About Leland
Learn more about what our life in the arts is all about.
Leland Faulkner is an acclaimed performing artist with over thirty years of experience in theater and film. A master of visual storytelling, Leland has created original productions that have toured internationally, from Japan to Turkiye, Russia, Canada, and China. A pivotal chapter in Leland’s career began when he served as Artistic Director and co-owner of Celebration Barn Theater in Maine. There, he launched his journey as a teaching artist, curating intensive training forums that brought world-renowned masters of mime, movement, physical comedy, Commedia dell’arte, and voice to teach aspiring performers. His commitment to arts education grew through programs like Arts for Learning and the RAISE teaching artist initiative, and continues today with “The Kinetic Connection,” a virtual workshop series for professionals. Leland’s legacy includes directing award-winning stage works such as Shadowplay, recognized by the Kennedy Center, as well as innovative film and media projects, including the acclaimed The King O’ Cats and his contributions to The Polar Express. As both artist and educator, Leland Faulkner blends imagination, global experience, and a deep dedication to the transformative power of the arts.
People and Companies I have worked with over the years.
Freelancing is often daunting and complex, as well as adventurous and mind expanding. I am proud of my collaboritive work with many, many soloists, groups, companies, and corporations over the years.
Castle Rock Pictures
Artist/Consultant
Consulting as a shadowplay artist on this film was an honor. Robert Zemeckis used my work to inspire and guide the animators. I created a found object shadow play combining small objects and human hands for a scene involving two train operators, Stanley and Steamer.
Affiliate Artists
Mime
After my first audition in New York City, I was placed on the roster of Affililiate Artists. My role was as an arts liason presenting informances to underserved communities accross the United States. I worked with major corporations like General Electric, Aetna, Otis Elevator, and many more. This experience lasted for seven years! I learned a lot about being an evangalist for the arts, and being accessible as an artist.
St. Louis Repertory Theater
Comedy Director
One Man Two Guvnors, an epic comedy that demanded an incredible amount of physicality, stage combat, slapstick, and impeccable timing. Working with fearless actors like Raymond McAnally, we created full on Commedia style Lazzi, and with Evan Zes we created the astounding illusion of a ninety year old man falling down a full flight of stairs, and we made it funny!
TOAST!
Leland Faulkner Writer/Director
Working with the wonderful clown Kirk Marsh was a creative challenge. Kirk had the concept that the whole play happened while a piece of bread was being toasted. In the process, a whole day occured full of magic sequences, physical graphics and mimes with bread, a table, and a hat stand. It was full of non-stop slapstick. For this one man play he won Best Clown at the United Solo Festival in New York CIty.
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