Valery Lessard's life began in the culturally rich and cosmopolitan city of Montreal, situated in the heart of the province of Québec, Canada. It was within this vibrant urban landscape that the seeds of her profound and enduring passion for the arts would first take root.
Valery's life was marked by a profound affinity for the performing arts from the earliest stages of her childhood. At the tender age of three, she embarked upon a journey of discovery, taking her first dance classes with unbridled enthusiasm. As the years passed, her passion and dedication only continued to grow, and by the time she reached the age of ten, she had already begun to explore the realm of singing, taking lessons that would lay the foundation for a lifelong love of music.
In addition to her burgeoning skills as a vocalist, Valery also exhibited a natural talent for the piano, and for a brief, yet formative, four-year period, she devoted herself to mastering this instrument as well.
Valery's early life was marked by a profound and enduring passion for the world of performing arts, which first began to manifest itself during her elementary school years, where she eagerly participated in various theatrical troupes and productions, laying the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of the craft.
As she progressed through her educational journey, Valery's affinity for the performing arts only continued to grow, ultimately culminating in her involvement with improv acting groups during her high school years, where she honed her skills and refined her talents, laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in the entertainment industry.
Valery's educational journey at CEGEP was marked by her enrollment in the highly acclaimed theater, arts, and literature program at Brébeuf College, a prestigious institution that provided her with a unique opportunity to refine her skills and tap into her innate creative abilities.
As she embarked on her journey, she concurrently initiated a comprehensive search for reputable modeling and talent agencies, carefully considering her options before ultimately selecting Scoop Agency, a renowned agency in the industry.
This pivotal decision subsequently led to her being referred to the esteemed Jacqueline McClintock's exclusive Meisner Technique classes, a highly coveted program that is only accessible to a select few, Montreal-based actors who have been carefully vetted and recommended by industry professionals.
Valery had the privilege of engaging in a collaborative learning environment at Meisner Technique, where she was able to share the experience of honing her craft alongside a diverse group of talented individuals, including accomplished peers such as Meaghan Rath, Brittany Drisdelle, and Jordan Officer, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the table.
As she approached the culmination of her secondary education, Valery decided to take the initiative to supplement her academic pursuits by enrolling in private acting lessons with the illustrious Rita Lafontaine, a highly respected and accomplished actress in the province of Québec, thereby allowing her to hone her craft and prepare herself for potential future endeavors in the world of performing arts.
After the culmination of her educational pursuits in the vibrant city of Montreal, Valery made the bold decision to take her acting skills to the next level by pursuing further studies in the esteemed city of New York. It was during this time that she received sage advice from her instructor, who strongly recommended that she enroll in the renowned Neighbourhood Playhouse's 2-year professional training program. This esteemed institution, boasting a faculty comprising of highly respected instructors such as the illustrious Ron Stenson, the accomplished Richard Pinter, and the distinguished Gary Kingston, would provide Valery with the ideal environment to hone her craft, refine her technique, and ultimately prepare her for a successful career in the competitive world of acting.
Valery had the opportunity to hone her vocal talents under the expert guidance of renowned instructor Ron Shetler, delving deep into the intricacies of singing and refining her craft to perfection.
Meanwhile, she also had the privilege of refining her dance skills under the watchful eye of the accomplished Christine Dakin, whose vast experience and keen eye for detail helped Valery master the art of movement and expression.
Furthermore, Valery also had the chance to work with Gary Ramsey and Kathleen Kelly, two highly respected English diction coaches, who helped her develop a strong foundation in the nuances of spoken English and its application in the world of theatre.
In addition to these valuable learning experiences, Valery also had the opportunity to study the art of stage combat with Rick Sordelet, a master of the craft, and refine her skills in the use of props, movement, and physicality to create convincing and thrilling fight scenes.
