BWW JR: Broadway Moms Part IV: Lauren Kennedy

Lauren Kennedy: Timing is Everything

While Actress and Super Mom Lauren Kennedy does her part to always see the silver lining in any situation, it does seem as though the stars tend to align for this Broadway veteran. After doing plenty of long running Broadway shows (Les Mis, Sunset Boulevard and Side Show, to name a few), Parenthood struck at a convenient career moment. I wanted to find out how Lauren makes it all come together so smoothly.

"I found out I was pregnant on opening night of South Pacific at the Muny...it's always that thing where you're so happy but you worry, ‘Is this the right time?' But I had another gig I'd lined up....mostly just singing.....I had just released my album. It was good timing!"

So Lauren and her husband, actor Alan Campbell, decided to both continue full speed with their careers with baby in tow and to let fate unfold. At first it wasn't easy. When their daughter Riley was just ten days old, Lauren had to fly out to LA for a callback.

"It was just 24 hours, but it was hard....I was still breastfeeding and I was exhausted....it was kind of horrible."

Exhaustion must become her because Lauren booked the job and ended up going to LA to star in The Ten Commandments .

"Alan and I went out to LA for that show when Riley was just three months old, and that's what we've been doing ever since. Whoever gets a job, we go. So far it's just worked out that when one is working, the other usually isn't. Whenever there's any crossover, my mom comes and stays with us to help out."

I found it hard to believe that the talented couple has always been blessed with such perfect timing. Especially now that their daughter is seven and in school and not free to be a tour baby any more.

"I've certainly had to put some parameters on myself so there are a lot of auditions that I don't go on. Tour, regional, something that will be out of town for a very long time...So far those are missed opportunities but those are the choices you make when you have a family," Lauren explains. "But I've been consistently busy so it's been OK."

That's putting it mildly. Since becoming a mom seven years ago, Lauren has starred in Broadway's Spamalot, originated roles in Off-Broadway shows like Vanities and The Good Old Girls and maintained a dynamic concert performing career.

"My daughter is getting to the age where it's a little bit easier," Lauren says, "She understands that there are times when Daddy or Mommy are gone....Once in a while she'll have a ‘you never put me to bed anymore' moment, but she's used to it. This is her reality. She really understands what we do. We're with her more than parents who work nine to five."

But Lauren admits having once had a tough time trying to do eight Broadway shows a week with a baby at home.

"I was doing Spamalot and I was barely keeping my head above water. I really didn't know if I could do it any more. We were living out of town, Riley was a baby, it was such an amazing experience but at the same time she was very needy, waking at 5:45 am, needing me to play with her non-stop....parenting was high-maintenance at that time. Plus the commute!"

That was the tipping point where Lauren and her husband decided they'd have to move back to New York City. "That hour and a half commute thinking, ‘I could be with the baby. I could be more relaxed and not have to feel so guilty.' We made the move and our life has changed tremendously."

Not only has the juggle become a little less frantic by relocating and the simple passage of time, but Lauren has taken on a new role: Artistic Director and Producer of a North Carolina summer theatre called "Hot Summer Nights At the Kennedy Center".

"Being a producer is really conducive to being a a parent. I can do it from home or when she's not looking. It's probably the direction Im headed in. I can see myself wanting to have more hands on creative stuff to work on."

Lauren makes it all work by producing during the summer and performing during the school year.

"My daughter can come with me because we have family there and a support system. My husband and I both love producing and we both love creating and developing new stuff."

It sounded to me like this powerhouse Broadway mom had it all together, but Lauren helped me put it all into perspective by reminding me that timing is everything.

"I try to take it day by day. There's a certain structure to the school day...when you get up, when you pick her up from school...but I'm still doing a lot of the producing stuff piece meal while she's on a playdate or at night. I try my best to keep my days free to be with her."

This reminded me of myself, but the difference is that I never seem to have enough time in the day to accomplish anything!

"The caveat for me is that I have one kid, which makes my life so much easier," Lauren reminded me. "I don't know how people do it with two or more. It's a lot."

As a mother of two that was certainly comforting to hear, but it still seemed incredible to me that any mom could maintain a full-time performing schedule while being a dedicated, full-time parent AND a producing artistic director! Lauren says it's all in the attitude.

"I tend to be the person who tries to see the silver lining in everything. It's not always perfect. During Spamalot, I came to the conclusion that some nights you crack on Broadway. Some nights you don't sing as well. I was tired a lot. That's the way it is. It's live theatre. You're a human being!"

Most importantly, by being a hard working mom, Lauren is being a good model for her daughter.

"Riley loves it. She really takes pride in the fact that I'm a singer and I work and I go off and do my thing. She's glad that she has a mom who's working."

Clearly, Lauren manages to handle the juggle with ease and welcomes the challenges that parenting while performing can present. She also wanted me to mention that she gives major props to all the moms out there who are making it work in any career.

"In the end, the balance is what keeps me sane." she explains. "So much of what makes me a happy mom is that I am still working. I know that if I wasn't working I wouldn't be as happy. I know that about myself. I take that on."

Finally, something I can completely relate to!

"I have these little talks with myself," she admits "You're tired, you're over worked, but this is what you need so buck up and do it!"

To learn more about Lauren visit her website: www.LaurenKennedy.com