Hometown Broadway Star: Lauren Kennedy Brady
- Guest Lauren Kennedy Brady, local theater star and Theatre Raleigh's Producing Artistic Director.
- Lauren's early beginnings in the theater were influenced by her family's love for the arts.
- Lauren attended Broughton High School, where she participated in the school's performing arts programs, including show choir.
- Lauren was mentored by the founder of North Carolina Theater, which led to opportunities for her to work with Broadway professionals.
- She attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music before starring on Broadway.
- Lauren discussed working with Broadway professionals like Terrence Mann when she was in high school, which set a high standard for her, and encouraged her to pursue a career in theater.
- Lauren attended the renowned University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, known for its top 10 musical theater program, thanks to the recommendation of New York friends.
- Lauren left college early to join the Broadway cast of "Sunset Boulevard," which starred Glenn Close, George Hearn and Judy Kuhn.
- Lauren found that working with professionals at the North Carolina Theater in high school was better preparation for her career than college, as it allowed her to learn from actors living their lives in the industry.
- Lauren discussed her 20-year acting career, working with notable stars like Hank Azaria and David Hyde Pierce, and eventually shifting to directing and producing.
- Lauren's parents were involved in the arts, and her father helped raise money to build the performing arts center now known as the Martin Marietta Center for Performing Arts, which included a black box theater, the Kennedy Theatre, named after them. She ran a summer series in the theater for three years.
- Lauren took over the theater project, which eventually became a nonprofit, and rebranded it as Theatre Raleigh. The pandemic forced her to move to a new location, but she successfully raised funds to upfit the space for theater performances.
Creators and Guests
Host
Adam Cave
Marketing manager, writer, content and brand creator, graphic designer, and arts professional
Host
Melissa Wistehuff
Social Media and Community Engagement Manager for Midtown Magazine, freelance writer + social media manager
Producer
Joe Woolworth
Owner of Podcast Cary, the Studio Cary, and Relevant Media Solutions in Cary, NC Your friendly neighborhood creative.
