University of Oregon theatre students got a glimpse of the professional world when actress Rachel Keller visited campus to coach monologues, answer questions and discuss her career in film and television. Known for her standout roles in FX’s “Fargo” and “Legion” and HBO Max’s “Tokyo Vice,” Keller spent the day engaging with students, offering insights into acting and the film industry. 

Keller began her visit by attending TA252, an acting auditions class, where students had the opportunity to work with her directly. Six students prepared monologues and received one-on-one coaching.

“Coaching is a way that, as actors, we shake up our work,” said Tricia Rodley, senior instructor of theatre arts. “Being able to coach with somebody who works in a film and television medium was something new.”

For students, the chance to learn directly from Keller was an invaluable experience.

“Working with Rachel gave me a new perspective on how one can perfect the technique and the craft behind the acting; there is always more work to be done with an acting piece,” said Chase Powers, a theatre arts student who participated in the class session. “The most interesting thing I learned was from watching her coach someone who was a sad and distraught character in the monologue. As she explained, it is more fascinating to watch someone who doesn’t want to show they’re crying, but is crying, as opposed to someone who is just crying.”

Later that evening, Keller participated in a public talk titled “Curiosity in Practice” in the EMU Gumwood Room. Phil Scher, department head of cinema studies and theatre arts, moderated the event. It featured a lively Q&A where students asked Keller about her acting process, her career and advice for newcomers to the industry. Students posed a wide range of questions, from “What’s your first step in your process as an actor?” to “How does it affect you to watch your own work through the eyes of an editor?”

Rodley emphasized the importance of the event’s theme.

“Curiosity tends to invite an acceptance of ‘I don’t know,’” she quoted Keller saying during the talk. Rodley added, “I love the title of it, which was about keeping curiosity in your work and just the idea that people who are creative artists never stop learning.”

Keller’s visit came about through her connection with Scher and her interest in developing ties with Oregon universities.

“Rachel actually reached out to me to inquire about our program,” Scher said. “She mentioned spending more time with her family in Portland and falling in love with Oregon. We started a great conversation about our department philosophy, our commitment to student success and professional development and how we wanted to connect with established actors in film, television and theatre. It was such a fun and collaborative discussion, so we decided to figure out a way to have her come to campus.”

Scher also touched on the impact of Keller’s visit on the students.

“Students were thrilled by the experience,” he said. “The students were quite vocal in their appreciation of Rachel who was open, honest, encouraging and realistic.” 

For aspiring performers, Keller’s openness about the unpredictability of the acting industry offered valuable perspective. While Keller shared her experience of quickly finding work in Los Angeles, she also explained that such a path is not guaranteed, helping students better understand the varied and often uncertain nature of careers in acting and film.

“We believe this is just the beginning of our collaborative relationship with Rachel, and we are already working on bringing her back for a masterclass in acting,” said Scher. 

With her blend of industry insight, artistic curiosity and genuine connection, Keller’s visit left a lasting impression that may shape the next generation of performers at the University of Oregon.

 —By Harper Wells, College of Arts and Sciences