معرفی
Donis Leonard is a Professor of Theatre and Speech Communication in the Department of Theatre and Dance at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), within the College of Arts & Humanities. He maintains active professional standing as a union member of both Screen Actors Guild and Actor’s Equity Association, bridging academic and professional theatre worlds.
His artistic specialization centers on African American theatre, acting performance, and speech communication with particular focus on culturally resonant narratives. Professor Leonard's directorial portfolio features seminal works including August Wilson's Jitney (NAACP Award-winning), The Piano Lesson, A Raisin in the Sun, and For Colored Girls…, all demonstrating his commitment to authentic storytelling of Black experiences.
His award-winning productions have earned significant recognition including a NAACP Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress (Jitney) and an Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2010 National Black Theatre Festival (The Heiress). Professor Leonard actively cultivates student success through professional showcases in West Hollywood that connect emerging talent with industry gatekeepers, resulting in professional representation for numerous graduates.
Notable honors include:
- NAACP Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress (Jitney production)
- Outstanding Achievement Award at 2010 National Black Theatre Festival (The Heiress)
Professor Leonard currently mentors students through CSUDH's Theatre & Dance program while preparing for his upcoming February 2026 production of Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, which he describes as 'a beautiful and powerful story to celebrate Black history.' His professional approach integrates academic rigor with industry engagement, creating pipelines for students into professional theatre careers through hands-on production experience and industry networking opportunities.
