Meet Lauren Garcia of Denver Public Schools in Capitol Hill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Garcia.

Lauren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Platteville, Colorado loving the arts since I could walk and talk. My first memories of performing were creating plays with my sisters Savannah and Meagan and our neighbor Lindsey. I would sing and perform for anyone that was willing to listen.

I first wanted to be a professional singer, but then after watching Rita Moreno in West Side Story, I wanted MORE. She showed me that as a Latina, I can do anything. I made it a goal of mine to be in every production in high school… and I did. Some of my most memorable roles were Miss Hannigan in “Annie” and Esmeralda in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” I knew that theatre was my passion.

I auditioned for the University of Northern Colorado’s Musical Theatre program. When I did not get in, I stayed true to my passion and was accepted in the Theatre Studies program.

During this time, I had been volunteering to teach religious education at my church. At first, it was just a way to give back to the community and a way to spend my Sunday mornings. After a while, I started to realize the significance and positive impact of connecting and helping younger people. During my Beginning Acting class one day, my professor was talking about the impact theatre that can have on people. I had an epiphany and thought to myself, “I really want to be a teacher.”

That following week I went to Mary Schuttler’s office, applied and was accepted into the Theatre Education program.

My first internship was with Up in Lights in Loveland, Colorado where I got to work with young theatre artists ages 5-18. It was an incredible experience, and I got to meet Christina Roberts who became my mentor. I continued performing, directing and teaching throughout my college career – just taking up any work opportunity I could to grow.

I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in May 2018.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I thank Rita Moreno for paving the road for a young Latina like me.

There has been a lack of representation for people of color in the arts. And unfortunately, when we’ve seen our stories told, it is usually stereotypical. Before America Ferrera and Gina Rodriguez, Latina women were often depicted as maids and housekeepers. And along with that, the roles that were made for Latinx people were often given away to non-Latinx. Rita Moreno was the only Latinx person in the 1961 film. But because of her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I hope that I can be a student’s Rita Moreno. An example to my students of color and to all students who do not feel that theatre is place for them, that they can do it! Their stories matter.

We’ve made progress, but we’re not done yet.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a middle school Theatre Arts teacher in Denver Public Schools.

Outside of teaching, I coach young actors or direct during the summer.

I’m not a full-blown company yet, but my hope is to open a youth theatre company that will specialize in helping young actors develop their skills.

What will set me apart from others is that I will make sure that every student gets the opportunity to be involved in the arts regardless of background. When I create a theatre company, my goal is employee high school and college level students who are interested in career in the Theatre Arts.

As well, as adding that I hope I’m any students Rita Moreno, a way of showing students that anyone is welcome in the Theatre Arts.

I definitely loved the spotlight. Movies had a huge influence on me and sometimes I would repeat lines from movies and I would get in trouble by my teachers. I was always acting.

I loved to entertain my family and friends. My parents said that I used to dance in my sleep.

Speaking of my parents, they are the real reason why I am where I am. Without their constant love and support, I wouldn’t be able to get through my toughest days.

My dad Ken is a graphic designer and an incredible one. I owe him my passion for the arts and he’s always encouraged me to stay hungry and to persevere. He knows the struggle of being an artist, which is that we are our biggest critic.

My mom Loretta has given me the strength and has been my “hype man.” She has done everything for me and my sister. When we were younger, she would drive us from dance class in Ft. Lupton to club volleyball practice in Windsor. She’s been my biggest cheerleader. As I’ve grown older, I don’t take those check-ins at the end of the day for granted.

My family has always been there in the audience whether I’m performing or directing.

Pricing:

• $30 an hour for acting coaching (middle and high school level students)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laurenlgtheatre.wixsite.com/website
• Phone: 9703964304
• Email: laurenlgtheatre@gmail.com
• Instagram: laurenlgtheatre

Image Credit:
Olga Lopez

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