Storytelling With A Purpose

Lauren Du Pree is an accomplished multi-hyphenate creative who doesn’t limit her artistic expression. After studying musical theatre at Howard University, Du Pree performed at theatres such as The Kennedy Center, 5th Avenue Theatre, and Ford’s Theatre until her failing health revealed how she had been dimming her light to fit into an industry that wasn't created with her in mind. These issues felt like obstacles to her purpose, but refocusing revealed her greatest strength was her biggest perceived weakness. She began sharing her journey through her blog and writing the stories she wasn't seeing on stage and in film. The lessons we learn during life's challenges equip us to help others; that’s the purpose of her work. Art should make us feel a little more seen and a little less alone. Most importantly, it is a tool for positive change.

Lauren is an original cast member of the PBS television show Biz Kid$, appears on the Hulu series Shrill, and in the feature film East of the Mountains. Her Carmen with a K series and Untitled: An exploration of the life I thought I wanted were official selections for the Sovereign Film Festival 2020 and the Seattle Black Film Festival 2023. She is a 4Culture Arts Projects Grant recipient, an invited resident for Village Theatre’s inaugural BIPOC Residency Program, an Artist Trust Grants for Artists’ Progress Award Recipient, Northwest Film Forum Collective Power Fund recipient, Share Fund recipient, and has been a resident at the Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals and Centrum Residencies.