Meet Lauren Routledge | Performer & Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Routledge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, why did you pursue a creative career?
My whole career can be sifted down to one moment of personal clarity: at the age of seven, I stepped onto the stage for the first time with a giant lollipop held in front of my face as a Wonka Kid in Willy Wonka Jr… This may not sound significant, but from that very moment forward, I knew I would be pursuing musical theatre for the rest of my life. Propelling from that moment, I have now performed professionally across the United States in various means. Each opportunity opens my eyes to the possibilities that surround us and the reality of hard work. There is something about live theatre that seems almost more genuine than real life. Every part or character that is played bring moments that derive from real experience or emotion one may have even forgotten they had. Theatre is a daunting pursuit because it demands that you as an actor are transparent with anyone willing to pay attention. I think this is beautiful. I love that each flaw while live performing can be transformed into a choice or new discovery about how one might respond. Pursuing my passion has been a bundle of late-night memorizing, collaborating with new friends, and widening my knowledge of the art; I could never give it up. To be frank, it has never been a question as to what I wanted to pursue as a career, but rather how I would get there. Performing is my passion; there is no place that makes me feel more myself than on the stage surrounded by other like minded, creative individuals. God has given me a gift and I strive to steward that gift to the best of my ability every day I have the privilege of doing so through whatever platform He opens for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The creative community is like a bouquet. Without variety of flowers, there is no depth or color worth placing on your kitchen table. We need each other to create something exceptionally beautiful. My journey into acting was not so much the standard, but then again, that makes my flower bud all the more beautiful. I grew up on a farm in a small town with very little to no theatre opportunities aside from a local community theatre 30 minutes from my house. I traded dozens of eggs for voice lessons and made it a point to perform at any means possible. I spent my summers pursuing acting endeavors at Interlochen Fine, Blue Lake Fine Arts, Wharton Take it from the Top, etc.. I was the first student from my High School to ever pursue and receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts. I had the opportunity to tour vocally with the Voices of Mobile and after my time on the road came to a close, I knew I would just keep pursuing the passion. Somedays, I find myself considering the realities of a career in acting. In many cases, actors are not paid very well, are constantly rejected, and are lonely. I choose to pursue acting everyday, not for the security, but because the journey is worth it. I think about the Robert Frost poem “The Road Less Traveled,” everyday, I am faced with a decision. Will I turn right, left, or continue on. Frost says that taking the road less traveled made all the difference. In my life, I like to say I am still walking the road less traveled. Everyday is another step further down the road to my future and I believe each step will make a difference in who I am today and who I will become as both a performer and woman. I’ve learned and continue to relearn that rejection is not the end of a road, but rather a redirection. Be willing to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have had the privilege to live in many places throughout the US on my creative career pursuit. Tennessee is for many, a dream state complete with all four seasons. I love having the opportunity to show friends and family around what I have come to consider home. As a staple of Tennessee, a visitor will always get the chance to ride a mountain coaster, take in the beauty of the mountains, and take full advantage of the tourism must-do’s. My personal favorite mountain coaster is Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, and I find it hard to believe anyone would disagree with me. There is no doubt Tennessee has nothing but mastered southern comfort food. However, the staple restaurant for most of my current cast is Cancun Mexican Restaurant. There is simply no better place to be a regular. For those in need of a good burger, Graze has you covered. As a coffee drinker myself, the most important thing to know is where to get the best cup of joe: simple, Honey Bee Coffee. If you’re still hungry for a nice dinner after coffee, walk around the building and find yourself at Seasons 101..I’ve never left disappointed.
Between all the dining, I tend to take my guests to the Island for shopping and basically anything else you can imagine, as well as the Titanic museum or on another walk by the river. There is so much entertainment in the area, it would be impossible to run out of things to do or see. My favorite theatres in Pigeon forge would have to be the Biblical Times Dinner Theatre (I may be biased), Country Tonight, and practically any show at Dollywood. While I haven’t been to every show yet, I know there is still so much for me to see and I cannot wait to immerse myself there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Representing myself through a few questions seems impossible. Capturing the community, people, education and experiences that have molded and guided my steps thus far would take volumes. As Mary Poppins said, “When trying to express oneself it’s frankly quite absurd to leaf through lengthy lexicons to find the perfect word…supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” I am forever grateful to my Creator, family and expansive support system, including the teachers/directors who invested and believed in my dreams from the start. I’d be nowhere near the woman or performer I am today without those that helped shape me.

Instagram: lauren.routledge

Other: Contact me @ [email protected]
or on Instagram: Lauren.Routledge

https://youtu.be/IwyLluP7bIg

Image Credits
Sara Michal
Dylan Eddy
University of Mobile Production photographer