Lee Sapaden
Television, Film, Theatre, and Professional Sports
I'm in the business of performance.
Who I Am:
Actor
Live Host
Sports Professional
I am a stage, television, and theatre veteran whose skills as a performer and in backstage production have brought me to the professional sports industry.
Well trained actors are prepared by their teachers to be studious and adaptable. Actors are also skilled communicators in a world where the art of face-to-face communication is declining.
Going from the performing arts to the professional sports industry has been a natural transition for me; both the arts and the sports industry require creative and diplomatic skills in an environment outside of the standard Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 realm.
Professional History
Some of my favorite career highlights:
Sacramento River Cats: Emcee
April 2022-Present
I'm honored to be an on-field emcee/ringmaster for the River Cats in-stadium entertainment program. I appear on the field, in the stands, and on screen.
The Permanente Medical Group (Kaiser): Healthcare Actor
February 2022-Present
I help train Kaiser doctors, nurses, and other staff to improve their communication skills.
Stockton Ports: Emcee
2016-2017
I emceed for the Ports for two wonderful seasons. The Ports had no mobile camera/live in-stadium video capabilities at the time, so I employed a more physical style of performing than I used with the 66ers.
Inland Empire 66ers: Emcee
2013-2014
I was responsible for organizing and performing entertainment/promotional segments before, during, and after games. The 66ers had live in-stadium video/mobile camera capabilities, so I got to hone my live performance on video skills.
"ER" (via Central Casting): Background Paramedic and Stand-In
2003-2009
Officially employed by Central Casting of Los Angeles, I spent most of my working days for them on the television show "ER".
Eventually I worked exclusively on the show; gaining a permanent place as a paramedic and eventually being given additional responsibilities as a stand-in for guest actors during technical set ups.
Media
Live Like an Actor
A series about enjoying life and saving money...by living like a "hasn't-yet-made-it" actor.
In addition to performing in the series, I also wrote, directed, and edited the episodes.
Skills
The world is filled with talented and experienced actors and performers. Every actor and performer has additional life experiences and skills that make an actor and performer more valuable to a production or job. Here are some of my additional skills:
VIP Experience
While working in Hollywood and in professional baseball, I've worked with and alongside VIP actors, directors, crew members, and athletes.
I know how to carry out my job responsibilities and reach a company's goals in the midst of workplace environments requiring diplomacy and professionalism.
Challenging Working Conditions
Working in Hollywood and professional baseball requires a commitment to long hours of an undetermined length.
It can also require working in extreme heat, cold, rain, and other adverse weather.
I've worked for years in sometimes harsh environments and I can handle the physical and mental rigors of a job.
Technical Film/Theatre Production Experience: Directing, Writing, Film Editing, Sound/Microphone
One of my first jobs was working as a sound production assistant for California Musical Theatre's Music Circus in Sacramento. I gained valuable professional experience in seeing how a production is created from the backstage/technical side of a company.
While working as a performer on "ER" and other television shows, I observed how the visual performing arts are created from a technical standpoint.
With these experiences guiding me; I write, direct, edit and produce the "Live Like an Actor" web series.
Education
USC: BA Theatre
My studies while earning my BA Theatre degree from the University of Southern California covered subjects ranging from acting, theatre history, and technical production.