LEIGH PARKER
I grew up on the Sunshine Coast and was your typical drama kid… I loved it… participated in every school play, drama classes after school, community theatre/musicals... I couldn’t get enough!
And that’s the point…
Before long, the challenge/problem became… Where do I go to progress further? Or try something new? To see if there’s more?! The only answer was to travel to major cities or overseas!
Look, the truth is...
... if it wasn’t for a super supportive family and a lot of good fortune, I never would have been able to pursue my passion seriously at a young age. I would not have been able to develop the courage or belief in myself to travel to LA at 21 to train with the best acting teachers in the world… which then lead to moving there permanently, achieving my dream of being an actor in Hollywood Films & TV for 10 years, and even sharing the big screen with an Oscar-Winning actress...
Which brings me to...
WHY I created the Leigh Parker Acting Studio:
To provide world-class training to actors on the Sunshine Coast. A place to start as a beginner, develop into a professional, and KEEP GROWING long after you are already working in Film, TV, and Theatre.
What kind of teacher am I?
You will never be berated in my class, you will be encouraged. I will ask you to EMBRACE who you are, not CHANGE who you are. There are no mistakes, there is no right or wrong, there is only exploration. Having said that, I will make sure that you are always challenged, and firmly push you towards growth.
If you feel even the quietest stirrings of the acting bug inside you… I made this place for you!
Film & TV Credits
If you're curious about my acting background, here is a list (and a few clips) of my favorite and most notable roles:
Performing alongside Oscar-Winning Actress Reese Witherspoon as 'Rick' in Jean-Marc Vallée's film, Wild. For which, Reese was nominated for an Academy Award.
Playing 'Ed' in the Netflix original film, The Open House, starring Dylan Minnette, star of the Netflix series '13 Reasons Why'.
My first Guest-Star role! Playing Brian Wilcox on the popular tv show Supernatural.
Guest-starring as Lucas Troy on the tv show, Castle, alongside Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic.
Playing the role of Manny in my first feature film, teen horror-comedy, All Cheerleaders Die, which had its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 'Midnight Madness' 2013.
Playing Randall in the Horror/Comedy film, The Funhouse Massacre, starring horror legend, Robert Englund.
My Teachers
As any great actor will tell you, you NEVER stop learning. I was thrilled to learn that all of my favorite actors continue to study with acting coaches throughout their entire career! That's what makes them so great!
Many of my most cherished acting experiences have been in class with the acting teachers listed below. While I've had a lot of teachers over the years, these are the ones that had the most profound impact on my life, not only as an actor but as a human being. If you ever get the chance to study with ANY of them... do it!
LARRY MOSS
Acting Coach
Larry has been an acting coach for over 35 years and now is one of the most sought after acting coaches of our time. He has worked with many of our top stars including Helen Hunt, Hilary Swank, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Jim Carrey, Jennifer Garner, David Duchovny, Tea Leoni and many more.
LEIGH KILTON-SMITH
Acting Coach
"Leigh Kilton-Smith is one of our best Acting teachers today. She has an uncanny understanding of human nature and behavior. Leigh finds choices outside the norm and yet, remains always supportive of the overall story. She is incredibly inspirational when it comes to getting the issues at hand. Leigh cuts through the bull*&^%. Any actor would be lucky to study with her."
- Sam Rockwell (Oscar-Winning Actor)
MARGIE HABER
Acting Coach
Margie has taught countless actors including Brad Pitt, Tiffany Haddish, Halle Berry, Madelaine Petsch, Vince Vaughn, Owen Teague, Storm Reid, Kyle Chandler to name just a few.
KATE TWA
Actor/Writer/Director/Acting Coach
Kate has acted extensively in theater, film, and television (X-Files, Outer Limits, Killer App, DaVinci’s Inquest, and Dead Zone).
She has taught thousands of students in the Craft of Acting and is Co-Artistic Director of Railtown Actors Studio where she continues to generate her creative tenacity and fearless exploration of challenging material.
Her most recent film, The Orchard, received numerous awards including Best Director at Sydney International Film Festival and Best Feature at the Portsmouth International Film Festival.