Like her on Facebook: Lauren Haughton
Follow her on instagram: Laurenhaughton What advice do you have for people like me who want to become a professional musical theatre performer?
My advice is to be yourself. Don't try to compare yourself to anyone else because jealousy will kill you in this industry. Also nothing is going to happen overnight so immerse yourself in class, see as much theater as you can, read a lot of plays, listen to a lot of music, stay fit, watch all the old classic movie musicals....educate yourself on the craft. Also nothing compares with training and hard work. And if you can do anything else...do it. You have to give up a lot to pursue this career so you really have to want it. Tell me about first audition and how you felt the first time you got cast?
My first audition was for a community theater/performing arts high school production of "The King and I". I was only 7 and I think I sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" or "Tomorrow". I was cast and from then on I was hooked.
Roles you want to play?
Dream roles include Charity in Sweet Charity and Roxie in Chicago Biggest blooper you've ever made?
Biggest blooper was in a high school production of "Brigadoon". I was playing Fiona and after the song "Almost Like Being in Love" there was a kiss between me and the male lead, Tommy. I turned to exit and took a big fall. It was humiliating. What's it like being an understudy?
Understudying can be scary if it's last minute and you're feeling under the weather or something but mostly it's fun because you get to play a lead but you don't have all the pressure of doing it 8 times a week. Some of the leads in our show can't do anything else outside of the show because they have to rest their voice, sleep, etc....but I get to explore the places we visit on tour, sometimes stay out late with friends. I don't think I'd be able to do as much outside of the show if I was a lead. What's it like going on when it's a mid show switch?
've had to go on for Nessa mid-show once. I only had to do Train Station and Governor's Mansion so it was relatively easy but I did have to get ready quickly. I use my own hair as Nessa so getting it to look good can take some time. I also had to warm up quicker than usual. I also went in mid-show for an ensemble member once and I basically threw my hair up in a stocking cap, put my microphone on, and just didn't wear makeup that day. It happened at intermission and it was crazy. How was your Nessarose debut?
I joined the tour in September and didn't make my Nessa debut until March so I felt like I was very well prepared with rehearsals, etc....I also knew I was going on weeks before so I made sure to stay as healthy as possible. I had fun but I was definitely nervous. Also my husband was there which was wonderful support. Do you keep contact with a lot of the people you performed with in the past?
It's hard to stay in touch with everyone I've worked with, especially on tour. But my close friends I text with often and thank God for Facebook and Instagram so I can see what's going on in their lives. If you can play any roles as a male who would they be?
I've always loved the role of Bobby in "Crazy For You". I've played Irene in the show but Bobby has so many great, classic numbers. A lot of singing, acting, and dancing. And tons of comedy! I also think Sondheim writes great characters so many of his male and female roles would be exciting to play. What made you realize you wanted to be a performer?
I realized I wanted to be a performer when my Mom took me to see "Annie". I think I was 4 or 5 and already taking dance but after seeing that show I started singing in church as well, and later pursued community theatre and the arts in school. What are the auditions and rehearsal processes like?
Auditions are mostly horrible, I'm not gonna lie. It's like getting judged for a living and having to interview sometimes on a daily basis. But try to keep the mindset that the people auditioning you want you to be good. I try to keep that in mind. My favorite audition was for Tommy Tune. He had us prepare our own song and dance. Usually you sing and dance separately in an audition so it was a lot of fun to do both at once. I ended up getting cast and working with him which was a dream and goal of mine.
Rehearsals are different depending on the show. Usually the entire cast is in rehearsal together creating the show. But at Wicked when people come into the show now, they rehearse alone with the stage manager and dance captain
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