Kelsey Shryer was born and raised in Southwest Missouri. In his youth he was extensively involved in many theatrical productions, organizational leadership, acting, writing, music, dance, photography, and stage combat. Even overseeing sword fight choreography for a stage production. Kelsey began his professional acting training at Creative Actors Studio (formerly Creative Actors Workshop) with Scott-Arthur Allen, master acting coach and founder of the Creative Actors Process. Kelsey quickly mastered the renowned acting technique, advancing from beginner to professional at half the rate as most of his classmates. In 2010 Kelsey wrote the short film "Able" which became his directorial debut and received seven film festival nominations. Shortly after, his acting coach Scott-Arthur and writer/director Elizabeth Allen offered him the starring role in their upcoming television pilot, "Morning Light". He eventually took on the role of an associate producer and when post-production was interrupted by the loss of an editor, Kelsey joined writer/creator Elizabeth in filling the editor positions. So began their creative partnership as they dove head first into editing their first professional independent production. Together they also co-wrote the thirteen synopses that accompanied the TV pilot that was considered by Williams Morris Agency, Paradigm Agency, A&E and several other TV networks. Kelsey then collaborated with writer/director Elizabeth Allen for her directorial debut. They co-wrote the feature film, "Little Did He Know", in which he had a starring role. This was also Kelsey's first experience as director of photography. By the fall of 2014 Elizabeth and Kelsey had completed post-production for their first feature film. Since then Kelsey has expanded his filmmaking resume with many shorts films. In 2017 one of those shorts, "Poneros", was nominated for numerous film festival awards. Beginning in 2018 Kelsey has redirected his interest back to acting, starring in several short films. He was then cast in a supporting role in the SAG-AFTRA feature film, "The Riot Act". In 2019 Kelsey had the wonderful opportunity to work with Deborah Barylski (Emmy winning casting director for "Arrested Development"). Deborah generously gave her time to mentor Kelsey. After reviewing several of his self-tapes, headshots, and resume, she described a particular self-tape as one of the best auditions she has seen in her entire career. Kelsey was grateful and humbled by her words. He knew he was on the right track. Since the fall of 2018 Kelsey has been invited to audition for many great casting directors and filmmakers. Some of the casting directors include John McAlary, Elizabeth Barnes, Brandon Henry Rodriguez, Claire Simon, Dana Lockhart, and more. Some of the producers include Spike Lee, Barry Alexander Brown, Eliza Hittman, Ramaa Mosley, Rose Garnett, Sara Murphy, Adele Romanski, Jeff Rice, Clark Duke, Alan Poa, Paris Kasidokosta Latsis, Ryan R. Johnson, Stephanie Caleb, and more. Kelsey is excited for his future in acting. He knows in the future, with hard work and tenacity, he will eventually land larger and larger roles.

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Kelsey Shryer

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Actor

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Cinematographer

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Art Director

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Camera and Electrical Department