Check Out Courtney Leigh Halford’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Leigh Halford.

Hi Courtney Leigh, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Olathe, Kansas—an only child with big dreams of growing up to be Ginger from Gilligan’s Island! I signed with an agency and started modeling professionally at 12. Later, I fell in love with Theatre. I hold a BFA in Musical Theatre from Webster Conservatory, graduating with departmental honors. After performing at regional theaters like The MUNY and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, I joined Actors’ Equity and moved to NYC.

In New York, I performed Off-Broadway, on TV, in commercials, film, voiceover—and kept modeling. One of my biggest dreams came true when I joined Disney Cruise Line, as a MainStage Performer in their Walt Disney Theatre musicals and traveling to 33 countries along the way.

Career highlights include being featured in The New York Times for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, playing a villain in Tech N9ne’s ‘What Happened to You’ music video, and originating a role in Tangled: The Musical, working with Disney legends, like Alan Menken and Glen Slater.

After 13 years in NYC, achieving big dreams, and surviving a pandemic, I returned to my Kansas roots to be closer to loved ones and rediscover Kansas City as an adult. While the traditional creative cities have struggled post-2020, KC is experiencing an artistic renaissance. In 2020, I signed with Moxie Talent Agency, and they kept me busy bouncing between KC and NYC.

Now, KC is my home base. A year ago, I joined the Moxie Talent Team as Talent Relations Coordinator and Social Media Manager. I still have audition opportunities on both coasts while creating with local artists. The sky’s the limit- it feels good to be home.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The pandemic hit our industry hard. Theatres and productions shut down, and the arts were among the last to return. We all had to pivot—everything went virtual. Meanwhile, the cost of living soared, and many of the side jobs artists relied on disappeared. Strikes stalled work, reputable theaters shuttered, and opportunities dried up. For the first time, New York no longer felt like the safe, inspiring haven it once was for me. All signs pointed home.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m often cast as glam, retro bombshells or complex women who’ve survived deep trauma. Many people know me from my years performing with Disney, where I was lucky to bring several nostalgic characters to the stage. I’ve also appeared on TV shows set in the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s—this fiery red hair definitely helps me stand out. Casting directors started remembering me by it, so I finally changed my Instagram handle to @Courtneywiththeredhair. I’m proud to be part of art that brings people joy or helps them feel less alone. This world can be a lot, and being even a small escape for someone is a gift that I don’t take for granted.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Kansas City has that deep-rooted hometown pride—you feel it in our love for sports, BBQ, Ted Lasso, the growing film scene, jazz…. There’s something here for everyone. I left KC at 18 and returned in my 30s, and it’s been a beautiful journey rediscovering this city with fresh eyes.

What’s tough, though, is the rise in crime—especially downtown, where I work. It’s disheartening to see small businesses getting repeatedly hit and feeling like accountability is missing. I hope we can start doing a better job protecting the heart of our city.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.CourtneyLeighHalford.com
• Instagram: @courtneywiththeredhair