.

I’m Kelly Young-Silva, the creator behind Words In Motion Professional Actors Studio. First off, thank you for the opportunity to join the Legacy series. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Brent Brooks for years, and his multifaceted talents never cease to amaze me. It’s comforting to have someone who understands your insurance needs.

Words In Motion Professional Actors Studio has become a haven for professional actors in Georgia. As a mother of four, my journey into teaching acting deepened as my children grew, and I wanted to develop a home for actors that would allow me to foster both my acting and that of my children. Launching the studio in 2012, I aimed to fill a gap in the Atlanta film market by providing specialized training for professional actors.

At Words In Motion, we emphasize craft, mindset, and business. Despite the challenges and storms we have faced over the years, our studio stands strong, nurturing talent and fostering growth. We work closely with some of the best talent agents in our market. I continue to grow as an owner, instructor, and artist, convinced that creativity only deepens with time; it never dries up. Training offers a place for actors to grow, requiring a commitment to understanding one’s needs and contributing to the process. It’s a collaborative effort for all involved. For someone seeking a career as an actor, training with a reputable studio is your first step. It will save you a lot of hardships and give you the foundation you will need for the journey.

You ignited a spark in countless aspiring actors, and are often seen as an ally to many in your industry. What inspires you to guide them on their artistic journeys? What do you hope for each of your students?

I love actors and the work I do in the film industry, whether it be an actor on set, a producer behind the scenes, a child labor coordinator or training actors for the film Industry, fuels me daily. My aim is always to help others see the path while I find it myself. It is important to have a mission statement for yourself. I hold myself accountable in all things , I do not promise what I can’t deliver. This Industry is always changing so you really have to pay attention in order to navigate it.

I try to be for others the person I need in my life, I am in this for the long game. I stay away from short term gains that do not serve the future. . Through this process, I feel a great sense of purpose. I fight hard and I love my job. It has been a win-win for me and those I work with to prepare them and myself for all that the Atlanta Film Industry offers. I know I am a small part of it’s success. I teach my actors the same. We are part of the whole.

What inspires me to guide actors on their artistic journeys is my deep love for the craft of acting and the transformative power of acting. Whether I’m on set as an actor, behind the scenes as a producer, coordinating child labor, or training future talents, I find immense fulfillment in every aspect of my work. My aim is not only to help others find their path but also to continuously learn and adapt to the ever-evolving nature of the industry.

Having experienced the lack of mentorship firsthand, I am driven by the desire to be the guiding force that I needed in my own journey. Seeing individuals without proper support motivates me to share my knowledge and experiences, ensuring that others don’t feel lost or overlooked in their pursuits. Choosing to invest in the art I love and leveraging my expertise to give back fills me with a profound sense of purpose.

I approach my role with dedication and passion, fighting tirelessly to equip both my students and myself with the skills and resilience needed to thrive in the film industry. It’s a symbiotic relationship where everyone benefits, and witnessing the growth and success of those I mentor brings me immeasurable joy. Ultimately, my goal is to prepare individuals for the challenges and opportunities of the film industry, fostering a community of empowered and capable actors.

Let’s touch on mentors in your life. Often times, a mentor may come into our lives and offer us spiritual guidance, a challenging direction we need to take – someone you may say is a legend in their own right. Does anyone come to mind for you and how have they shaped your own way?

What an interesting question. I believe the lack of mentorship is why my studio may exist. I became what I needed. I am not saying I have not had mentors, but I have never felt that I had someone take me under their wing, per- se. I do, however, feel I have had great collaborators in art over the years. Most of what I have learned in my life is by jumping in the pool, sinking and fighting to get to open water. I am thankful to those who have pulled me up, allowing me to grab breath as I go back under again. That is what this journey feels like to me. I love being under and I have confidence that I will always find a way to breathe. You have to remember that Atlanta is still very new to filmmaking. All of us early pioneers of the Atlanta film industry have all worked together to form the standards that we now live by, leaving room to change as needed. I have had great collaborators over the years who have added pieces to the puzzle that I continue to put together.. I think the art itself shows the way. An artist has a need to create and he will literally pave his way. I have been fortunate to be able to step in places that needed mentorship. It seems that most of the people I have thus far worked with were people like myself who shared a desire to create and we worked together in that creation. This is why I view my relationship with students as a collaboration rather than a traditional mentorship.

Ok – Let’s imagine a scene set 100 years from now. How would you like your students to remember the impact you have had on their lives, What would you want them to say about you?

I hope they say, “She loved me.” To care about how you affect people and the mark you leave in their souls is of high importance to me.

Looking back on your own specific journey, is there a specific moment or accomplishment as an instructor that fills you with pride? Perhaps a student breakthrough performance?

My highest achievement is always helping those that others leave behind: the person with a disability, the one who is so shy they are overlooked. I am amazed by confidence; however, I take pride in being that confidence for the person who desires to walk through the fire and face their insecurities. My studio has received many awards over the years. I was just recently nominated for an Emmy Award as a producer and Actor for a series on domestic violence that I helped my husband, (12-time Emmy Award-winning Director and Producer), Diego Silva Acevedo, produce last year.

My studio has a Telly Award for a production my students worked on in 2022 that helped produce again with my husband, and Words In Motion Professional Actors Studio received the title of Best Acting Studio in Georgia from The Business Journal for three years. These awards let me know that others are seeing my efforts as well. That means a lot to me.

Imagine if you will… going back in time and actually speaking to the younger version of yourself, what advice would you give yourself? What would you tell Yourself?

I knew coming out of High school that I wanted acting to be my life. My biggest mistake was listening to the people who meant well in my life. We are all afraid of our dreams, but our soul knows what it were meant to do. We have to be brave and step forward. That being said, I don’t believe that life has no right or wrong; most of us find our way. . I am proud to be where I am at this moment.

Beyond the classroom, do you have any special ways you try to preserve the legacy of the performing arts? What do you see as challenges?

While many people understand the craft of stage acting, there is significant misinformation regarding film and TV actors. A common misconception is that actors are discovered on the street and inherently possess the skills needed to perform professionally. This overlooks the extensive training and effort required to succeed in the industry.

I often find myself trying to explain this process, only to be met with blank stares. It seems many people neither understand nor appreciate the hard work and dedication involved in acting. This is particularly frustrating because we share our art with audiences who have little awareness of the commitment it takes to do our jobs well. So yes, I do try to educate non-actors regarding the work that is required of us.

Some of our readers may be aspiring artists themselves! Do you have any advice on how they can build a strong foundation for their own creative legacies?

Get around people who can guide you if you want the art to become your profession. Get in a class that supports your development.

As an artist and mentor, financial security likely plays a role in your future plans and be a challenge for the “struggling artist”. How important is it for you to ensure your stability and the well-being of those you work with? Aside from training, can you share some tools the actor may need to succeed?

Beyond training, actors need to understand the business side of their craft. They must recognize themselves as entrepreneurs, investing in their own talents and careers. This means being proactive in seeking opportunities, networking, and continuously honing their skills. Additionally, cultivating resilience and adaptability are essential traits in navigating the ups and downs of the industry.

So, while training provides the foundation, actors also need to equip themselves with business acumen, perseverance, and a willingness to invest in themselves. It’s about recognizing that success in this profession requires both artistic excellence and a strategic approach to career development. I think an artist’s expression always wins over financial stability. However, when that artist has a family he must mix the two or choose one.

Finally, having a trusted advisor like InsurancePM: The Brooks Legacy Team by your side can be invaluable. How important is that peace of mind for you as you continue to shape the future of acting?

As a business owner, I look at Brooks Legacy InsurancePM as part of my team. I love working together with people I trust and that I know I can have open conversations. This is my business and I don’t take it lightly. I know That Brooks Legacy takes the time to explain my needs and helps me get the best coverage I need.

Having a trusted advisor like InsurancePM: The Brooks Legacy Team is absolutely essential for me as I continue to shape the future of acting. As a business owner, I view Brooks Legacy Insurance PM as an integral part of my team. Working with people I trust and with whom I can have open conversations is invaluable. I take my business, Words In Motion Professional Actors Studio seriously, and having the peace of mind that comes with knowing Brooks Legacy takes the time to understand my needs and helps me secure the best coverage is priceless. They provide the support and guidance necessary for me to focus on my craft and career development with confidence.

kelly@atlantaactingstudio.com