Lauren Flynn fell in love with London during a theatre study abroad and now she lives and works there, finishing an MA in Creative Writing while teaching drama at Walthamstow School for Girls. She also works with a small theatre company called Fractured Lines.

“Appalachian gave me the tools I needed not only to teach with confidence and plan lessons that are fun and engaging, but they taught me every aspect of theatre from painting sets, to lighting, to performing on stage in front of hundreds. Because I learned such a variety of things, I am more marketable and it’s been relatively easy to get consistent work,” said Flynn, who graduated cum laude with her degree in Theatre Arts (BA) - Theatre Education.

Flynn previously was a scenic artist at Flat Rock Playhouse near Hendersonville, North Carolina. She is finishing her master’s dissertation, a complete novel, and has applied to a PhD program in Creative Writing in Wales.

She described Appalachian faculty as “incredibly intelligent in their fields and unbelievably helpful….Even after you graduate they are still there for you as your friend and peer,” she said.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the willingness and support from the faculty in all my endeavors.”

Flynn recalled being in the classroom several times before her formal student teaching experience, which allowed her to gain a better understanding of teaching at every grade level. She learned how to plan lessons yet also be spontaneous.

Flynn worked in the Department of Theatre and Dance’s Scene Shop as a scenic artist and painted for more than 16 productions. She also worked in the Costume Shop and performed in a main stage production each semester as well as in most student-led productions.

At Appalachian, students learn that their dreams are achievable, she said. “I am living my dream in a country I love because I learned to work hard, I learned to collaborate, and I learned that with the right people to encourage you, anything is possible.”