Lani Brockman Lani Brockman, Artistic Director, holds a degree in Children's Theater from the University of Washington and received her professional acting training at New York's Circle in the Square Theatre. Lani founded Studio East in the summer of 1989 by creating a six week Young Actors Professional Intensive for teens. Eighteen years later that program is still going strong as are year-round acting classes, pre-school programs, youth productions and the professional touring company StoryBook Theater. In addition to being the Studio's Artistic Director, Lani writes and directs the StoryBook Theater productions and directs two Main Stage productions each year. Lani is on the Board of the Kirkland Performance Center and has served on the Advisory Committee for the University of Washington School of Drama Dementia Unlimited - Original Musicals for Young Audiences - (Perusal Scripts, Sample Music, and Royalty Info.)