Lauren Sanford
Henderson,NV
Summary
Professional dance artist with a proven track record of crafting memorable and impactful performances. Skilled in developing choreography that aligns with artistic vision and enhances storytelling. Reliable team player who adapts to changing rehearsal needs and consistently strives for excellence in every performance.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Choreographer
Columbia College Chicago, Legacy Traditional School Southwest and Doral Academy
01.2002 - Current
- Created and founded step teams in college and at my place of work.
- Created and taught choreography to young children for productions while being an assistant director.
- Created and taught choreography for church events and performances.
- Consulted on costume design to enhance overall visual impact and reinforce thematic elements of performances.
- Designed customized rehearsal schedules to optimize dancer productivity and ensure timely show preparations.
- Created variety of original dance routines for different classes according to skill level and performance plans.
- Encouraged diverse and unique dance students at every skill level through positive reinforcement and good sportsmanship.
- Implemented creative and challenging choreography to push students to next level.
- Worked to create strong professional relationships with family members and gym members to promote comfortable and safe environment.
- Adapted choreography as needed based on performer abilities or technical limitations of venues.
- Choreographed performances for individuals and groups.
- Developed new choreography for shows and organized rehearsals with team members.
- Composed sequences of steps and moves for dancers.
- Streamlined rehearsal processes through clear communication of expectations and efficient time management strategies.
- Discovered and utilized talents of team.
- Collaborated with directors and producers to create visually stunning performances that captivated audiences.
- Enhanced performance quality by developing innovative choreography for various dance productions.
- Evaluated dancer auditions, selecting the most talented individuals for specific roles in productions.
- Mentored aspiring dancers, providing guidance on technique and artistic expression to improve their skills.
- Established comprehensive warm-up routines to reduce injury risk and promote dancer longevity.
- Elevated overall production value through detailed planning of lighting, set design, and multimedia elements in collaboration with technical teams.
Actress
Schools, Churches, Productions, and Film
06.1998 - Current
- Participated in rehearsals to adequately prepare for performances.
- Worked effectively under pressure, consistently meeting tight production deadlines without sacrificing performance quality.
- Participated in improvisation performances in high school and college.
- Performed with Broadway in the Hood as an ensemble cast member for their Little Shop of Horrors production.
- Adapted to a variety of roles and genres, showcasing versatility as an actress.
- Maintained a professional demeanor on set or backstage, fostering positive working relationships with cast and crew members.
- Participated in a student film and was cast as one of the main roles.
- Prepared thoroughly for auditions, securing numerous acting roles.
- Practiced lines and scenes independently and collaboratively to prepare for performances.
- Traveled to set locations to complete on-site filming.
- Used body language, facial expressions and vocal techniques to convey messages.
- Performed in various theatrical productions, ranging from musicals to dramas.
- Made quick adjustments to characters on stage.
Singer/Songstress
Schools, Churches, and Productions
01.1998 - Current
- Used printed text and musical notations to memorize musical selections and routines.
- Provided musical background for live shows such as ballets, operas, musical theatre, and cabarets.
- Sang and danced with creative ensembles and troupes for dramatic and comedic performances.
- Interpreted different music by making use of voice production, harmony, rhythm and melody to present characterization.
- Trained and prepared voice, using various melodies and ranges such as soprano, tenor, alto and bass.
- Practiced singing exercises and studied with vocal coaches to develop voice and rehearse for upcoming roles.
- Participated in choral events and competitions
Assistant Director for School Productions
Legacy Traditional School Southwest and Doral Academy Cactus
09.2019 - 05.2025
- Lead rehearsals when the director was absent
- Set up rehearsal space
- Took attendance
- Took part in the audition process by listening to students sing musical selections, perform monologues, and choreography pieces while scoring their skills.
- Shared suggestions and ideas for the show with the director.
- Assisted actors/actresses with how to say lines, along with blocking scenes.
- Played the music and sound productions.
- Assisted with building and decorating sets, along with making props for production.
- Assisted with scene changes and quick costume /makeup changes.
Seat Filler/ Talent Escort
Zone 8 Productions
08.2023 - 07.2024
- Followed all policies and regulations while working with different gospel artists for the Stellar Awards.
- Moved swiftly during commercial breaks to fill empty seats during the live taping of the Stellar Awards.
- Escorted assigned talent to sound check, press, performance area, dressing room, and seat for the show.
- Called for talent transportation for the blue carpet event, and when they were ready to head back to their hotel.
- Stayed with talent at all times.
- Escorted them to the bathroom and assisted them with the food, beverages, or anything they needed to prepare for rehearsals and the show.
- Ordered food for the talent.
- Communicated the schedule and any schedule changes with the talent and their assistant.
Modeling
Columbia College Chicago
02.2015 - 04.2015
- Learned and performed routines while wearing heels.
- Modeled different clothing in the Spring Show.
- Learned new modeling techniques to showcase in the future.
Dance Training
The Ballet Center
06.1998 - 06.2013
- Participated in rigorous dance training sessions to improve technique, flexibility, and strength for optimal performance outcomes.
- Developed effective time management strategies to balance academic pursuits alongside intensive dance training.
- Participated in annual recitals.
- Assisted with teaching pre-ballet and tap lessons for ages three through five.
- Dance training in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary.
- Tried out and made the step team in 2012
- Performed at games and competitions for cheerleading from 2009 to 2010.
Education
Masters in Early Childhood Education - Early Childhood Education
UNLV
Las Vegas, NV05-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education/Dance
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL05-2017
High School Diploma -
Bremen High School
Midlothian, IL05-2012
Skills
- Creative vision
- Stage presence
- Teaching experience
- Dance instruction
- Class instruction
- Project planning
- Performance planning
- Rehearsal direction
- Stretching exercises
- Fundraising
- Performance optimization
- Dynamic storytelling
- Technique practice
- Film and video production
- Audition management
- Lighting planning
- Rhythm proficiency
- Innovative choreography
- Scene staging
- Dance background
- Cultural awareness
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Performance direction
- Problem-solving
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Multitasking ability
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
- Team building
- Creative visualization
- Self motivation
- Event planning
Timeline
Seat Filler/ Talent Escort
Zone 8 Productions
08.2023 - 07.2024
Assistant Director for School Productions
Legacy Traditional School Southwest and Doral Academy Cactus
09.2019 - 05.2025
Modeling
Columbia College Chicago
02.2015 - 04.2015
Choreographer
Columbia College Chicago, Legacy Traditional School Southwest and Doral Academy
01.2002 - Current
Actress
Schools, Churches, Productions, and Film
06.1998 - Current
Dance Training
The Ballet Center
06.1998 - 06.2013
Singer/Songstress
Schools, Churches, and Productions
01.1998 - Current
Masters in Early Childhood Education - Early Childhood Education
UNLV
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education/Dance
Columbia College Chicago
High School Diploma -
Bremen High School
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