Who is Leah Orleans, and What is Mystify?

In just a few short weeks, we're bringing Leah Orleans to The Session! Leah is the creative powerhouse behind Tiny Girl Big Show, which is a collision of two art forms rarely seen together: stand-up comedy and high-danger circus. With fearless physicality and sharp comedic timing, Leah transforms impossible feats into joyful, human moments that make everyone feel capable, connected, and a little more alive. Trained in acrobatics and contortion by coaches from Ringling Brothers, Cirque du Soleil, and Broadway, she blends classical technique with modern humor. Since exploding online in 2021, she’s toured the world with over 2,000 performances, earning standing ovations in 49 states, 6 countries, and 3 extremely polite Canadian provinces.

Through laughter, circus, and sheer audacity, she’s built a reputation as one of the most magnetic forces in modern variety entertainment—reminding audiences everywhere why fearless, funny women steal the show.

We sat down with Leah to discuss her plans for The Session and her work with Mystify.

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Q: For those who haven’t heard of it, what is Mystify?

A: Mystify is a magic convention designed specifically to support the growth and progress of women in variety entertainment. Since magic is a male-dominated field, Mystify was created as a possibility model, showing attendees that success is more achievable when you can see people who look like you succeeding.

Because there is no formal path for learning magic like a degree or a single school, finding things like mentorship, guidance, and inspiration is key. Women often lack easy access to those resources. Mystify aims to provide that missing support by creating a space where people can gather to jam, network, learn, and have fun, ultimately encouraging motivation and self-belief.

Q: How does the atmosphere differ from other conventions?

A: We put a lot of focus on making people comfortable. Everyone should feel comfortable being vulnerable, being themselves, or feeling dumb as they learn. Women in magic face barriers at most conventions, like being hit on or being asked, “Whose wife are you?” Those may seem trivial to some, but if a person doesn’t feel comfortable at a convention, they can’t grow, and they might not come back.

Q: How do you create that atmosphere?

A: I took a lot of inspiration from the circus community. Mystify is intentionally fun, colorful, exciting, and approachable. The organizing team is split between magicians and entertainment professionals who specialize in inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels welcome. This is on the macro and micro levels– comfort means extra attention to the programming, who is in the spotlight, schedule accessibility, dining options, and the ability to use whichever bathroom they choose.

Q: At The Session, you have three events on the schedule. The first is Tiny Girl Big Show, but then you have your “Unpacked” lecture. What can we expect from it?

A: Tiny Girl Big Show is the result of years of work by the core team: Myself, the Musician Morgan Howard, and the Creative Director Chloe Baldwin. Unpacked offers a candid deep dive into how the show was developed, including a behind-the-scenes look at what makes it successful. We’re going to talk about it all, from the early days of the show to the logistics of an international tour. I’m especially excited to give Chloe and Morgan a chance to share their side of things, too.

Q: The third event is listed as “Mystify x The Session.” What is it, and what can we expect?

A: Mystify x The Session is part of a larger movement. It began with the desire to create a physical space for girls and women attending The Session to be in a room with people who are like them. At the same time, it is a place for everyone to show up and experience a different energy. The atmosphere has a sleepover mentality where people feel excited to share, get giddy and bubbly, and naturally become more creative. When you are in that mindset, you take risks, think differently, and make mental connections you might not make otherwise. Your brain can process ideas in a more open way.

Q: Who is this session for?

A: This session is for anyone who is excited to see the future of magic. I grew up hearing the trope that there are not enough women in magic, even though we do not say things like female doctor. Trust that women can do magic just as well as men. Come with an open mind and be ready to have your mind bent. Everyone who attends will walk away with a broader outlook.

Q: What is the core message you want participants to take away?

A: This is not a space to bash anyone. Women are often forced to be incredibly creative and held to a higher standard just to be noticed. This collaboration session creates a space for you to embrace what makes you different, use it for creativity, and make it yours. Lean into what makes you unique, special, and relatable and real.

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Want to spend more time with Leah? Join us at The Session Convention, January 9-11, in London. You can sign up here.