Lauren Stephens

Lauren works as AMGT's Marketing and Outreach Graduate Assistant and holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Texas Christian University. She is currently pursuing an MA in Arts Management at Mason. Lauren recently completed an internship with Transform 1012, a nonprofit organization in Fort Worth, Texas with a mission of reparative justice, working to transform a former Ku Klux Klan auditorium into the Fred Rouse Center for Arts and Community Healing. Her previous professional experience includes working for three years as an Assistant Percussion Director and Private Lesson Teacher in Aledo Independent School District in Aledo, TX. In her position she maintained a private studio of 40+ students while working with the percussion students in the marching and concert ensembles.

What's your program and year of study? 

I'm in my third semester as an Arts Management MA student and am set to graduate in the Spring of 2024.

Hometown?

Dickson, TN and Hernando, MS, but I currently live in Fort Worth, TX.

Why did you choose Mason for your graduate studies? 

I chose Mason in part because of the accomplished faculty and staff, and the possibility to study abroad. The majority online model of the program has also allowed me to remain in Fort Worth instead of relocating. I was also aware of the potential to study abroad in Ireland, which I did this summer! You can read more about my study abroad experience with AMGT here.

What has been your favorite class or project so far?

My favorite class so far was Programming and Project Management taught by adjunct professor Josh Kohn. The class was structured with a scaffolded project broken into parts throughout the semester, building up to the final. Between the project, the lectures, and the guest speakers, I felt like it was the course with the most direct real-world application. Although the project was fictional, I was able to take what I learned and apply it directly to my internship, where I was able to program and plan a three-event series that was very successful!

What is your favorite arts activity?

Seeing musicals! I have had a love for Broadway for a long time, and that is partly why I decided to pursue arts management. I have held season tickets at Broadway Dallas for several years and my husband and I took a trip to New York City where we saw six shows in two and a half days! And even that wasn't enough, as we are planning our next trip right now.