Leayne Dempsey

Leayne Dempsey is the CEO of Theatre Major, author of the @dearfuturetheatremajor letters, and a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association. She is a resident dramaturg for the National Theatre Foundation in DC. She is an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultant Association, member of the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling, international director, Actor, acting coach, Maryland state-certified teacher and a Master Teacher for the Maryland Office of Fine Arts. Leayne holds a B.A. in Theatre, B.A. in English, Masters in Education and Masters in Mental Health Counseling specializing in Expressive Arts Therapy. Leayne’s thesis, “Drama Therapy with Active Duty Service Members”, has been published and presented at NYU’s Theatre and Health Symposium.

Leayne is a goal-oriented professional who gives the very best to her students. Her coaching and unique process for developing college audition repertoire has helped many receive full artistic scholarships to some of the world’s top higher education theatre programs. Leayne does this work because she loves it – the craft, the theories, and the process. The networking she has gained through theatre is immeasurable. Leayne is thankful for her roots in the arts and her time as a Proud Theatre Major in college. Leayne believes there is a place in theatre for you, a place only YOU can fill!

Leayne’s Journey

In HIGH SCHOOL, I was always in something: school shows, color guard, student government. I was busy. I’m talking quick changes from ballet leotards to cheerleading uniform busy. Spend all day at band camp, then go to show choir practice busy. I’ve loved theatre since I was in my first musical, The Sound of Music. I still love it…Perhaps even more today.

In COLLEGE, I was a dual degree student in Theatre and Education. Sophomore year, I added English. I was working on three degrees! Between performing the words of August Wilson and Carlo Gozzi, discovering theatre theories, and being a Vocal Minor in the school of music; I was all in.

TODAY, I do this work because I love it. I love the craft. The theories. The theatre-makers I get to meet, both young and old. I believe there is a place in theatre for you; a place only YOU can fill.