OUR TEAM!
Lea Marlene
Artistic Director/ Founder
leamarleneactorsstudio@gmail.com
Lea gives you the tools to be one hundred percent authentic, how ‘not to act,’ but rather be truthful in the moment. You will learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Her soul opened her up to her calling and how she could serve after being diagnosed with cancer while living in Los Angeles in 2010. She became a certified yoga instructor in 2012 and moved home to Denver to be close to family. As Lea adopted perfect health and wholeness, her vision and mission to serve was crystal clear. She took the leap of faith by opening up what was originally called ACTASANA Acting Studio and Theatre in 2013. With much student success it has grown into what is now Lea Marlene Actors Studio and The Namastage Theatre. While the studio is no longer called Actasana, LM Actors Studio has always owned the revolutionary Actasana Technique which is still used. This transformational technique integrates yoga into the acting curriculum (particularly the Meisner program) as another powerful tool to get you out of your head and into your heart. Lea is thrilled to support and co- create with artists from all over the world as a teacher, director, casting director, writer, producer and actor. Take a class, workshop and or private coaching with her. You will truly step into the vulnerable, real, unique powerhouse that you are, so you too, may share your gifts bravely with the world.
Art Razo
Meisner Technique Apprentice/ Teacher
Art graduated with the very first Meisner class at Lea Marlene Actors Studio (then Actasana Acting Studio) in 2016. Art has since apprenticed as a Meisner teacher with the third graduating class, which graduated in June 2018. His passion for acting now includes teaching. “My goal at the studio is to produce quality productions, plays, showcases, etc. as well as train actors to conduct themselves with the professionalism and integrity for which Mr. Meisner’s technique is revered! I want to help the studio to continue its growth and recognition as one of the best acting schools in the country and collaborate with other reputable Meisner schools around the country and of course ACT!”
Whitney Price
Artistic Director’s Assistant & Young Actors Program Teacher
Whitney came to Lea’s studio in the spring of 2014 to study The Meisner Technique. She graduated from the challenging program in 2016. Whitney has starred in plays, commercials and sketches. Since graduating from The Meisner Technique she has also taken on the responsibility of running the Young Actors Program at LM Actors Studio. She loves working with young creative talent, and hopes to encourage kids to be crazy imaginative and brave. Whitney is honored and excited to be a part of this dynamic team at this fun, creative studio and theatre!
Dawn Nakamura Kessler
Manager of Special Events & Student Affairs
Dawn is a native New Yorker whose childhood was disrupted when her family moved to New Mexico. Later as a young adult she enrolled in the University of New Mexico where she earned her B.A.. While there Dawn worked in the video production department and she interned at KOB Television Station. After graduation she served as an Assistant Athletic Director in Marketing before returning to school to receive her B.A. Teaching Certificate. Dawn has found success as a model and actress booking numerous print, commercial and acting jobs. She has been on The View, The Doctors and The Today Show. She graduated from the Meisner Technique program under Lea’s tutelage in the spring of 2018. She enrolled in the program to become a better actor but she believes that as a direct result of the class, she has become a better person. Dawn is happy to be a part of this creative community and amazing team.
