In the Studio with Instructor Lauren Lowell

Meet the inspiring individual behind the scenes! With a lifelong love for dance and singing, Lauren Lowell found her purpose in teaching and directing theater. Hailing from Maine, she now calls Baltimore home along with their family and playful cats. Guided by mentors in her youth, Lauren went on to lead CAC's CAC’s Musical Theatre program, nurturing young talents and offering guidance the way she was. Her advice to aspiring theater enthusiasts: embrace all aspects of the craft. Recently, Lauren wrapped up production of "The Prom" with the STAR Ltd. Young Adult program, and "Finding Nemo Jr.".

Here’s Lauren talking about her art, process and experience…

Please tell me a little bit about yourself. (Where you are from, any school or work attributes you'd like to include)

I started dancing when I was three years old at a local studio in my hometown. I've also been singing all my life and took my singing more seriously in high school when I started working with a vocal coach. I had short-lived ambitions about moving to New York City and auditioning for Broadway shows, but I'm not a competitive person so I quickly decided that was not the best path for me. I grew up in Maine, where I also met my husband, Josh. We moved to the Baltimore area when Josh was stationed at Ft. Meade. We've lived here now for twenty years and I'm so glad we decided to settle here. We have a daughter, named Wynn, who is in college studying Physics and three ridiculous cats. 

What drew you into teaching? (was there an event or person in your life that introduced you to it? How long have you been teaching?)

I had amazing dance teachers growing up; Miss Wendy, Mr. Paul, Miss Dina, and Miss Debbie. They were always so supportive of me and the dance studio was my happy place. I was introduced to theatre when one of my instructors choreographed the show Carousel. She asked me to assist her during auditions and that really hooked me into the theatre world. Since then I have worked with many amazing theatre directors as their choreographer. After choreographing several shows in my 20s, I decided to try directing. Directing and choreographing youth theatre quickly became my purpose in life.

Tell me about the classes you teach.

I direct CAC's Musical Theatre program. When I started this program in September of 2021 it was an hour long class and only had four students. Since then it has grown to a two hour class, held twice a week, with a cast of 30 students from age 8 - 16. We put on Jr. length musicals that are fully costumed, with sets, props, and all that jazz! I am also the Performing Arts Chair, so I manage the dance program too.

What’s your favorite aspect of being an instructor at CAC?

I love working with the kids, especially ones that are new to theatre. Seeing them grow from tentative and nervous at auditions, to singing a solo in the show a few months later is true joy for me!

What advice would you give students who may want to pursue a career in theatre?

Keep your future flexible and learn all aspects of theatre, not just the performing parts. It's fun being on stage, but there is so much to discover on the production side of things; designing the lights, building the sets, teaching the dances, and working with the actors as a mentor are rewarding in so many different ways.

What else are you working on personally or professionally?

Currently, I am in rehearsals with the STAR Ltd. Young Adult program, which is a partner of Chesapeake Arts Center. We will be performing The Prom the first weekend in August at Chesapeake Arts Center. I'm also doing a three week theatre camp in Catonsville for STAR Ltd. and performing Finding Nemo Jr. 

For more information on Lauren or to get on the waitlist for her class, visit: https://canvas.chesapeakearts.org/classes?instructor=Lauren+Lowell.