Leigh Smith. Tutor of Acting Performance Studio

Bradley Trudgett. Tutor of Acting Performance Studio

David Willing. Tutor of Acting Performance Studio

Jessica has spent most of her life in the field of Performance. In her early years predominately in musical theatre, and as a dancer in Perth WA. She then spent almost 3 years traveling the world and performing in numerous shows along the way; and picking up a few languages too. As a young adult she moved to Melbourne and went back to study completing a Diploma in Theatre Arts, which later earned her a full scholarship to study at Nottingham University (UK) doing her Honours in Performing Arts. When returning home to Melbourne she finished up with her studies with yet another degree; Bachelor of Creative Arts: Majoring in Acting, Shakespeare, Screenwriting and Musical Theatre. She loves teaching and sharing in the years of her experience. Particularly for students wishing to further their education after high-school, or doing private one-on-one audition preparation courses.

Leah is an experienced and inspired performer with a versatile career as an actor, singer, dancer and teacher. A graduate of the National Theatre, Leah has continued her learning in many techniques including Meisner, Improvisation, Stanislavski and various Voice techniques and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University with a major in Music and minor in Drama where she was awarded the Dean’s Acknowledgement Award.

Leah’s stage credits include Lady of the Spa in Nine for StageArt, Fran in Dating a PT, Ensemble in Kismet for The Production Company, Lead singer for numerous Crown Casino shows, Sarah in Ragtime For MONUCS, Ensemble in Rebecca the Musical, Wu Lin in Frank Christie, Frank Clarke and Elli in Love For Sale. Leah has also performed extensively as the lead host in various children’s stage productions touring nationally and internationally. Her screen credits include Paula in the Feature film Lost and Found and Maria in Kick for SBS. Leah has also appeared in dozens of national TV ad campaigns including 7-11, Holden, Worksafe, NAB, Coles, Officeworks, Kmart, Australia Post, Goulburn Valley and many more.

Leah is passionate about education and currently teaches singing in her private studio. She has taught voice, acting, musical theatre and dance at various secondary schools and performing arts schools using her knowledge acquired through training combined with her life experience. Leah is thrilled to be teaching at APS to help guide the students on their journey.