Welcome, I’m Kirsten Laurel
Theatre Artist - Actor/Director. Educator.
Social Justice Facilitator.
Living up to my Laurels means aligning theatre making and education with my anti-racism practice. Rather than rest on my laurels or my privileges, I vow to move in community and partnership towards a more free and just society.
The theatre arts lovingly offers models for justice, liberation, catharsis, and community. I am a stronger theatre actor and director using the principles of JEDI: justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. I am a more loving social justice facilitator using theatre ensemble skills towards community building.
“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”
- Andy Warhol
We need creative output.
As adults, the expressive arts help our bodies process our emotions, recalibrate our nervous systems and bring more joy in our life.
We are living in the midst of a Technology Revolution. On one hand, it is exciting how technology is changing our lives, helping us connect and access information. And, our lives are often unbalanced with all the input.
We need creative output!
The expressive arts help our bodies process all the information, emotion, and recalibrate our nervous systems. When we enjoy the expressive arts in community, we experience the joy and healing of connection.
It is my mission in life to help people reclaim their birthright to express themselves, just for the sheer joy of it.
It is every BODY’s birthright!
Ways To Work Together
In all of my services, I offer individual, customized coaching and workshops designed to meet you where you are in your creative development and financial capacity. I offer sliding scales and monetary possibilities.
How can I serve you and your creative projects?
How can I partner with you or your organization towards greater well being, creativity and success?
Theatre Artist
Actor. Director. Playwright. Solo Performer. Guest Artist. Producer. Event Coordinator. How can I support you in your creative expression? Workshop? Coaching? Rehearsal? Or a full production? I am available for hire for projects big and small, with groups, or one on one.
Educator
I am currently an adjunct faculty member at Mount Saint Mary’s University working in their Education department to support prospective teachers on how dance and theater can be incorporated in the classroom to create community and equity. I have taught in private schools and as a guest in public schools. I have worked as a school administrator K-12 as a department chair for the Performing Arts ( music, dance, theatre) and mentored artist educators. I have served as a DEI coordinator, collaborating with a team of DEI leaders to create a curriculum for students and professional development opportunities for faculty, staff, parents and curious adults. I have also collaborated with leaders in other fields- both in the medical and legal fields who benefit from creating scenarios to deepen preparation for real-life scenarios.
Social Justice Facilitator
I am a volunteer facilitator for AWARE-LA “Alliance of White Anti-Racists Everywhere”. Maya Angelo says, “ When you know better, you do better.” White anti-racist affinity work is a supplement, not a replacement for multi-cultural dialogue. People of color are the leaders of anti-racism education. My personal stake in this movement is a commitment to my own healing. The AWARE-LA and SURJ offers anti-racist practices, accountability, education, and support to personal and systemic change.
For more information, or to attend a Saturday Dialogue visit https://www.awarela.org/
History Artist
I am passionate about history. I relish excavating untold historical events and amplifying marginalized voices. Our personal narratives, monologues, and stories are steeped in a historical context we often cannot even comprehend in the moment. How our culture shapes us in real time can be a bit mysterious. Are you a history teacher looking to create projects to make history come alive in the classroom? Have you considered how your own life story is valuable? I know for certain, all our stories are powerful and beautiful gifts we can leave for the next generation.
What People Are Saying…
“Kirsten is a wonderful teacher.
She created a safe space to play, learn and grow, and she did a fabulous job explaining and leading participants through each exercise. I would recommend her to anyone on their own journey of self-discovery and healing.“
- Becky Birdsong, Actress, Fundraiser
“Kirsten Laurel is the kind of director you want on your team.
Are you doing a show that seeks to actually change the world? Kirsten is your gal. She listens, she intuits deeply, and she has excellent theatrical instincts.”
- Eleanor O’Brien, Solo theatre performer, producer
“Kirsten is a critical thinker, an empathetic facilitator, and a dynamic performer.
She exudes positivity. It is a pleasure to collaborate with her.”
— Dr. Shelly Tochluk, educator and author of Being White Today, a Roadmap for a Positive Antiracist Life
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we'll ever do.”
- Brené Brown
I Would Love To Hear From You!
You can reach me at kirsten@klaurel.com or click the button below and I will get back to you within 48 hours to set up a time to talk.
