Lisa Velten Smith

Lisa Velten Smith is an Assistant Professor of Voice at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and Associate Area Chair of Acting/Music Theater. She is a Designated Linklater Voice teacher and professional actor with a 20+ year career spanning Broadway, off-Broadway, regional theater, television, and film.

• Education: BFA from The Theater School at DePaul University, MFA from University of California, San Diego
• Teaching awards: Excellence in Teaching (UC San Diego, 2003 & 2004)

Her research focuses on vocal training, mental health integration in performance, and hip hop spoken word pedagogy. She developed The Resilient Voice workshop combining meditation science with vocal exercises and is trained in Intimacy Education.

Professional affiliations include membership in AEA, SAG/AFTRA, and The Voice and Speech Trainers Association. She coaches voice and dialects for CMU productions and external clients, serving as the primary Linklater Designation trainer in the Tri-State area.

• 2019 Pittsburgh Performer of the Year for roles in A Doll’s House Part II and We Are Among US