Leigh Smiley
Associate Professor and Director of MFA in Performance
University of Maryland College Park
2810 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
College Park, MD 20742
Phone: 301-405-6683
Fax: 301-314-9599
Education/Training: Designated Linklater Voice Teacher 1998; Bachelor Arts Marlboro College (Vermont) 1982; studied voice with Kristin Linklater, Richard Armstrong, Rene Toussaint, Cecily Berry; acting with Bill Hickey, Michael Howard, Tina Packer, Carla Belver; Alexander Technique with Harriet Harris, John Fiscella, Chris Cherry.
Areas of Specialization: Voice, Acting, Shakespeare, Speech/Dialects
Professional Affiliations: Member of AEA, SAG, AFTRA, VASTA.
Voice/Text/Dialect Coaching at: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Folger Shakespeare Theatre; Arena Stage; Pig Iron Theatre; Cirque de Soleil; Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival; Shakespeare & Company; The Corporate Theatre; NBC Washington.
Ms. Smiley has taught Voice for the Actor and Acting in University, Conservatory, and professional environments and for private clients. Some clients include University of Maryland, Center for Performance Research in Wales (Giving Voice Festival), Fordham University – Lincoln Center, University of the Arts, University of Pennsylvania, Emerson College, Walnut Street Theatre, Peoples Light and Theatre Company, Shakespeare & Company, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Arden Theatre Company, New Theatre Conservatory, and Linklater Studio in Boston. Leigh is also a professional actor and a member of Actors Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of TV and Radio Artists and Voice and Speech Trainers Association.