Barnie Feature: Meet Lauren Graham
Here at the Barn Theatre, we take pride in being home to many incredible actors and singers, many of whom move on to star on TV shows, and in movies. Not to mention those who go on behind the scenes as stagehands, producers, choreographers and more. This time around, we’re excited to highlight our beloved Barnie, Lauren Graham!
In her two seasons with the Barn Theatre, Lauren took part in several shows including BRIGADOON, 42nd STREET, OKLAHOMA!, THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, and SOME ENCHANTED EVENING.
Lauren began honing her acting skills in high school. She graduated in 1984 and after a couple of years, she made her way to us at the Barn, earning her Equity Card in 1988 after two summer seasons with us. You probably know Lauren for her Golden Globe-nominated role as Lorelai on Gilmore Girls or as Sarah Braverman in Parenthood, but we know a few other things that you may not!
Lauren learned how to tap dance here at the Barn for the production of 42nd St. in 1987!
Penelope Ragotzy recalls when Lauren sang “The Trolley Song” from the show MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS in the bar show as one of her fondest memories, saying “she sounded amazing.”
And our favorite behind the scenes story about Lauren Graham.
As an apprentice, each of them has a small job to do at the end of each day to prepare the theater for patrons. At one point in the summer, as instructed by Betty Ragotzy, Lauren rewrote the clean-up manual. It was FULL of laugh-out-loud, hilarious insights, some of which have remained in the manual, even though it’s been rewritten since then.
Lauren was also featured in the Barn Theatre Documentary, where she talked about her experiences in Augusta and being a Barnie. We invite you to watch a few scenes here!
We are absolutely thrilled to have played a part in Lauren’s success and wish her the best in all of her future endeavors! As you can see, we mean it when we say Barnies for Life. It’s where many actors get their start, and we love it when they go on to bigger things. We love it even more when they come back to visit us when they can.
Take a look at some of our other Famous Barnies. These are just a few. We look forward to sharing more of their stories with you. And, if you’ve seen them on our stage, share a memory or two with us in the comments below.
As you may know, the Barn Theatre is a Professional Equity Theatre, or a school where apprentice actors earn their Professional Equity Membership. Your support through attendance and donations help us continue this legacy in providing a place for actors and singers to grow. Thank you for your support!
