All Around Pennsauken

By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Growing up in town, Leayne Dempsey – formerly Freeman – had a thing for bubble gum water ice from the PYAA snack stand and Yum Yums at Mister Softee. A proud member of Pennsauken High School’s Class of 2004, she’s quick to mention that her class was undefeated Spirit Week champions all four years. And she loves coming home to visit her parents, who still live in town.

She also loves the theatre; so much so that when she graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Education, and English – with a minor in Business as well – Leayne stayed in the D.C. area because of its strong arts community.

“I understudied a role at the Kennedy Center and did shows in the summer,” explained Dempsey. “For a time, I was teacher by day and actress by night.” 

After working in Montgomery County Public Schools; going back for her Masters in both Education and Mental Health Counseling; and offering expressive art therapy at Walter Reed NICE, Leayne decided to “slow down” after becoming a mother. Sitting down at the mall with newborn in tow, she came up with what she considers her dream job. Her business: Theatre Major, an acting and educational consulting company that trains high school student actors and guides them through the college audition and college application process.

“I always hoped to do this. I’ve always coached my students to get them ready for their college auditions,” said Dempsey.

Right before the coronvirus outbreak, Leayne started the onboarding process for her college audition coaching team, a diverse group of acclaimed musicians, artists, educators and Broadway actors, including Brittney Johnson, who performed in “Wicked” and “Les Miserables;” Tamar Greene, who has been seen in “Hamilton: An American Musical,” and “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess;” and Zachary Noah Piser, a stage actor with roles in “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Wicked,” among others. The coaching team provides training on a range of skills, including contemporary and classical monologue acting, vocal technique and song interpretation, pop vocals, and dance technique.

“The intention was always to have a team predominantly of color,” explained Dempsey. “There are a number of audition companies; I felt that was missing in the industry. I wanted a team as diverse as the students we coach. So many cultures and communities are included in our team.”

And while Leayne and her talented staff help students all throughout the country, Pennsauken is never far from her mind and heart.

“I loved growing up in such a close town. I miss that,” said Dempsey. “I try to create that now.”

Theatre Major is now accepting students for its fall and winter roster. To learn about the company’s services, visit www.wearetheatremajor.com.