WHO WE ARE

We are three European producers who met at The Stella Adler Studio over a decade ago. Since graduating, we have acted in plays, films, and television. We have cared about each other's careers, we have spent hours discussing language, we have seen countless plays. We have met weekly to read plays and discuss how we envision them. We have spoken about what sort of writing we are drawn to and what plays we find powerful. This theater company results from this, our love of the theater, our passion for language, and our desire to produce plays in unique locations. 

HOW WE WORK 

We are constantly seeking out new and exciting plays from foreign playwrights outside of America. Thanks to each of our unique backgrounds we have an exciting network of artists around the world. 

We then collaborate with the playwright and director to ensure we find the perfect actors, setting and environment to bring that play to life, in a new way, in New York City. 

Our next step is creating a safe space for all involved to experiment and collaborate in a free and supported way. 

WHAT WE DO

We transform unconventional spaces into stages, creating an intimate experience for the audience to be swept into the heart of the play. We aim to establish an artistic home where creativity flourishes and all cultures are given a platform, representing the unique diversity of New York City.  

CORE VALUES 

Artistic Integrity

Curiosity

Collaboration

Innovation

WHAT'S IN A NAME

‘The Little Engine That Could’ is a beautiful childrens book that teaches the value in believing in yourself and helping those in need when others pass them by. We loved this message of hope, strength and perseverance, as this is what we feel with everything we create and the art we are drawn to. 

L (Lilly) E (Elena) T (Theodora)

LET’s create a space to wonder

LET’s play

LET’s put down our phones

LET’s be open to all possibilities

LET’s do it!

LILLY ENGLERT

Lilly was born in London and moved to a remote village in Tuscany at the age of eleven where she learnt Italian and played in the local river with her four siblings. She graduated from Liceo Scientifico before moving to New York to attend the Stella Adler Studio and pursue a career in acting. Immediately upon graduating, Lilly was cast as Hermia in Julie Taymor’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Theatre for a New Audience. The New York Times reviewed "Lilly Englert delivers a knockout comic performance". She then played Cordelia in “King Lear” opposite Michael Pennington, and Marina in “Pericles” directed by the legendary Sir Trevor Nunn. Lilly originated the role of Cissy in the New York premiere of “Punk Rock” written by Simon Stephens and directed by Trip Cullman at MCC. Her film credits include Kate Vaughn in Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” for Sony, and Rose in “Wilde Wedding” alongside John Malkovich and Glenn Close. She had a recurring role as Maisie Doyle in the final season of ABC’s “Quantico”. Lilly has worked both in New York and Italy. She can next be seen as the leads of “Sicilian Holiday” and “Al progredire Della Notte”. Little Engine Theater for Lilly is a way to connect back to her roots and create a platform for foreign playwrights in America.

ELENA RUSCONI

Elena was born and raised in Italy. She wanted to study acting full time but there was no such school in Milan so she was forced to study Latin and Ancient Greek instead. When she was sixteen, her desire to see the world took her to Australia where she was an exchange student. Upon graduating highschool, she moved to New York to study at the Stella Adler Studio. Since then she’s worked in theater, film and television both in the US and Europe. Highlights have been her role opposite Ryan Reynolds in Netflix's "6 Underground" directed by Michael Bay, ABC's "The Catch" and Netflix's "Medici: The Magnificent". Some of her favorite stage roles include Miranda in "The Tempest", Helen Of Troy in "Dress of Fire" alongside Austin Pendleton, Cassie in "Rumors", and Katarina in "Araberlin". Elena will next be seen in the upcoming series "Rise Of The Raven" described by Verity as “one of the most epic European productions of all time”. She is a certified PADI Dive Master. For Elena LET represents an opportunity to intertwine different cultures and reflect the melting pot that is NYC.

THEODORA MIRANNE

Producer, director, and award-winning actress. Theodora spent her first three years of life barefoot on a wooden sailboat in South America, before moving with her Guyanese father and Swedish mother to South London, and eventually working her way to New York City, where she joined the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Repped by Innovative Artists and Authentic Talent and Literary Management, Theodora’s previous roles include: NBC’s "The Blacklist: Redemption" as Kat Carlson, CBS's "Person of Interest" as Brooks, CW's "Legacies" as The Lady of the Lake, CBS's "Blue Bloods" as Rada Radchenko, MTV's "Eye Candy" as Tessa, and in Ang Lee's "Gemini Man". Theater credits include: Gwendolen in "The Importance of Being Earnest", and Rosalind in "As You Like It". LET is a true labor of love and a chance to collaborate with incredible talent to bring the world’s new and important work into the heart of New York City.