Staff Spotlight: Leah Jensen, Teaching Artist
Posted on April 6, 2025
At Children’s Theatre Company, our Teaching Artists play a vital role in nurturing creativity, confidence, and collaboration in young performers. Leah Jensen, a longtime member of the CTC community, has been guiding students through storytelling, teamwork, and imaginative play for years. In this Q&A, Leah shares insights into her journey, her passion for theatre education, and her advice for aspiring young artists.
CTC: What is your role at CTC?
Leah Jensen: I am teaching artist, working mostly with elementary school aged students.
CTC: What does a teaching artist do?
LJ: A teaching artist is an educator with training and expertise in the theatrical arts. We teach students skills in storytelling, teamwork, and creative problem solving. In my classroom, I like to build these skills by devising plays, playing imagination games, and crafting. We aim to pass on our artistry and love of theatre to young people.
CTC: How long have you been working in theatre education?
LJ: That’s a good question! If we are talking professionally, since 2014. That was when I was first hired as a teaching assistant at CTC. However, before that I worked as an intern at CTC when I was in high school, and before that I was taking classes at CTC starting when I was 8 years old!
CTC: What is your favorite part about your job?
LJ: I think this is a common answer for most educators, but I have to say the students. I love where their imagination takes them as they make up stories and characters. Watching them find joy in making an audience laugh and making connections with their peers is such a gift. It may be a little corny to say, but it really is a privilege to see these young artists grow.
CTC: What’s your favorite play or musical, and why?
LJ: Also a good question! There is so many I love for different reasons. One of my favorites that has its roots at CTC is A Year With Frog and Toad. It’s one of those shows that just feels like home when you watch it. The music is so singable and the story celebrates the importance of friendships and how profound it is to care for others.
CTC: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring young performers?
LJ: Get in front of an audience as much as you can. Go to karaoke or an open mic night, just put yourself in front of an audience and try stuff. That way you become more comfortable sharing your talents in front of people and you can learn what works for you as a performer.