Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

Lauren McAuliffe Interview by Jen Bush

Egg Frame will be having its world premiere at the esteemed American Theatre of Actors.  The play is a surreal dramedy about a locksmith struggling to open a mysterious door while dealing with his wife’s early onset dementia.  We had the wonderful opportunity to chat with the director of this enticing production, Lauren McAuliffe.

Creating art and working with other talented people is very fulfilling for Ms. McAuliffe.  “Something that’s important to me is the joy of creation. The joy produced through collaboration, even during a project with heavy topics, or in portraying a villain, is directly conveyed in performance. The energy transfer from artist to artist and artist to consumer is palpable and the reason for creating anything. Keeping this idea at the forefront keeps me grounded as an artist, and I find it spawns the best results!” 

In Egg Frame real topics are presented in a very surreal manner.  We wondered how this juxtaposition worked out for the production. “Real-life topic allows the actor and the audience to experience these issues in a very raw and almost more human way.” 

There is a lot of emotion packed into this compelling production.  “Anybody who has experienced a form of loss should come see this sad yet silly (you’ll laugh, don’t worry!) play about how to carry on.”

Ms. McAuliffe has a meticulous creative process which serves her well.  “When directing, I do tend to spend a lot of time planning in pre-production. When I get a script, I will read it incessantly. Once I have a good understanding of the story, I will read the script once a day and document new discoveries in a notebook with the date. I go into rehearsal with a clear vision of the story and how it will be told, of the parallels drawn between characters, and a mental visual of the stage picture of each moment. Most importantly, I leave space for actors to change my mind with what they bring to the table, and I encourage them to do so.”

The goal for this new piece is for it to be performed, keep being performed and possibly evolve.  “I have been focusing on the “now”, on creating the best possible foundation for this new play that deserves to be seen and heard. If we do it right, the story will get to live on and take new forms that we couldn’t even imagine at this point in time.” 

After Egg Frame, Ms. McAuliffe definitely does not have all her eggs in one basket with all the diverse projects she has coming up.  “I have quite a bit of technical work lined up; carpentry, LX work, and stage managing. It’s important to me to “stay in the room” and continue to learn until the next grand endeavor arrives. I just love being a part of it all, wherever I land. There is definitely a creative future with the brilliant members of the Egg Frame team, who I feel so privileged to share this experience with.”

Don’t walk on eggshells!  Get your tickets to Egg Frame

American Theatre of Actors
314 W. 54th St. New York City

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT: September 1 – 10