Leslie Stevens, of Scots-Irish and Norwegian descent, grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her mother, an English teacher passionate about women’s rights, and her father, a left- handed baseball pitcher and businessman, instilled in her a love for learning and tenacity. An athlete from an early age, Leslie competed in Junior Olympic gymnastics until age 11, when her family moved and she shifted her focus to dance, acting, and choir. Leslie made her Broadway debut at 17 as the ingénue lead in La Cage Aux Folles and soon after joined NBC’s Search For Tomorrow as a contract player. She has since built a multifaceted career in theater, film, and dance, originating roles on Broadway, including Anne in La Cage Aux Folles and performing alongside Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria. Her passion extends to writing and education; she collaborates with LA Opera’s Education Department, creating original librettos for young audiences. In addition to her on-stage work, Leslie has appeared with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the Dayton Ballet, and she has performed in notable productions like An American in Paris, Grumpy Old Men, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and Chicago. Offstage, Leslie finds joy in poetry, pie, and the occasional hamster. She lives with immense gratitude for her husband, Forrest, and continues to embrace new projects and roles with heartfelt dedication. Leslie will share with us her journey and what it feels like to live both in Pasadena and Los Feliz! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA