After obtaining a B.A. in Dramatic Art from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 1999, Kelly moved to Washington D.C. where he enjoyed a successful career as a stage actor while simultaneously directing educational outreach programs for the The Arena Stage, The United States Library of Congress, The Smithsonian Institute, and countless schools and non-profit organizations. In 2006 he decided to pursue an MFA degree in film directing from the California Institute of Art. In 2009 his cinematography on the film "The Seawall" was honored with acceptance into the acclaimed Cannes film festival. He is currently serving as the Director of Community Outreach for the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. Rick Greenwood