Who is Leslie Battle?
Leslie Battle is a multidisciplinary performance artist who does a little bit of so many things. As Umze', she is a published performing poet. She's an award-winning standup comic. She's a storyteller, actress, model and singer. She's a podcaster. She also bellydances and plays a djembe. She's a Genx blerd just tryna find her way through this crazy world.
Her Origin Story
Born in Houston, Texas, Leslie was raised in the Piney Woods a bit further north in Tyler. Early in her childhood she was diagnosed as gifted, and while there were definite advantages, the label never felt quite accurate. Maybe that's because she misspelled the word 'ahead' in the 5th grade spelling bee. (Don't @ me, I'm working through this with my counseling team. I'm not still bitter 45 years later. Yes, I said team.).
After graduating high school in 1988, she embarked on a military career by completing Army Basic Training and subsequent specialty training. During the next 13 years, she married twice, had 4 babies, moved around often (as one does) and eventually settled in Ohio with her family.
During her military career, she pursued several creative opportunities, including playing Puck in a local theater presentation of A Midsummer Nights Dream in Heidelberg, Germany. She also sang the national anthem for military ceremonies. After moving to Ohio, she transferred to the Ohio National Guard and went back to college to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Wright State University. After graduation, she earned a commission as a Signal officer.
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In 2011, after her second divorce, Leslie found herself in an actual mid-life crisis and turned to standup comedy for both a creative outlet and some much needed socializing. Comedy took her to new places, meeting new people and prompted her to explore new ideas and talents she didn't even know she had.
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(Hang in there...you're almost done)
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Presently, Leslie is happily remarried and finding joy wherever it resides. Thanks for visiting!
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Hit me up!