Mona Lee is a highly respected actress in the Texas acting scene. Mona's dreams of becoming a professional actress came true when she was awarded a full scholarship to the Julliard School. Her instructor was actor John Houseman. Some of her classmates included Robin Williams and the late Christopher Reeve. While in New York, Mona also studied at the Actors Institute of New York and won the Troupers Association of Broadway Women Award. Mona decided to move to Austin, Texas, where she began coaching actors in 1977. In 1980, she established the now popular BriteLites Acting Studio, where she trains many aspiring actors. One of Mona's biggest breaks came when director Matthew Robbins cast her as the mother of Christian Slater in the cult classic The Legend of Billie Jean (1985). Mona has also appeared in three films by one of her former students, director Richard Linklater - Dazed and Confused (1993), Waking Life (2001), and the upcoming film, _Scanner Darkly, A (2005)_. Mona has coached some high profile actors, such as actress Darlene Cates for her role as Bonnie Grape in _What's Eating Gilbert Grape_ (1993) , and rising star Shannon Woodward, who was cast last year as Emma Sharp in the upcoming Tommy Lee Jones film, _Man of the House (2005)_.
Today, Mona's generosity and passion for acting continues to touch many aspiring actors seeking her expertise. She is a member of the Houston Council of SAG, and she continues to act in films and stage productions.