HELLO! My name is LEILANI CARR and I am a queer, nonbinary, neurodivergent, performer based in Brooklyn, NY! I was born and raised in Garner, North Carolina, but I've always wanted to move to the city to sing, dance, and act on Broadway. Everything I did growing up was always in pursuit of that goal. My parents say I could match pitch before I could even speak words! I started taking dance classes at age 4, vocal lessons at age 8, and began training at North Carolina Theatre Conservatory at 11. I auditioned and performed as often as possible in many capacities growing up. When I turned 18, I finally moved to New York and began my college career at Pace University. I graduated in 2021 with a BFA in Musical Theatre. 

I refuse to put my dreams on the back burner. I know the risks and challenges that I will have to face in such an oversaturated industry, especially as a plus size, queer, poc, neurodivergent performer but it doesn't slow me down. I know people like me deserve to be represented on stage, and I'm truly happiest when I am performing, so I ultimately have no choice but to keep pursuing my passion! There are times I miss what my life was like in North Carolina. I miss big hugs from my parents and my brother, I miss the structure of getting to dance and train every day at NCT conservatory, and I definitely miss ordering a 4-piece supreme dinner with a sweet tea from my favorite fast food chain, Bojangles. Nevertheless, I’m truly so happy following my dreams here in Brooklyn.

I'm learning how to best show up for myself at home, like moving my body and warming up in my living room with my cats every day. I'm creating and collaborating with like-minded artists, building a safe and warm community. I'm learning how to best love and take care of myself in my highest and lowest points, whether I am crazy busy or feel like I have way too much time on my hands. I am constantly reminding myself that the best times and the worst times are all momentary. I'm doing my best not to compare myself to others, to stay present, and remember that I'm right on time. I know this is the path to becoming the best version of myself and becoming the person I've always wanted to be. 

Along the way, I picked up a passion for headshot/lifestyle photography and have made it into a business! I also developed a love for songwriting, making encaustic art, making jewelry, designing/creating ornate nails, and making stickers with inside jokes for the cast and crew of every show I’m in. When I’m having decompression time, you'll most likely find me under a weighted blanket, cuddled up with my partner and our baby dragon cats Spyro + Toothless, binging a show I’ve already seen several times.

RECENTLY, I had the amazing privilege to perform at 54 Below in Lauver's Lullabies.