Juliana Olinka, singer, actress, and teacher began her performing career in Michigan where she received a BA in Theatre from Michigan State University and appeared in local productions, including “The Three-penny Opera,” “Celebration,” and “Two by Two,” before moving to New York City. While there she studied acting, voice and dance, appeared in an off-Broadway production of “A Christmas Carol” and “Stop the World I Want to Get Off,” and a road show production of “Bus Stop” among others. After moving to California she put her performing career on hold to raise a family and spend 25+ years as a marketing executive at Warner Bros., returning to live theatre years later with performances in numerous productions at the Group Repertory Theatre, including the world premiere musical “Is This Any Way to Start a Marriage?” and “Lou Gehrig Did Not Die of Cancer.” At the GRT she also directed an award-nominated production of her late husband Seth Olinka’s original comedy, “A Baker’s Dozen.” She has appeared in several commercials and done film work. Last year Olinka directed “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” and “Bye, Bye Birdie” at Taft High School in Woodland Hills where she was the Drama teacher. 

She returns to singing with the debut of “Grandma and Me,” a dynamic cabaret style singing duo in which she co-stars with ASCAP published writer, performer, singer and lyricist, Laura Manning. 

Laura Manning is one of the most versatile and therefore, one of busiest lyric writers in the music business. A member of ASCAP for over 30 years, she has provided lyrics in every genre: Musical Comedy, Pop, Country, Rock, Folk, Childrens Songs, Religious and Special Material for comics and industrial shows.

Ms. Manning teaches the Bel Canto method. She believes in building the vocal instrument. If it’s built correctly it will last forever. At colleges and libraries and cabarets, Ms. Manning literally “works” them with her incredible vocal technique.

As a performer, Ms. Manning has worked with some of the great comedians including Alan King, Buddy Hackett, George Jessel, and Henny Youngman. In 1963 she traveled to Vietnam for the State Department to entertain the troops. Her voice eas used on many a commercial.

Her children's songs were featured on Captain Kangaroo, Robert Goulet, Jimmy Witherspoon, Guy Pastor, Carol Ventura, Dick Roman and Dotty Malone have recorded her songs.

She has had four musicals produced – ANTIQUES, GO LIKE SIXTY, THE FORTUNES OF FARLEY and THE ANIMAL’S CHRISTMAS with music by Arnold Freed.

Contact us at (818) 905-7560 omstudio@yahoo.com

LAURA MANNING

JULIANA OLINKA