Meet Lauren McCann | Actor, Mother, Filmmaker, Writer, Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren McCann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I am constantly balancing .. or juggling a number of things. My two kids and their schedules, keeping my family home running, writing the feature to my 1st short Girl Boxer (www.girlboxermovie.com), promoting my 2nd short Ms. Pink (www.mspinkpilot.com) which is just starting its festival rounds, auditioning, taking classes and training for marathons…. whew! Coffee helps!

I know people say you can’t truly multi-task but I do. I go over lines for auditions while making birthday cakes and putting away laundry. I think about script plots while I am running and I film most of my auditions at night when the kids are in bed.

It takes a village. I don’t pretend to do it myself. Without the support of my husband, actor friends who have become loved and trusted babysitters, and the understanding of my children I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. I think of my life in matters of units. I have my list for the day of what needs to be done and I need to slot those things into my units. If you are able to break everything down into manageable chunks, it is easier to balance than big bold tasks.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have learned to simply show up as myself. I have learned to stop taking things personally. When a role does not go my way, it is not against “me”… It was just not a role for me. I often see who gets cast after I audition for roles and it is often an actor who has no resemblance to me. I am not able to change my body type or my aura… those are some things that set me apart (I have a natural white streak in my hair due to vitiligo and I can’t change that). I have learned to simply step up to every opportunity in all my power and with all the work and experience that I have behind me. My aim is to enjoy, have fun and stay creative. At the end of it, if I am not enjoying the madness of it all, why am I continuing to show up?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am obsessed with thrift shopping and one of my favorite place to spend hours is the Goodwill at 7919 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048. My ideal day would revolve around this place!

I would start with a breakfast of pancakes at Du-par’s (6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036) and an explorations of the Original Farmers Market with a second coffee stop at Coffee Corner.

After a good few hours of thrifting I would want some fresh food in my stomach and head to Noree Thai on Beverly where everything is authentic and freshly made. Order anything – its good!!! : 7669 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

We would then make our way to the Los Angles County Museum of Art where they always have a great series of exhibits that are not too large that they are overwhelming- just big enough to take it all in! It could. a jazz night there where would be able to bring out own drinks and enjoy some live music.

Maybe another thrift stop at Helping Hands Thrift shop: 1033 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019

For dinner I would head to Fanny’s for a treat :6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

I would end the night at Lucy Tiki for some great cocktails and fun kitsch :8512 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My LA based manger Jane Henriken deserves so much credit. She was willing to take on a new actor without official credits, who also had two young children onto her roster. Jane is also a mother and we bonded over this. She runs her own company serving her clients with love and attention and manages still to parent a late teen! I have had so many unbelievable opportunities thanks to Jane. In this business we all need our ride or die in the industry and I am extremely fortunate to have her.

Website: https://www.lauren-mccann.com

Instagram: laurenmccannofficial

Other: www.girlboxermovie.com
www.mspinkpilot.com

Image Credits
1: SAG strike: Gilbert Carrasquillo for Getty Images
2: Directing Ms. Pink : Lea Pfandler
3: onset : Haley Lynn Bowland
4 : Chelsea Film festival with my daughter
5: Film “An Angry Boy” Andrew Fitzgerald
6: Pink: Charles Chessler
7: Tribeca Film Festival with Jennifer Merin : Arturo Holmes
8: Ms Pink poster by Pavel Shatu