Life & Work with Laurel Laumann of Aurora

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurel Laumann.

Hi Laurel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Aurora Singers was founded in 1977. We began as a traditional choir, performing four theme based shows a year on risers holding music. Over time, this changed and the group is now an adult show choir. We still perform four theme based shows each season, but the music is memorized and there is choreography. As a small non-profit performance group, we are proud to be celebrating our 50th season next year. Having no performing arts center in Aurora, we are fortunate to have worked together with Aurora Public Schools for a stage to perform on. In addition to this, we perform outreach programs to local organizations from performing the National Anthem to short performances from recent shows. With only two part-time paid positions (artistic director and accompanist) we rely on volunteers from our fabulous singers/performers to our board members, ushers and more. We pride ourselves in providing fun, quality performances suitable for families at reasonable prices.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have certainly faced our challenges through the years. We consider ourselves “Aurora’s best kept secret”. As a small organization on a limited budget, we struggle getting performers, board members and most importantly an audience.

When COVID closed down many organizations, our director, board and performers got creative. We did not miss a performance, we pivoted and created them virtually. This was not easily accomplished, but because of our tenacity we survived.

Finally, without access to a fine arts center, we hold our performances at a middle school. Our performances require a traditional stage with lights and curtains and the school in which we perform has time for us to use their stage and is affordable.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We pride ourselves in the diversity of our shows and the inclusion of other talents. Show themes have ranged from different decades, broadway, various composers, musical styles and much more. For the upcoming season: in October, we will do “ELECTRIC 80’s”, in December it will be a “December to Remember”, March brings “March Madness” and May will be “Bravo, Broadway”. We are an organization that does it all. The members design the sets, organize costumes, provide props all while memorizing the music and learning the choreography. This happens because we are a family that cares for each other. Each member’s time in the group has varied depending on their life situations. Some members join for a season, some for several years and some members have been with the group for 30+ years. Additionally, we offer opportunities to high school and Aurora Community College students to be back stage interns, learning the ins and outs of a community performing group.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
If you are a non-profit being supported by SCFD, take advantage of all the mentoring opportunities they provide.

Pricing:

• Tickets prices range from $11-$15
• Season tickets a group rates available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Aurorasingers.org
• Instagram: the_aurora_singers
• Facebook: Aurora Singers

Image Credits
Becky Toma