Lauren earned a master of fine arts degree in acting from UW- Madison and a doctorate in theatre history, theory and criticism from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. In between degrees she performed, wrote, directed, taught acting, and coached actors in several Chicago theatre venues. While in Chicago, she also co-founded and served as Managing Director of Theatre Praxis. Lauren directs all University Theatre productions at UW-BSC and continues to pursue non-academic directing and dramaturgical work at Stage Q in Madison. She is delighted to be a part of this year's AACTFest and wishes all participants (proverbial) broken legs.