Written by Anna Olson
ASPI is honored to feature Leah Tomesek (née Wons) in this month’s Spotlight!
Leah became first involved in ASPI back in 2007! At the age of 8 years old, Leah graced the stage as “Ticklish”, one of the dwarfs, in ASPI’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
After that first production, Leah became involved in as many shows as possible, up until her 2016 high school graduation. Some of her favorite shows that she’s been cast in include: Into the Woods in the role of “Little Red Riding Hood” and Shrek: the Musical in the role of “Gingy” and other various ensemble roles. As a kid, the theater felt like a second home to her. She learned about handling performance nerves, memorizing lines, and expressing herself. Her passion for performing started at the theater and the trajectory of her life was changed because of her young years spent at ASPI. Leah’s whole family did shows together and she will always hold onto those memories!
Outside of ASPI, Leah was involved in her high school’s productions as well as Missoula’s Children’s Theater shows. Upon high school graduation, Leah then went to college to study vocal performance where she performed in every opera and cabaret show she was able to! Her favorite role in college was “Gretel” in Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera, Hansel and Gretel. She was also involved in her university’s show choir, Platinum Edition, and many different choral ensembles. In 2020, Leah graduated (over Zoom) with a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance from Viterbo University, located in La Crosse Wisconsin.
A few months before college graduation, Leah landed a position at Choral Tracks, a company that produces full vocal rehearsal tracks. She works as a full time, salaried recording artist and audio engineer! She has a portable studio setup that she uses to sing 4-5 hours a day and fills in the rest of her day with audio engineering. Her singing consists of sight reading around 8-10 choral pieces a day (singing all women’s parts) and using a pitch correction software for another 3-6 choral pieces. Leah is very proud and grateful to work for Choral Tracks! They make rehearsal tracks for ensembles around the world, and record all languages and all styles of music!
Outside of the theater, Leah loves reading, fitness, and video games. On October 6th, she ran her first marathon, the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon! Leah and her husband have also been living in a camper and traveling for his work. She has been enjoying trying a new lifestyle and traveling across the US!
Leah has made her return to working with ASPI in the role of music director! Most recently, she was part time music director for Gypsy and full time music director for Oklahoma, Seussical, and the upcoming production of Godspell. Leah’s wealth of knowledge and experience in music has made her an incredible asset to ASPI!
With her job, Leah has access to many different music industry programs that allow her to make rehearsal tracks for ASPI. For the theater, she will record herself singing all the parts, audio engineer her singing, and mix the tracks. The tracks make rehearsing significantly easier and allow the cast members to sing harder music without needing to play piano or read music. This creates a more inclusive musical environment!
As an adult, Leah sees the massive benefits of feeling part of a community. Cast members become close friends and spend time together outside of rehearsal doing things like karaoke, bowling, and sharing meals. She would encourage anyone with an interest to come out and audition for a show. Theater is for everyone and the impact of these shows is not to be underestimated!
Come out to witness the amazing work and passion of Leah and the ASPI cast and crew in the upcoming production Godspell! Purchase your tickets NOW! Showtimes are March 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, and 22 at 7pm and March 16 and 23 at 1pm. For more information please visit https://abramsspotlightproductions.com/ and call the Box Office with any questions, 920-826-5852.