AnnaLeesa Sawyer

AnnaLeesa Sawyer (they/them) is an actor and teaching artist dedicated to bringing the arts to people of all ages and backgrounds. They are currently employed in teaching and acting roles with The Rose Theater and RESPECT, and hold a BFA in Acting from the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film—named one of the top theatre programs in Variety Magazine. Known for their adaptability and artistic range, AnnaLeesa takes pride in bringing diverse characters and stories to life on stage and screen.

Raised in Salt Lake City, Utah; Aurora, Colorado; and Omaha, Nebraska, AnnaLeesa identifies strongly with their Canadian dual citizenship and often slips into their Albertan accent when tired. Their passion for storytelling began at the age of three, inspired by frequent trips to the opera with their mother. From making sketches with neighborhood friends, to high school theatre, to voice lessons, to earning their BFA, AnnaLeesa’s life has been shaped by the power of performance.

AnnaLeesa’s artistic work spans film, theatre, and voiceover, with specialties in Shakespeare (including study at Shakespeare’s Globe in London), accents and dialects, singing, sewing and multi-media art, content creation, backstage and behind-the-camera work, and mental health and diversity advocacy. They are also certified in stage combat and enjoy physical and devised theatre.

As a teaching artist, AnnaLeesa focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and confidence-building. They believe that every student should feel a sense of belonging and empowerment, using the arts as a tool for personal growth and life lessons. Their teaching experience includes work with The Rose Theater Omaha, Omaha Community Playhouse, RESPECT, Youth Actors Academy of Lincoln, and the Jewish Community Center of Omaha, among others.

AnnaLeesa’s recent performance work includes starring in the short film Sew Lucky, currently on its festival run and recipient of an acting award from the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. They have also appeared in television productions and continue to pursue new creative projects.

Their artistic philosophy is rooted in the belief that art can tell the stories of the unheard, inspire societal and political change, create spaces for escape, and foster connection. They strive to create work that “disturbs the comfortable and comforts the disturbed,” while celebrating authenticity, individuality, and human connection.

Website: annaleesasawyer.comInstagram: @the_real_annaleesaLinkedIn: AnnaLeesa Sawyer (Telford)