Life & Work with LeighAnn Cannon of North Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to LeighAnn Cannon.

Hi LeighAnn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started acting on stage around the age of 6 growing up in the Bay Area. My mom could see I loved to perform and got me into a children’s theatre and dance classes as soon as she could. I really love singing, so I started mainly in musicals until I got to college and started venturing into plays and film. I took as many theatre classes as I could, and ended up with both an acting and directing degree from Muhlenberg College. I spent a few years working as a full time actor in San Francisco in films, at local theatres, and theme parks until the pandemic hit. That was really what forced me to analyze my career and see if I wanted to stay where I grew up, or finally take the leap to Los Angeles that so many of us do. I immediately started working as a background actor and at Universal Studios Hollywood in various positions including scare acting, front of house, PA, and now working as a studio tour guide.

Being a guide has been a great way for me to stay connected to the film world and improve my improvisational skills. But, after about a year, I could feel I was still missing something within me and my connection to performance. That’s when my boyfriend suggested I look into some local theatre auditions. That totally changed my year. The first audition I had was for a company called Worst Ever Productions (the name alone hooked me) for their 72 hour play festival. What I thought would be just one show ended up being 9 shows within a year with Worst Ever and countless connections. I found future collaborators that took me with them to perform in my first Hollywood Fringe. I joined a sketch comedy group. Because of this audition I was able to find a community in North Hollywood.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all, but it’s worth it to do what I love. Is that too cliche? The truth is on top of all the work we are putting in, it can be expensive to be an actor. We are paying for multiple casting accounts, training, keeping our headshots updated frequently, and posting new material often. We take on unpaid gigs to boost our outreach. Talent may not be the only thing you can rely on when it comes to booking a job. Creating and maintaining connections in the performance world can be a make or break situation. I will say, my situation is also heavily impacted by my being neurodivergent. Struggling with ADHD can make it difficult to focus on my goals at times. I have moments of feeling extremely motivated and apply to as many roles as I can in one day. Others, my executive dysfunction takes over and I can’t leave my bed. It’s something that I think many neurodivergent actors are hesitant to speak about because it can be misinterpreted by many as laziness or an excuse. It’s just not that simple. I think it’s important for us to not let our dreams and careers take priority over our mental health.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I really love to focus on new works and creating new opportunities for creatives. Getting to explore the stories that don’t often get to be seen on stage. I love collaboration. Connecting with Worst Ever Productions really helped me realize that. They are known for producing new works and plays from local playwrights. I myself was able to have my first comedic short produced on stage thanks to them. They often cast new actors who are just starting their journey and help them grow their stage presence. This inspired me to join the casting team of Worst Ever and help continue that tradition. Gaining the perspectives of directors, casting tables, and production showed me how I can best support the rest of the creative team and helped me to become a better actor.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Keeping going to your local theatres. Keep supporting local artists. There is so much hidden talent in Los Angeles and showing up could make all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://missleighanncannon.wixsite.com/mysite
• Instagram: @leighanncannon
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leighanncannon

Image Credits
Headshot – The Headshot Truck
“Vintage Misery” – Andy Shultz
“Love In Cold Blood” – Francisco Roel
“Toy Gory” – Alexandra Tamplin
On Set – Jose Villarreal