Meet Tour 72: Melanie A. Lawrence

Name and pronouns? Where are you from/currently residing?

Melanie A. Lawrence she/her/hers/ DC Native currently living in Olney, MD.

What drew you to theatre?

I’ve always loved TV, movies, and storytelling.  Being an only child, I made up characters to play with often. The costumes initially drew me to theatre at a very young age. When I saw my first stage plays, I always wanted to be up there with them. My world of theatre opened even more, the more Black actors and stories of color I saw and read as I grew up. I came to love the community and collaboration that grows from putting a final production together.

What drew you to National Players?

The casting call for A Raisin in the Sun immediately caught my eye, and the fact that they were looking for an (almost) all Black cast. I’d just finished a job being a community engagement coordinator, so when I learned of the education portion of NP, I got excited at the thought of bringing Black theatre into Black communities! I also spoke to a few NP Alum I knew and figured it would be a great fit for me.

What are you most looking forward to on the tour?

I’m looking forward to the Olympic tour of shows that will get to test my stamina and overall skill set. I’m also looking forward to seeing so many parts of the country I would otherwise probably not think to visit.  For a bonus, I get to thrift across America!

What do you hope to do after the tour?

I plan to attend the School at Steppenwolf in Chicago during Summer 2022! I’m so excited about seeing what living in Chicago will be like, while continuing my training.

What’s something you want people to know about you?

I love traveling, eating great food, cocktail bars, concerts, and spending time with family and friends. I’m a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.