NURTURING THE ACT OF ART
MEET COLLEEN
Hi there! I'm Colleen LeBleu—theatre lover, performer, teacher, costumer, mother, and passionate dream-chaser. That's me in a nutshell!
I'll never forget my grandpa asking me as a kid, "What do you want to be when you grow up? Close your eyes and envision it." Even today, when I close my eyes, I see the same thing: the stage, the lights, the audience, and the music.
Theatre is both my happy place and my sanctuary—a space to escape the busy world and dive into pure creativity. I'm passionate about creating environments where people can dream, grow, share, and connect with others, whether they're center stage or cheering from the audience.
MY WHY BEHIND THE STUDIO…
The Beginning: Where Dreams Take Root My journey with performing began at age 2 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, at Lady Leah LaFargue School of Dance. My ballet teacher didn't just teach me positions and pirouettes—she sparked something magical within me: a deep love for the stage, performing, and eventually, teaching.
I'll never forget watching the "big girls" dance and dreaming of playing Rudolf in our Christmas ballet. Years later, that childhood dream came true when I danced the role as a young adult! Another unforgettable highlight was performing as Petruska—moments like these reminded me why the arts hold such transformative power.
What Dance Taught Me About Life As a very active child, dance became my outlet—a place to channel energy and find focus. Through movement, I learned to release stress and anxiety naturally. But dance taught me so much more: discipline in listening, respect for others, and the beauty of teamwork.
Live performances taught me life's most valuable lesson: expect the unexpected! No matter how prepared you are, something can always go sideways during a show. You learn to work together, help each other, and react in seconds. Life isn't always as planned, and performing taught me to be ready for whatever comes my way.
The Musical Theatre Discovery Pointe shoes? Not my thing! But musicals? That was my calling. I grew up watching musicals, dreaming of singing AND dancing on stage. So I auditioned for Cabaret at our local community theatre—completely unprepared but full of hope. To my surprise, I was cast as a Kit Kat Girl!
That's when the theatre bug bit me hard. The people, the shows, the rehearsals, the magic of bringing stories to life—I was hooked.
Oklahoma! - Lyric Stage, Dallas TX
Finding My Professional Voice My journey led me to Houston with Humphrey Performing Arts, then a year-long modern dance company traineeship, and finally to KD Conservatory in Dallas, where I earned my Associate Degree in Musical Theatre. Learning from professionals who had performed on and off Broadway was incredible.
While studying, I discovered my passion for teaching, choreographing and directing children's productions like Seussicaland Cinderella. I performed professionally throughout the DFW metroplex in shows like A Chorus Line, Oklahoma!, CATS, Music Man, and West Side Story, eventually becoming an Actors' Equity Association Candidate.
Behind the scenes, I worked as a costumer with Dallas Costume Shoppe, creating magic for professional theatre, ballet, and opera productions. Whether I was quick-changing actors during shows or managing studio operations, every experience deepened my understanding of what makes theatre truly special.
Why Lumi Exists Through every role—dancer, actor, costumer, teacher, director—I discovered that musical theatre wasn't just my career path; it was my purpose. Each experience taught me that the arts don't just entertain; they transform lives, build confidence, and create communities.
That's why Lumi exists: to give students the same transformative experiences that shaped me, helping them discover their own light and step boldly into their potential, on stage and in life.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to provide children and youth with a nurturing creative space where they can grow, find inspiration, and create meaningful theatre. Drawing from years of professional training and experience both on and off stage, we're dedicated to cultivating the next generation of theatre artists and passionate audiences through acting, singing, and dancing.
Just as mentors and teachers shaped our journey, we aim to impact lives and inspire creativity for generations to come, creating a ripple effect of artistic passion that extends far beyond our studio walls.
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
KASIE
Acting, Voice, Musical Theatre and Productions - South Charlotte
Kasie is overjoyed to be a founding staff member of the Lumi family. Originally from Philadelphia, She holds a BFA in Musical Theater from The American Musical and Dramatics Academy and Master of Education in Educational Theater from The City College of New York. She is a proud alum of Leadership Charlotte Class 43.
Kasie has been working in theatre education since 2014, finding her passion for inclusive arts communities first at the red House, Art Center in Syracuse, New York. Kasie has founded theater departments at Democracy Prep Charter, Middle school in New York City, and Charlotte lab school here in Charlotte. Since moving to Charlotte in 2020, Kasie has worked with Davidson Community Players, Theatre at the JCC, One Voice Chorus and Queen City Concerts.
Outside of theatre, Kasie loves cooking gluten free food, upcycling clothing and playing with her dog Hoagie.
MARISSA
Musical Theatre, dance and choreography - South Charlotte Location
Marissa Witz was born and raised in Los Angeles CA where she received her primary dance training beginning at 3 years old. Growing up in Southern California gave her the opportunity to take master dance classes, pursue musical theater opportunities, and showcase her talents in a variety of commercial, film and television series. Marissa graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with an emphasis Psychology and Dance, while teaching dance and musical theater to students in the greater Santa Barbara area.
After moving to Charlotte in 2010, she continued to teach dance at local studios, while raising three boys with her wonderful husband Justin.
Beyond her performance work, Marissa is dedicated to teaching and mentoring women through fitness. She hosts regular barre classes and uses her extensive knowledge and passion for dance to encourage young women to move their bodies!
Marissa is thrilled to join Lumi and is most excited about the opportunity to pour into the young performers in the Charlotte community!