Lindsay Lefler
| Lindsay Lefler | |
|---|---|
| Born | Lindsay Hendrickson |
| 🏳️ Nationality | American |
| 💼 Occupation | Director, Producer, Arts Leader |
| 📆 Years active | 2000–present |
| Notable work | Upright Citizens Brigade, Improv Shmimprov, Freak Dance, REDCAT |
Lindsay Lefler (née Hendrickson) is an American director, producer, and arts leader based in Los Angeles. She has significantly contributed to theater and comedy, with a career spanning live performance, film, and artistic leadership. Lefler was instrumental in helping launch the Los Angeles branch of the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), where she played a key role in its operations for 17 years. She also co-founded the long-running improv group Improv Shmimprov and has been a prominent figure in the Los Angeles comedy community for over two decades.
Career
Lefler's career in the performing arts is marked by her dedication to comedy, theater, and independent film. After co-founding Improv Shmimprov in Orange County, California and Live Nude People at University of California, Irvine, she spent 17 years as part of the Upright Citizens Brigade community, further honing her skills in improvisation and comedic storytelling. Her work in theater extended to directing and producing, focusing on creating bold, irreverent, and innovative performances.
In collaboration with Emmy Award-winning choreographer Kathryn Burns, Lefler co-created Quick & Funny Musicals, a series that produces original musical comedies developed from concept to performance within a month. Originally known as Quick and Dirty Musicals, the series has become a mainstay at the UCB Theatre, showcasing productions that blend sharp humor with inventive staging. Notable works include 7th Grade: The Awkward Musical, an official selection at SF Sketchfest, and Sugar Ray the Musical, created with Rachel Bloom. The company's commitment to producing concise and entertaining musicals has earned them recognition, including an official selection at the New York Musical Festival (NYMF).
Lefler directed the original stage production of Freak Dance, a musical parody that premiered at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles. The show featured a talented ensemble cast, including Michael Cassady as Funky Bunch, Megan Heyn as Cocolonia, and Angela Trimbur as Sassy. The production enjoyed a successful run, consistently playing to sold-out audiences. Its popularity and critical acclaim led to a film adaptation in 2011, directed by Matt Besser and Neil Mahoney.
In addition to live performance, Lefler expanded into film production. She appeared in the comedy film Freak Dance (2011), directed by Matt Besser of the Upright Citizens Brigade. The film is a musical, dance comedy where a wealthy girl, Cocolonia, must escape her rich mother to join a dance crew and save their community center.
Lefler served as the Managing Director of Theatre West, one of Los Angeles’ longest-running theater companies, overseeing artistic programming and organizational development.
Lefler also joined the opening team at REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater) in the Walt Disney Concert Hall, where she helped launch the Studio Series and the NOW Festival.
Legacy and Impact
With a career rooted in collaboration, creativity, and a passion for comedy, Lefler continues to shape the landscape of Los Angeles theater and film. Her influence in the comedy scene, particularly through improv and musical theater, has helped foster a dynamic and supportive artistic community.
References
External links
BroadwayWorld - Quick and Funny Musicals
VoyageLA - Interview with Lindsay Lefler
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