Mime Radio Show
Leonard Pitt
"If I’ve learned anything it is that we must work to create a condition where the marvelous can happen, for the marvelous can happen in the most unexpected ways. Doing little or nothing guarantees little or nothing. Partake in the world, and much is possible.” - Leonard Pitt.
Leonard Pitt is a true renaissance man: designer, painter, architect, sculptor, actor, writer, master teacher, and of course, a mime. He has been at the center of San Francisco’s cultural landscape for over 60 years.
Leonard Pitt was born in Detroit, Michigan. After a short career in advertising design he sailed to Europe, landed in Paris in January 1963, and stayed for seven years. While there, he studied mime with Etienne Decroux, becoming one of his early assistants, and performing in his company.
Leonard returned to the United States in 1970 and settled in Berkeley, California where he opened a school of physical theatre, attracting students from around the world. His one-man shows received critical acclaim, bringing invitations to perform and teach at theatres and festivals throughout the United States, Europe, Brazil, New Zealand, and Australia. He was also a member of George Coates Performance Works and traveled widely with the company.
In 1973 he traveled to Bali to study Balinese mask theatre & carving where he was invited by his teacher to perform with him in local village and temple festivals. Later he co-founded Life On The Water, a contemporary theatre in San Francisco presenting new work. Next was Eco-Rap, an environmental education program combining ecology and rap music as a way to educate inner city youth about urgent social issues.
Leonard has written several books: among them, two walking guides to Paris, one on the life of a 17th century Anglo-Irish healer, and his latest - a memoir, My Brain on Fire, Paris and Other Obsessions. He is the founder of the Berkeley Chocolate Club, meeting monthly to critique the world of dark chocolate. “So many chocolates, so little time!” its mantra goes.
In 2009 having been colleagues for decades, Leonard and James Donlon joined together to open the first Flying Actor Studio in San Francisco offering a conservatory style program in the art of physical theatre.
Website: Leonard Pitt
Youtube channel: Leonard Pitt - YouTube
Moment of Fame Video: 1968 : Vivre sous les toits de Paris | Archive INA
Leonard Pitt is a true renaissance man: designer, painter, architect, sculptor, actor, writer, master teacher, and of course, a mime. He has been at the center of San Francisco’s cultural landscape for over 60 years.
Leonard Pitt was born in Detroit, Michigan. After a short career in advertising design he sailed to Europe, landed in Paris in January 1963, and stayed for seven years. While there, he studied mime with Etienne Decroux, becoming one of his early assistants, and performing in his company.
Leonard returned to the United States in 1970 and settled in Berkeley, California where he opened a school of physical theatre, attracting students from around the world. His one-man shows received critical acclaim, bringing invitations to perform and teach at theatres and festivals throughout the United States, Europe, Brazil, New Zealand, and Australia. He was also a member of George Coates Performance Works and traveled widely with the company.
In 1973 he traveled to Bali to study Balinese mask theatre & carving where he was invited by his teacher to perform with him in local village and temple festivals. Later he co-founded Life On The Water, a contemporary theatre in San Francisco presenting new work. Next was Eco-Rap, an environmental education program combining ecology and rap music as a way to educate inner city youth about urgent social issues.
Leonard has written several books: among them, two walking guides to Paris, one on the life of a 17th century Anglo-Irish healer, and his latest - a memoir, My Brain on Fire, Paris and Other Obsessions. He is the founder of the Berkeley Chocolate Club, meeting monthly to critique the world of dark chocolate. “So many chocolates, so little time!” its mantra goes.
In 2009 having been colleagues for decades, Leonard and James Donlon joined together to open the first Flying Actor Studio in San Francisco offering a conservatory style program in the art of physical theatre.
Website: Leonard Pitt
Youtube channel: Leonard Pitt - YouTube
Moment of Fame Video: 1968 : Vivre sous les toits de Paris | Archive INA