Starting in Scarsdale elementary school and through high school I devoted myself to sports and team competition. My athletic experiences were always dominant. I was a member of the undefeated Varsity soccer team in 2000...

Taking the stage in NYC by Lauren Kelston ‘00

Starting in Scarsdale elementary school and through high school I devoted myself to sports and team competition. My athletic experiences were always dominant. I was a member of the undefeated Varsity soccer team in 2000, the year I graduated. I traveled to the Sectional competition as the lone representative for the Varsity gymnastics team. Additionally, I competed with the Varsity cheerleading team in the national competition in Myrtle Beach , SC.Many friends and their parents assumed I’d continue with sports in college and were surprised that I committed myself to learning everything I could about the theater.

I always wanted to be on stage.  The earliest family videos of me are dancing and singing to my Fisher Price tape player.  I was always performing, seeking the spotlight, and eager to entertain. In retrospect the soccer field, balance beam, and the gymnast floor exercise were my stage. I thrived off the crowd and the pressure to perform.  It was not until the summer after junior year of high school that I took my first acting classes and was exposed to professionals in the business when I was accepted to the Powerhouse Summer Theater and Apprentice Training Program at Vassar College .  This two-month experience reinforced my goal to act professionally. 
At the University of Vermont , I earned my BA in theater.  I studied all aspects of the theater; acting, lighting design, set design, makeup design, costume design, and directing. As a drama student, the main stage was a significant aspect of our training.  I spent many hours each year rehearsing and playing a variety of roles.  During my junior year, I was proud to be accepted for a semester abroad at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts with the actors from the conservatory at Boston University .  
Through a fellow Scarsdale High School alumni, I landed a position at MTV Networks working in the Ad Sales department on the operations team.  After work, I attend acting classes, auditions, and, when cast, rehearsals.  Working at MTV and being an actor are two full-time jobs.  Fortunately, my athletic training has provided me the discipline and energy to manage both.  
Through a fellow Scarsdale High School alumni, I landed a position at MTV Networks working in the Ad Sales department on the operations team.  After work, I attend acting classes, auditions, and, when cast, rehearsals.  Working at MTV and being an actor are two full-time jobs.  Fortunately, my athletic training has provided me the discipline and energy to manage both. 
To date, I have been in numerous plays, involved with a variety of Theater Companies, as well as film.  I have a lead role in a full length movie called Last Night in Brooklyn produced by Cypher Productions (http://cypherproductions.com).  Over the past year, I have done a number of short films with a number of production companies.  As of January 2008 I was asked to join the theatre company Retro Productions (http://www.retroproductions.org).  This company cast me in November 2007 to play Grace in AR Gurney’s What I Did Last Summer.   I need to highlight that our cast and crew were surprised with the visit of the playwright at one of our performances.   A. R. Gurney was there in person.  After the show, he reached out to us to share his excitement and give us feedback.   I will never forget the creative high I experienced as an actor with this laudable writer.

I am currently working on the lead role of Marlene in Retro’s production of Mill Fire by Sally Nemeth opening in May.  I’m excited about this role and feel very engaged with the creative process.   I hope I have even more to report and share in the near future.

Through a fellow Scarsdale High School alumni, I landed a position at MTV Networks working in the Ad Sales department on the operations team. After work, I attend acting classes, auditions, and, when cast, rehearsals. Working at MTV and being an actor are two full-time jobs. Fortunately, my athletic training has provided me the discipline and energy to manage both. 

To date, I have been in numerous plays, involved with a variety of Theater Companies, as well as film. I have a lead role in a full length movie called Last Night in Brooklyn produced by Cypher Productions (http://cypherproductions.com). Over the past year, I have done a number of short films with a number of production companies. As of January 2008 I was asked to join the theatre company Retro Productions (http://www.retroproductions.org). This company cast me in November 2007 to play Grace in AR Gurney’sWhat I Did Last Summer. I need to highlight that our cast and crew were surprised with the visit of the playwright at one of our performances. A. R. Gurney was there in person. After the show, he reached out to us to share his excitement and give us feedback. I will never forget the creative high I experienced as an actor with this laudable writer.

I am currently working on the lead role of Marlene in Retro’s production of Mill Fire by Sally Nemeth opening in May. I’m excited about this role and feel very engaged with the creative process. I hope I have even more to report and share in the near future.

Mill Fire will be opening on May 7^th – tickets can purchased on http://www.retroproductions.org

You are invited to the SAA Outing to the NYC Ballet!

The Scarsdale Alumni Association is proud to present a group outing to New York City Ballet! 

Come and experience the artistic tradition of New York City. The outing is currently scheduled for Friday May 16th, 8pm. NYCB will be performing Susan Stroman’s Double Feature. 

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