Lauren Gissentanna
RESUME
Mission Statement​
I aspire to change the way that society and the world perceive black youth, and particularly, black young women. As I little girl, I did not see many young women like myself; I saw who society told me that I should be. I want to be the strong role model that young black girls can look up to, if they so choose, not the woman that they should be forced into becoming. This, however, is not limited to one arena of performance and entertainment. As someone capable of directing, devising, playwriting, poetry, acting, stage managing, or singing, I plan to share my art with the world in any way possible.
Work​
Experience​
Senior Showcase
Spring 2019
As our final piece of work in Post Theatre Company, my class and I had the opportunity to showcase our acting and singing ability. We invited agents, managers, and our newfound peers in the industry. Based on the performance, we got notes and even callbacks!
Assistant Director of the People Of Color Cabaret
Spring 2019
In addition to being the assistant director, I was also the primary visionary for this project. I mobilized and worked with the vocalists in both technical and performative aspects.
Twice As Good: A Thesis
Spring 2019
As the amalgamation of research and personal experience, Twice As Good was the name of my undergraduate thesis performance at LIU Post. It also served as a workshop before we take it out to the rest of the world. I directed, wrote, and performed in it.
Lyricist and Assistant Director of Ubu Roi
Fall 2018
I had the chance to modify and vivify this Pre-Dadaist play. In collaboration with Post Theatre Company, Ubu Roi became a lovely piece of comedic theatre.
Lady Montague/Ensemble in Romeo and Juliet
Winter 2018
As a new member of The Long Island Theatre Collective, we developed a classic story and placed it in a modern world.
Spring Awakening
Fall 2017
As being the first rock musical that I was cast in, Spring gave me the chance to learn and evolve as a vocalist and actress.
Musical Theatre Cabarets
Fall 2016- Spring 2017
Over the course of this academic year, I had the pleasure of participating in three cabarets that preceded shows at the Tilles Center. Consisting of power-ballads like Come to Your Senses, and psychedelic songs like Aquarius, these cabarets were plenty of fun. Give me a mic and an accompanist and I feel right at home!
Masterclass with Jeanine Tesori
November 4, 2016
As nerve-wracking as it sounds, it was actually quite fun and informative! I was one of the four chosen to sing for the famous Broadway composer, Jeanine Tesori, and work with her in front of the entire company.
Gospel Vocalist/Devotional Leader
2015-Present
On Sundays, I have the honor of serving at my home church. Though not exactly a member of the clergy, I minister musically. I lead Praise and Worship prior to The Message.
Is This America?
June 2017
I had the chance to star in a brand new play this past summer. I stepped into the shoes of a young woman named Cassie Johnson who lived in Mississippi during Freedom Summer of '64. This role reminded me of how much we have progressed as a country. Cassie challenged me and changed my life.
Blindspot
March 2016
This was my first experience with television. I came in for two days to be extra for a show called Blindspot. Though I was an easily replaceable component of the process, this experienced opened up another area of work that I had not yet been acquainted with.
Education
Long Island University (Brookville, NY)
BFA in Acting- Musical Theatre
2015 - 2019
Here, I have pushed the academic envelope. I am in the Honors College, currently taking advanced electives outside of my major. In my major, I have crafted my love for acting, both in and outside of mainstream and commercial theatre. I have worked on many different methods of acting. Some of which include Stanislavsky, Chekhov, Tadashi Suzuki, Linklater, Shakespeare, and Uta Hagen. In addition to acting, I have discovered my love for stage management, directing, lighting, sound design, and dance.
Holy Trinity Diocesan High School (Hicksville, NY)
High school Diploma
2011 - 2015
In high school, I found my love for the theatre. My first performance was Curtains. I had the pleasure of being in a fairly large ensemble, where I made plenty of lasting relationships. I also had the chance to play the role of Dr. Bennett in Big Fish. On top of both of these educational and informative opportunities, I was fortunate enough to take on the role of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's Macbeth. In addition to these immense advantages, I discovered my academic capabilities. Because of these capabilities, I found myself in honors, college, and advanced placement courses despite insignificant high school setbacks.