Lauren's Peformance Journey
Shakespeare said that “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” This metaphor has served my life both literally and figuratively.
“What is it, Honey?” my mom asked.
“Everything’s okay,” I said, “I just want there to be people.” I swept my arms. “People everywhere, packed all the way to the back.”
Once a year, the county fair would roll into my small hometown bringing corn dogs, ferris wheels, and the highly anticipated local talent show. I begged my parents to let me take part. They bought me a second hand red guitar that was as tall as I was and signed me up for guitar lessons with my soon-to-be kindergarten teacher. For weeks, I practiced Somewhere Over the Rainbow, singing and plunking away. Three days before the big show, my parents took me to the outdoor stage so I could practice. I played through the song with my audience of two (who gave me a rowdy standing ovation), but something was wrong.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to perform.
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After years at the talent show, I was offered the chance to sing the national anthem at the Lakeport Speedway, and as a race fan myself I couldn’t be more excited. So at 8 years old, I’d dress myself up in patriotic fashion and head to the track.
When my family moved to Palm Desert in 2016, I began getting serious about acting, singing, and performing. I joined theater and choir and had roles in multiple productions. I began organizing performances of at old-folks homes. And, I competed in the Rotary 4-Way Test speech contest, for which I placed every year. I also competed in Mock Trial as a witness throughout high school and was nominated for Riverside County Outstanding Witness of the Year.
Freshmen year, I played Maisie, a supporting role, in The Boyfriend.
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Senior year, I starred in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella and explored the possibilities of participating off-stage by directing High School Musical JR. I won Best Actress for Cinderella and was nominated for a Desert Theatre League award. I’m also proud to say I won Best Director for HSM JR, and Most Outstanding Student in Visual and Performing Arts for my overall participation throughout high school.
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Currently, I’m the ensemble director at Chapman on Broadway and in Spring 2023, I directed the club’s first annual Grand Cabaret featuring 11 acts and 16 performers.
