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StateraArts members come from all over the USA and all genres of art-making. They are educators, arts leaders, activists, content-creators, professional artists, early career, mid-career, patrons, and community organizers. The Statera Member Spotlight is just one way StateraArts uplifts and amplifies the voices of our members. Today, we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Hance.
StateraArts: What is your occupation or calling in the arts?
Lauren Hance: I am primarily a playwright. But I also direct, act, and produce. I feel called to promote stories that stir the heart, struggle with the human condition, and offer glimmers of hope and beauty.
SA: What inspires your work most?
LH: What I currently see going on around me. My own personal struggles, and the struggles of those I know and love.
SA: What organizations are you affiliated with?
LH: I am a member of the Dramatist Guild of America, ComedySportz Houston, and CITA (Christians in Theatre Arts)
SA: Why did you become a STATERA member?
LH: I loved being a part of the local STATERA chapter in Houston and I wanted to connect with other incredible women and non-binary artists in theatre. Support and networking are huge benefits. Additionally, my career in the arts slowed down when I had children, and I am just now getting “back in.” I find this challenging because my resume does not look as impressive as others, and I appreciate the support I am finding from other women in a similar situation.
SA: Tell us about one of your favorite projects.
LH: Usually my favorite project is the last one I worked on! Last August I worked on an experimental and immersive piece centered around loss. The cast was lovely. I had never been involved in this type of theatre and it was incredible. I am eager to create a few of my own immersive pieces.
SA: What do you love most about your artistic community?
One of the biggest communities I am involved with in Houston is ComedySportz. I have an incredible boss who works hard to ensure a safe and equitable environment for women and non-binary players. The team is encouraging and is always pushing each other to be better improvisers. Additionally, the atmosphere is defined by “got your back,” and I know I can count on my teammates during every performance.
SA: When did you feel most supported or championed by the women in your life?
LH: There was a season of my life that I was addressing some pretty dark inclinations I had and there was a team of seven women who prayed for me for three months. Each woman had a day to pray for me and I prayed for them. It really helped me to know that as I was struggling they were thinking about me and struggling with me.
SA: Any upcoming projects you'd like to share with us?
LH: I am working on a 4-part series on theatre and theology called The Kintsugi Series. It looks at the process of brokenness to restoration and how theatre artists play a role in the process. I have some incredible artists and theologians lined up to delve into these topics. The series will be available through CITA.
SA: Tell us about another woman or non-binary artist who inspires your work.
LH: Some of my favorite writers are Diablo Cody and Lauren Gunderson.
SA: What does gender parity in the arts look like to you?
LH: As far as gender parity goes I see a ton of women working in the arts. In Houston there a quite a few incredible women at the helm of theatres and in staff roles. There could be more, but it is growing. We need more female playwrights to write more plays that have more female characters and deal with women’s issues. The theatre is saturated with female artists and more saturated with male roles, so that stinks. I have been incredibly blessed to work with some amazing people. Maybe I’m a bit Pollyanna, but I can’t recall a time I felt less than because of my gender in the theatre. I recognize I am probably an anomaly. My heart aches for those who have not had this experience, or have had even one bad experience. I think for the most part, people want to work with great people, and our society is becoming much more inclusive, so that helps.
SA: Mentorship is at the core of the STATERA mission. Tell us about one of your mentors. How did they shape you or provide pathways for opportunity?
LH: I was so thankful for my STATERA mentor Jenny Lavery of Theatre En Bloc in Austin, TX. She was so kind and patient with me and gave me some great advice on better ways to submit my plays so they will be noticed by Artistic Directors. As we just finished our mentoring term, I am excited to begin applying her wisdom and advice to my work.
About LAUREN
Lauren Hance is a playwright, producer, director, and performer. Her plays have been produced across the country, and she has worked Southern Rep Theatre in New Orleans in the 6x6 Playwriting Program. Lauren is the Director of Theatre & Theology for CITA, the founder of Out of Mind Productions, and an improviser with ComedySprotz Houston. She holds a BFA in Directing from Abilene Christian University, and is completing her MAT in Theology, Arts, and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. She resides in Houston, TX with her husband and two daughters.