Tony Award-Winning Broadway Director & Producer; Co-Founder of True Colors Theater Company

Atlanta, GA, USA
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Kenny Leon Biography

Kenny Leon is a director whose work spans American theater, drama, comedy, opera, musicals, musical revues, and film. His directorial credits include a wide range of productions, from classic theater to contemporary works. Leon was selected as associate artistic director of Alliance Theatre Company, the largest theater company in Atlanta, and later became its artistic director, making him one of the few African Americans to lead a large nonprofit theater company in the United States. During his tenure, the company staged premieres of Pearl Cleage's "Blues for an Alabama Sky," Alfred Uhry's "The Last Night of Ballyhoo," and Elton John and Tim Rice's musical "Aida," which later moved to Broadway. The Alliance's endowment increased from $1 million to $5 million during his leadership. After leaving Alliance, Leon founded Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company.

Leon’s Broadway career includes directing a revival of Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun," featuring Sean Combs, Phylicia Rashad, and Audra McDonald. He was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Director for his work on August Wilson's "Fences," starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, both of whom received Tony Awards for their performances. Leon won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for "A Raisin in the Sun." He has also received Tony nominations for "A Soldier's Play," "Purlie Victorious," and "The Balusters." Other directorial credits include the Alicia Keys World Tour, Toni Morrison's opera "Margaret Garner," the world premiere of "Flashdance The Musical," and the complete August Wilson Century Cycle at Kennedy Center.

Leon’s influence extends to television and film. He partnered with NBC for "Hairspray Live!," starring Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Kristin Chenoweth, and Harvey Fierstein. He received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for "Hairspray Live!," "American Son," and "Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia." His memoir, "Take You Wherever You Go," was published by Grand Central Publishing. Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of "The Balusters," the Drama League and Outer Critics Circle-nominated play by David Lindsay-Abaire directed by Leon, extended its Broadway run at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

Leon has received a Tony Award and a Drama League Award, as well as nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards and a Drama Desk Award. He was awarded the Mr. Abbott Award for outstanding artistry and creativity by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, recognizing his more than 40-year career. He also received the Governor's Award for the Arts and Humanities for the State of Georgia. Leon is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, an honorary Ph.D. recipient of Clark Atlanta and Roosevelt Universities, and has served as the Denzel Washington Chair at Fordham University. He has conducted acting and theater workshops at universities and corporate offices across the United States, South Africa, and Ireland. Leon has been a featured speaker for arts organizations, awards shows, corporate and political groups, churches, and universities including Yale University, Northwestern University, and NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 05/14/2026.

Kenny Leon Videos

Kenny Leon in Playbill's "My Life in the Theatre"

Kenny Leon in Playbill's "My Life in the Theatre"

Tony-winning director Kenny Leon goes down memory lane with the help of Playbill.

Wise Words from My Grandmother | Kenny Leon | Goalcast

Wise Words from My Grandmother | Kenny Leon | Goalcast

One of Broadway's leading directors, Kenny Leon delivers a compelling series of lessons his hero once shared with him. ► Watch all Goalcast...

  • How do I book Kenny Leon to speak at my event?

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  • What topics does Kenny Leon speak about?

    Kenny Leon is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Anti-Racism, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Celebrity, Diversity & Inclusion, Music, Performing Arts, Social Activism
  • Where does Kenny Leon travel from?

    Kenny Leon generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Kenny Leon is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Kenny Leon for your event is available upon request. Kenny Leon generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Katori Hall, Daveed Diggs, Anika Noni Rose, Ben Vereen and Da'Vinchi. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Kenny Leon for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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