Kenny Leon is a highly acclaimed and accomplished Tony Award-winning director who has left an indelible mark on the world of Broadway and film, with a plethora of impressive credits to his name. His extensive Broadway portfolio boasts a revival of the critically acclaimed play Children of a Lesser God, the much-anticipated Tupac musical Holler If You Hear Me, A Raisin in the Sun, starring the legendary Denzel Washington, which earned him a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play, among many other notable productions.
Leon's most recent television credits comprise a notable array of NBC productions, with standout appearances in the live stage adaptations of the popular musicals "Hairspray Live!" and "The Wiz Live!". Moreover, his remarkable career has been recognized with an impressive array of accolades, including the prestigious "Mr. Abbott" Award, bestowed upon him in 2016, and the Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing, presented by the esteemed Drama League of New York in 2010.
Leon's professional journey began with a distinguished 11-year tenure as Artistic Director at The Alliance Theatre, where he played a pivotal role in bringing numerous groundbreaking productions to the stage. Among his most notable accomplishments during this period were the premieres of Disney's Elaborate Lives: The Legend of Aida, a majestic musical that brought together the talents of Elton John and Tim Rice, as well as Pearl Cleage's poignant and powerful drama Blues for an Alabama Sky, which poignantly explored the complexities of identity and community in the American South. Additionally, Leon had the privilege of producing Alfred Uhry's The Last Night of Ballyhoo, a charming and witty comedy that offered a nostalgic glimpse into the lives of Jewish families in the 1930s.
Leon's multifaceted career extends far beyond his impressive resume in the world of stage and screen. As a highly respected motivational speaker, he has traveled extensively across the United States, conducting acting and theatre workshops at esteemed institutions of higher learning and corporate offices, where he shares his expertise with aspiring artists and professionals alike.
In addition to his work as a motivational speaker, Leon has also honed his skills as a director, guiding productions in various esteemed venues throughout the United Kingdom and the United States. His extensive directorial credits include notable institutions such as the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, the Huntington Theatre in Boston, Center Stage in Baltimore, Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, and the Public Theatre in New York.
His passion for the arts has also taken him abroad, where he has had the opportunity to conduct workshops and direct productions in South Africa and Ireland.
Leon, a distinguished individual, hails from Clark Atlanta University, where he earned his undergraduate degree, and has since been bestowed with honorary Doctor of Philosophy degrees from both Clark Atlanta and Roosevelt Universities, a testament to his outstanding achievements and contributions to the academic community.
