Meet Dionne Lea | Actor | Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dionne Lea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dionne, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing people may not realize about the world of theatre is that not knowing what to expect day-to-day or moment-to-moment is thrilling. Folk who work in theatre thrive in the gray spaces, in not knowing the answers; the answers reveal themselves as we delve into our work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The genre of what I do is cabaret. Typically you think of a cabaret as a lot of Broadway songs. I love Broadway songs, and the reason I love them and why everyone loves them is because they naturally tell a story. You don’t have to really work that hard to create a story because it’s written beautifully. I think what sets me apart from others within the genre is that I take songs from the radio. I sing Beyoncé. I’ve sang Alicia Keys, Dolly Parton, and worked to retune those lyrics to tell a very personal story. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to find that thing you love doing – that you’re proudest of – and figure out a way to keep doing it.

I’ve always been a student of life, of education, and of performing arts starting from Milwaukee High School of the Arts to University of Evansville to NYU’s Graduate Acting program, and then here in L.A. Studying improv with Gary Austin and Rob Watzke, always studying voice and taking dance classes, and doing everything I can possibly do to stay relevant, current and empowered artistically. That way when I’m working, I’m ready. My mind is ready. My body is ready. My spirit is ready.

I’ve always believed in myself. I’ve never given up on myself. I’ve had difficult times. Challenging times. There have been years where I had to stop and devote my time and energy to family and my children, but there’s this little voice in the back of my head that’s always said “You’re going to be fine. You’re going to get back to yourself. You’re going to get back to this work.” Ultimately, I want the world to know that I’m here to stay for as long as it’ll have me.

When I started, I think I was doing this to prove to others that I had talent and that I deserved to be in this industry, and to work. I’m proudest of the fact that I’ve changed and see myself so differently. I know my abilities. I know that I’m unique and I do something that’s uniquely Dionne on stage. What I’m most excited about is after I finish touring my current show that I love so much…what’s next?

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my dear friends and family come to visit, I take them all over town starting with LFS, the best neighborhood in L.A. It’s filled with history, including several homes by the African American architect, Paul Williams. Then a cruise down Crenshaw because Black folk are beautiful!

A day at Pointe Dume is a must; it’s my favorite beach in Zuma. It’s so peacefully quiet. I used to take my daughters there to relax, read, and sometimes fly kites.

Over to Casita for delicious, fresh Mexican food, crafted cocktails.

I love a nice hike at Fryman Canyon followed by breakfast at Joan’s on Third in Studio city or M Street cafe for my favorite coffee. An easy bike ride in Santa Monica and fish tacos at Tocaya are always a hit, as well.

Over to KTown to my favorite slice of self-care, Grand Spa, to get a body scrub. It’s open 24 hours.

Boutique shopping in Tujunga Village. Iced matcha and a bite at Aroma cafe. I haven’t outgrown my love of sweets, and Cocoa & Candy is a guilty pleasure I love to share.

There’s always a day to relax at home. I’d pick as much as I have available in my garden, cook up something on the grill, and make drinks so we could relax and enjoy the California sunshine in my yard.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The list of those who deserve credit and recognition in my story is long. I’ve been supported every step of the way, beginning with my Mama who always encouraged me, and believed that I was going to make it and be really famous! My two incredible mentors from NYU Grad Acting who continue to encourage me, Deborah Lapidus and Ann Mathews – women who understand what longevity looks like in this industry. My siblings, my ride or die girlfriends, and best of all…my family. My husband and his reminders that my life can change on a dime, so keep going and be ready when it happens. My children, encouraging me to keep dreaming those big dreams. I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly positive folk…folk who keep me uplifted.

Website: www.dionnelea.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dionne_lea

Image Credits
Ericka Kreutz Photography (all photos)