About
Leslie Elias, director of Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children’s Theater is a playwright, actress, storyteller and theater director who has been teaching drama in schools, theaters and public venues for over 41 years. In April of 2018, Connecticut Office on the Arts awarded her Arts Hero. She is additionally recognized as both Teaching and Solo Performing Artist with Connecticut Office of the Arts. Ms. Elias has been an Artist-in-Residence in many schools throughout the United States. Grumbling Gryphons won the 2003 Connecticut Governor’s Arts Award.
I love working with actors of all ability levels and experience. I train children, teens and adults, from amateur to professionals. I love teaching and working with people of all types. I love sharing my passion for acting and hope to help you with your needs, interests and goals!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I begin by discussing the student’s interest and goals to determine what we will concentrate on in our work together.
Then each lesson we work on vocal and physical warm ups and various dramatic techniques. Together we will focus on both monologues and scene work, building skills each lesson and freeing and celebrating the actor within.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied acting, movement and music starting as a child at Fiedel School in Long Island and various theater camps. I traveled weekly for two years in high school to NYC for training at Henry Street Settlement on the Lower East Side followed by an integrative approach to the arts at Sarah Lawrence College where I earned a BA. Throughout my many years as a professional actor, director and drama teacher I have taken master workshops as well as learned a great deal from very talented fellow actors and colleagues in the field.