Leila Bertrand
CDG
Casting Director & Acting Coach
I began my life in the arts wanting to be a classical clarinet player. I then went to Webber Douglas to study as an Actor.
I have been a Casting Director for over 25 years and have worked in British and International theatre, film and TV. In 2021, I was awarded as one of the 25 Champions of Theatre for the Alfred Fagon Award, for Casting.
I have led workshops in RADA, East 15, Central, Rose Bruford, MTA and Met Film School, to name but a few.
Photo credit: Myah Jeffers/Alfred Fagon Award
About
First and foremost I am a Casting Director. That is at the heart of everything I do.
I’m determined to find the next best talent. To bring out the best in the actors in the audition room and in my classes.
In casting I look beyond the horizon. I don’t believe in exclusivity but opportunity.
It’s not what background an actor comes from, who they know or what school they went to, we are all equals. There is talent everywhere.
My Classes:
How can I describe it? I am unconventional but determined to get you to where you want to go with ruthless honesty and pure passion.
I am here to teach you how to reduce stress and centre yourself. I want you to feel confident and present in an audition, so you don't sound scripted and show your true potential.
In group sessions and one to one, we will do audition work including self-tapes, monologue/duologue practise, onscreen skills and how to speak about yourself with confidence and fluency.
In this industry 99% is luck and 1% is talent but that shouldn't stop you finding talent and truth within yourself, to make the most out of the wonderful characters, old and new, out there.
No matter where you come from, your upbringing, your race, gender, sexuality, age, my door is open. In my sessions we will indulge in the joy of being somebody else for an hour or two.
Committed to My Craft
Theatre
Most recently I worked at The Coronet Theatre casting Ibsen’s ‘When We Dead Awaken’, a co-production with The Norwegian Ibsen Company. I also cast ‘The Spank’, rehearsed reading written by Hanif Kureishi, and the production of ‘The Lady’ from the Sea directed Marit Moum Aune, which led to Marina Bye winning an Offie for Best Supporting Actress.
Other theatres include Out of Joint, Arcola, Bath Theatre Royal, Liverpool Playhouse and Nottingham Playhouse.
TV/ Film
‘Brushing out the Curls’ Written and Directed Jason Wingard, ‘Bardo’ staring Sarah Ridgeway and Luke Dejahang, Written by Jeff Thomson, Directed by Michael B. Clifford, 'Miss Fortunate' Written by Molly O'Shea, Directed by Ella Jones, the workshop for the revival of ‘Desmond and Sons’ Hat Trick, Directed by Paulette Randel, 'ID 2 Shadwell Army' Directed by Joel Novoa, 'Freestyle' Directed by Kolton Lee.
Recent International credits include 'Still Life: A Three Pines Mystery', Directed by Peter Moss, ‘Blue Smoke’ directed by Ivan Brage and ‘Our River... Our Sky’ directed Maysoon Pachachi.
Contact Me
Group classes: Email me to express interest
Individual classes: £80 p/h (with concessions) email me to schedule a time