About
Lonny Stevens is a veteran of stage, movies, and television, having directed and written several award winning shows. Born to song-stylist Kitty Stevenson, young Lonny was surrounded by nothing but musical greats, such as Billie Holiday, June Christy, Stan Kinton’, Soupy Sales, Rosemary Clooney, Billy Eckstine, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Duke Ellington,Count Basie, and other greats. Lonny’s writing mentors were Renaissance LegendsLangston Hughes, Richard Wright & James Baldwin. As a young performer on Broadway he acted with Icons such as Mildred Dunnock, Brock Peters and Roscoe Lee Browne. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his portrayal of Melvin in What The Wine-Sellers Buy, and Stevens was featured in numerous television series and movies. As a writer and director Lonny (working with his brother, Motown “A & R Director” William ‘Mickey’ Stevenson, produced and directed the Image Award winning television special: the first Rhythm and Blues Awards Show. He also won several Image Awards and Nominations for the productions of Show Girls, Swan, Wings and Things, Sing it from the Heart, Filling in That Space, a Dramalogue Award for Advice to the Players, a League of Players Director of the Year award, and a lot of joy from An Evening with Sandra Bernhard.
As a coach, Lonny has worked with such greats as Dustin Hoffman, Harrison Ford, and Dick Anthony Williams.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first thing is an interview with the artist to see if we can work together.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
American Place Theater, Uta Hagen, Herbert Berghof, Bill Hickey, Wynn Handman
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
300 per month, group lessons / 100 per hr, private
How did you get started teaching?
I grew up in a household full of extraordinary artists. I probably had the best education anyone could ask for simply through osmosis. I have been a blessed performer all my life, and have made my living doing everything from Acting, Writing, Directing, Music, and more. Performing is a part of my dna, and I've always been fortunate enough to be able to translate my many experiences ever since I was a young lad.
What types of students have you worked with?
Dramatic, Comedic, Singers, several Award Winning
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
World Peace Foundation, raising awareness for the "Forgotten People", hosted by Claes Nobel, of the Nobel (Prize) family.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Try out various instructors, and give an honest assessment of which teaching resonates with you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. Is it your heart's desire to be a performing artist?
2. Are you committed? (which translates to discipline)
2. Are you willing to make a fool of yourself?
The answer should be "yes" to all of these. Everything else will take care of itself.