Lifestyle People: Lauren Kurinskas

My first real “ah-ha” moment was a few years into my career, working on “In the Footprint: The Battle Over Atlantic Yard,” produced by The Civilians, a company that creates investigative theater. This production focused on Brooklyn’s largest development in its history by using interview transcripts from local residents and business owners. It was a powerful experience to help tell the story of a neighborhood affected by gentrification and eminent domain.
What kinds of shows do you prefer working on? New works vs. classics? Plays vs. musicals?
I enjoy working on any show with a strong story and high production value.
You earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in Design/Technology from the State University of New York College at Purchase. Why did you choose to concentrate in stage management?
Stage management requires balancing many different demands and needs in real time, while figuring out which ones take precedence. I chose stage management as my concentration since it is a position in the theater that heavily interacts with people and is constantly figuring out puzzles.
What do you love most about your job?
Working with a phenomenal team of people. They are all dedicated professionals and artists who strive to put true stories and beautiful art onstage.
What drives you nuts about it?
Production management crosses the bridge between the administrative staff, artists, and technicians. This requires me to be available office hours, nights, and weekends, which would make anyone a little nuts.

Why did you apply for a job at Two River? What attracted you to this nonprofit theater?
I was encouraged to apply by the woman who was leaving the position. We had previously worked together at McCarter Theater Center. I was interested in making the shift from stage management, which is more freelance-based, into production management, where you work for an organization, rather than each individual show/director.
You were an intern stage manager at McCarter Theatre in Princeton before becoming an associate production manager here. What’s next? What’s your ultimate goal?
I really feel like I’ve found a home in Red Bank and at Two River Theater in this role. We work to build and grow both the quality and diversity of the work we do here. Moving forward, I’d like to continue to affect positive change, nurture collaboration, and empower artists.
What advice would you offer to someone thinking about pursuing career in theater management?
Really think about the lifestyle you would like to have before you think about the job you would like to do. I am incredibly lucky to have found a position here at Two River that supports managing a balance between your work and your life. There are many other industries that pay better, have shorter hours, and use similar types of problem-solving and collaboration. You have to really love theater itself to commit to the industry.