We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Hensarling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
It was honestly Divine intervention. I have been involved in theatre since I was four, simply because my grandparents saw a talent in me that they thought was worth cultivating. I ended up majoring in musical theatre in college, but, even at a Baptist university, found myself surrounded by unbelievers. I was totally ill equipped to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those around me in a natural way. Thankfully, I was confident in what I believed and my faith was never shaken. Yet, as a Christian, the most loving thing I can do for an unbelieving cast mate is to share why I do this work: for the glory of the God who gave me the talents to do it! I do everything with excellence to the glory of the God who has totally transformed my heart, mind, and life. That is our desire: to train the next generation of theatrical professionals as masterful storytellers, so they can effectively tell made up stories on stage that point to the one big story they are confidently telling backstage!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre with a minor in Christian Studies from Ouachita Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Media Arts and Worship from Dallas Theological Seminary. I have worked as the elementary children’s minister at Northway Church for 4 years. It has not been an easy 4 years. It has included rolling off from a mega-church, building damage from a tornado, many cancelled staff retreats, many hard goodbyes, working other jobs or doing school at the same time, a global pandemic, and a Texas freeze! YET, God has been faithful through it all. Each challenge has been an opportunity to press in to my “for-such-a-time-as-this” calling and watch God move in unexpected ways. I have made friends that have become some of Bright Lights biggest advocates and made connections with families who are beyond excited to include their kids in programming. I have loved every minute of church work, but I am excited for the moment when God provides enough for Megan and I to pursue our passion for Bright Lights Theatre full time!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful for my grandparents who saw that original spark for the arts and paid to help cultivate that passion. I am also beyond grateful for the training I received at Ouachita Baptist University in theatre and theology, as well as at Dallas Theological Seminary! Lastly, I am grateful for the Lord’s provision in introducing me to my business partner. I never ever thought I would be running a business and I never wanted to make all those decisions on my own! Megan is a dear friend, equally as qualified, and compliments my personality so well! We love getting to do this together!

Website: www.brightlightstheatre.org

Instagram: @brightlightstheatretx

Facebook: @brightlightstheatretx

Youtube: Bright Lights Theatre

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