Happy #FrontRowFriday to you all, and happy snow week! Today we are circling back with an Encore alum that we interviewed in 2020, Lauren Maho. Lauren did a little bit of everything in her time at Encore, and she is doing some awesome things these days, so keep reading to catch up with her!
Briefly reintroduce yourself to us. How were you involved with Encore?
My name is Lauren Maho (she/her) and I worked with Encore in several capacities. I started out as a camper at Stage Door, then became a counselor at Scenes for Tweens and Stage Door. I also have acted and worked backstage in a few seasonal productions.
What was your favorite role or experience at Encore?
I would say my favorite experience was coming back to Stage Door year after year. Specifically, singing Ariel in The Little Mermaid Jr in 2016 was my turning point and I began to consider singing and acting as a career.
What skill or word of wisdom did you take away from working with Encore?
One summer at Stage Door, I remember hearing that casting a production is like putting together puzzle pieces. When entering a creative space (or any space, really), your abilities have to fit together with the other people in the room to create a vision. It has really helped when dealing with rejection or not getting the results I hoped for.
Where are you now and what are you up to?
I am currently a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University earning my B.M. in Vocal Performance. At the time when I am writing this, I have finished applying to graduate school to pursue opera performance and am waiting for my results!
We love highlighting Encore friendships, is there anyone you keep in contact with from your days at Encore?
I think the lasting friendships you make in theater are a huge reason I kept coming back to Encore. I had a reunion dinner last week with my friends Matthew Bloss-Baum, Jane Gerrard, Ella McHugh, and Kiernan Almand – most of whom I met doing The Little Mermaid Jr!
What is one way your theater experience has helped you offstage?
Going back to those words of wisdom, I have carried that “life is a puzzle piece” sentiment outside of theater. I think that idea has helped me be able to zoom out and see the bigger picture in rehearsal settings, as well as on a day-to-day basis.
What’s your favorite play or musical as an audience member?
I think my all-time favorite musical is Into The Woods. I love singing in the show, but I love seeing different interpretations of the score, costumes, and set design.
This Encore season is about courage — what courageous experiences and lessons can we learn in the arts?
I have been told time and time again in music school that the more you perform and put yourself out there, the easier and less nerve-wracking it becomes. I have become very comfortable on stage as I have been in several productions throughout my time at Encore and VCU. I also think of the stage as a safe space, since there are no mirrors or ways to receive immediate feedback (besides the audience). That mindset has made it easier to take risks and be courageous.
Lastly — we’re having an Encore alumni reunion in July at Footloose, will you be there!? Or can you share a message from you to share at the event?
It’s on my calendar, but here’s a message if I cannot be there: My time at Encore was the catalyst for being a performer, but it also gave me valuable life skills and lifelong friends. Do not underestimate the power of the arts, especially on young people, whether or not they enter performance careers.
Many thanks to Lauren Maho for catching up with us during this busy time of year! We look forward to seeing where you go next, and we wish you luck on your graduate school journey!
Photos by McNair Evans, Nick Seitz, and Aileen Christian. Blog contribution by Parker Nelson.