Lauren Elysse Is...

Whether singing, acting, or performing spoken word, Lauren Elysse is a consummate professional. The mezzo-soprano cut her acting chops at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where she majored in Theater and Africana Studies. While studying at UT, She performed in various plays at the Clarence Brown Theatre and had the priceless experience of being an intern and company member of the Carpetbag Theatre.Upon graduation she would tour with the Walnut Street Theatre Outreach Company as a Dorothy Haas Acting Apprentice at the Walnut, where she played numerous roles that allowed her to advance her skills. During this time Lauren would also develop her signature style on the slam poetry circuit garnering a reputation as "the red head who could sang" and becoming an award-winning slam poet. This culmination of vocal power and talent would give Lauren Elysse an opportunity to sing lead on the track, Dance With Me, with nationally acclaimed hip-hop collective,The Theorizt, on their debut album Samurai Love Songs.

Yearning to break into the larger theatrical scene, Lauren landed a coveted apprenticeship with the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia, PA. While there she performed during the day, taught classes at night, and made herself a theatrical fixture in the Philadelphia arts scene. Her hard work paid off and at the end of her apprenticeship she would be asked to be a part of the Acting Company with the Weathervane Theater in New Hampshire where she would play Gary Coleman in Avenue Q among other roles. Recently, she signed on to peform with TheaterWorks USA for their latest production: Freedom Train.

Lauren currently resides in Philadelphia, PA and enjoys volleyball, cooking, and tennis. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and enjoys giving back to her community.