About Justin Lehmann

Justin first graduated from the National Theatre Drama School in 1998, from where he went on to have the life-changing experience of studying under master teacher William Esper in New York City. Following this experience he was awarded a scholarship to train in the Full Time Program at 16th Street Actors Studio where he graduated in 2010.

Justin returned to New York City to continue his studies at Esper Studio at which time he also had the privilege of working with, and being mentored by Elizabeth Kemp. It was during this period he discovered a deep affinity for teaching the craft of acting, and became a 'core' teacher of 16th Street Actors Studio.

In 2016, Justin was offered a scholarship at Esper Studio and for a third time returned to New York to further extend and deepen his knowledge.

Justin has appeared in numerous primetime Australian TV series and has toured nationally with Melbourne Theatre Company.

Justin has also taught at: WAAPA, RMIT, Patrick School of the Arts, The Factory Queensland, Hub Studio Sydney, TrueSCREEN Acting Studio Newcastle, The National Theatre Drama School, The Reach Foundation and Tomorrow Man.

The Studio >

Tribute to William Esper (1932 - 2019)

“It’s hard for me to write what I truly feel about this man without sounding sentimental, so I will attempt to keep a steady hand even though my feelings are so strong. I first worked with Bill in 2002 and within half an hour of my very first class a simple exercise in, ‘Were you really listening or just pretending to?’, revealed to me, in a very profound way, the nature of truthful action. How could a simple exercise illuminate so much?!? That was Bill.

He was dedicated to simplicity, faithfully carrying on Meisner’s legacy. He truly was the fingerprint of Sanford Meisner’s soul. Like he did with many others, Bill embraced me and was so very generous. Indeed it was Bill who said very quietly one night, are you interested in teaching? He said it in almost a whisper which made me feel he really wanted me to hear it. But then again, it’s possible I’m romanticising the moment. I was just so in love with this man. Every time I was in his presence I felt lucky. Like I was truly in the presence of greatness, which indeed I was.

For me, Bill was a mountain and I was at base camp looking up. There was always a part of Bill that was a mystery to me. Like he knew something that I didn’t which he did, but on a deep level I just felt a centeredness, some kind of mystical anchor inside of him. Perhaps that’s why I always felt a confidence around him. I loved how I felt close to him but at the same time there was always a healthy space between us. I never lost my autonomy with Bill. What I treasured most was watching Bill teach. Seeing all the different colours of his palette. He could be so warm and tender, vulnerable, passionate, brutally honest, crazy and mad and if the occasion called for it, stern.

In his class for me at least, it was like he would gently lower down the lamp into the darkness below. Slowly, and in time, that lamp illuminated the next step giving clarity to what was once so confusing. As far as master teachers are concerned, Bill was at the deep end of the pool. Bill, I’m so thankful I met you. For a boy who grew up without a father, you showed me what a good man is. You showed me how important it is to live the principles you teach, and that it’s possible to navigate your way in the world without compromising your integrity. Thank you for teaching me about passion, beauty, tenderness, strength and wisdom. I love you Bill.” - Justin Lehmann, 2019.