Leonardo Balestra is an Italian film and theatre actor, blending performance expertise with a keen focus on narrative construction and character development.

Leonardo has played leading roles in both film and theatre, moving between experimental projects and major international festivals. His film credits include A Gangster Movie and Wunderkammer - La camera delle meraviglie (A. Bernardi, C12X Studios), as well as the short films 558 (A. Spadolini and P. Bartolucci, Combo / El Garaje) and Viene da dentro (A. Spadolini, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern). He has also collaborated on experimental films and music videos, occasionally contributing as an acting coach.

In theatre, he co-founded Hospites Teatro in 2018, where he is involved in directing a research atelier focusing on innovative approaches to dramaturgy and performance. His contributions include supporting the creative direction of original works, acting in key roles, leading acting workshops and coordinating festivals, art reviews and cultural events. Most recently, he was in Brasil for the international premiere of O Jantar Brasiliano at the festival AmbrosiaS (Rio de Janeiro, 2024).