Leo

Leo is a theatre librettist, lyricist, composer, and educator based in New York City.

His award-winning musical TRU, which explores the intersections of mental health and creativity, premiered in Chicago in 2019. In recent years, Leo has served as a keynote speaker at college orientations across the country, presenting the story and music of TRU to encourage students to share their own experiences through creative writing and personal storytelling. He is currently co-creating a new musical based on the life of Mardi Gras designer San Nicholas. For this project, Leo has partnered with the Louisiana State Museum to uncover untold stories from New Orleans’ past—an endeavor that draws on Leo’s strengths in dramaturgical and historical research and character-driven narrative.

For over ten years, Leo has taught private lessons in piano, guitar, composition, music theory, songwriting, and storytelling to students ages five to eighty-five. He specializes in helping students develop structure, voice, and clarity in their creative work—whether they’re crafting lyrics, personal essays, or original music—and is passionate about empowering each learner to express themselves with confidence and authenticity.

Outside of writing and teaching, Leo enjoys playing drums, reading biographies, and spending time with his one-eyed Yorkie, Franklin.