NEW LONDON – Courtney Lauster, a 24-year-old native of New London, found her passion for stage performance nurtured during her time at Kearsarge Schools. Stepping onto the grand stage of the 2,800-seat Paramount Theatre in Seattle, she conquered her stage fright with the confidence instilled by her education.
Now residing in New York City, this Kearsarge alumna has emerged as a promising stage artist, gracing productions like “Grease,” “Beehive,” and “Catch Me If You Can.”
Recently, Lauster concluded a two-year tour with “Hadestown,” a musical masterpiece delving into the ancient Greek tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. In this production, she understudies the character of Eurydice, a young woman trapped in a bleak industrial rendition of the Greek underworld while her lover, Orpheus, endeavors to rescue her.
Reflecting on her journey from the serene White Mountains of New Hampshire to the bustling streets of New York City, Lauster shared insights with Abby Peel, the Social Media Manager of Kearsarge Regional School District.
During her formative years at Kearsarge, Lauster honed her artistic skills by participating in the school band and starring in various plays like “White Christmas,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” and “9 to 5.” Her passion for theater extended beyond the school walls, with performances at the Palace Theater in Manchester.
Maintaining composure both on stage and in life, Lauster credits her ability to balance work and personal life—a skill she honed while managing academic and theatrical responsibilities at Kearsarge.
Looking ahead, Lauster plans to embrace a semblance of normalcy, focusing on auditions, exploring modeling opportunities, and establishing roots in New York City. She eagerly anticipates settling into her own space, welcoming a feline companion, and relishing the stability of residing in one city for an extended period.
Winfried Feneberg, Superintendent of Kearsarge Schools, echoes Lauster’s sentiments on the significance of work-life equilibrium. Emphasizing the school’s holistic approach towards education, Feneberg underscores the teaching of essential life skills such as resilience, adaptability, and creativity.
Despite her newfound success, Lauster remains deeply connected to her roots at Kearsarge. She fondly recalls a heartwarming gesture orchestrated by her former drama teacher, Sandra Nelson, who organized a special field trip for students and faculty to attend one of Lauster’s shows in Hartford. The overwhelming support from her alma mater fills Lauster with gratitude, underscoring the profound impact of her upbringing in New Hampshire.
Kearsarge Schools continues to champion arts education through its STEAM Academy, offering a diverse range of artistic disciplines encompassing studio art, music, culinary arts, industrial design, performing arts, and digital graphics.