Leonardo Balestra is an Italian film and theatre actor, blending performance expertise with a keen focus on character development and narrative construction.

 

He began his professional training in 2015, studying acting, vocality and physical theatre with prominent contemporary artists such as the Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards, Teatro dei Venti, and Chiara Guidi/Societas. His work is rooted in a deep commitment to exploring human behavior, vocal expression and the kinesthetic potential of action in performance.

 

Leonardo has played leading roles in both film and theatre, moving between experimental projects and major international festivals. His film credits include A Gangster Movie and Wunderkammer - La camera delle meraviglie (A. Bernardi, C12X Studios), as well as the short films 558 (A. Spadolini and P. Bartolucci, Combo / El Garaje) and Viene da dentro (A. Spadolini, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern). He has also collaborated on experimental films and music videos, occasionally contributing as an acting coach.

In theatre, he co-founded Hospites Teatro in 2018, where he is involved in directing an atelier of artistic production and experimentation focused on innovative approaches to dramaturgy and performance. His contributions include supporting the creative direction of original works, acting in key roles, leading acting workshops and coordinating festivals, art reviews and cultural events. Most recently, he was in Brasil for the international premiere of O Jantar Brasiliano at the festival AmbrosiaS (Rio de Janeiro, 2024).

Leonardo’s multidisciplinary approach to acting is enriched by his Master of Arts in Modern Philology, with a thesis titled Poesis Mundi. Toward an Ecology of Theatrical Knowledge. His research bridges performance, philosophy, and cognitive sciences, offering a nuanced perspective on embodiment and its performative possibilities.

 

His work continues to evolve, embracing innovation while remaining grounded in a thoughtful and dynamic approach to the actor's craft.