The Magic of Playhouse, Jr.

Lauren Rogers Hopkins with her husband Mayes and son Henry

Lauren Rogers Hopkin’s journey with Flat Rock Playhouse began in 1992 when, as a seven-year-old, she attended what was then called Theatre for Young People. Her experience, even at such a young age, was transformational and set Lauren on a path that destined her for a career in the arts.

Now, some three decades later, Lauren has returned to the Playhouse as Director of Education, overseeing both the Playhouse apprentice program and Playhouse Jr., the education arm of Flat Rock Playhouse offering classes and camps for K-12th graders as well as adults.

And Lauren could not be happier about her return to a place she considers home. "My mentors were here; my best friends were here,” she explains. “I literally grew up at Flat Rock Playhouse. I knew this was where I was supposed to be." As Lauren speaks, the smile in her voice and the sparkle in her eyes make obvious her passion for her job and deep love for the Flat Rock Playhouse – qualities that have infused a remarkable energy and enthusiasm in the Playhouse’s rapidly growing education programs.

For over 70 years, Flat Rock Playhouse has been a beacon of theatrical excellence in North Carolina. Beyond its widely celebrated mainstage productions, however, the Playhouse has always nurtured a vital educational wing and dedication to finding and training the next generation of theatre artists. Indeed, when Robroy Farquhar incorporated the Playhouse in 1952, it was listed as The Vagabond School of the Drama, Inc. Robroy was passionate about producing excellent theatre but also realized that to promote and preserve the arts, education would be critical to prepare subsequent generations of actors, musicians, theatre production staff, and even patrons who would be better able to appreciate the dedication and hard work required to successfully bring to the stage the craft he loved.

Today, FRP’s Playhouse Jr. has evolved into a robust program that fosters young talent, builds confidence, and provides a space for creative exploration. Through diverse performances, outreach initiatives, and a thriving apprentice program, Playhouse Jr. is shaping the next generation of artists and arts supporters alike.

--

Lauren’s initial experience as a student at Flat Rock Playhouse eventually led to several years of additional classes and even to her first appearance on the Playhouse mainstage as a 5th grader. She went on to perform in other FRP productions during her high school years including State Fair and Bye Bye Birdie. Immediately following her graduation from high school, she was accepted into the Playhouse Apprentice program and was cast in the production of Anything Goes.

Well on her way to a career in theatre, Lauren attended Elon University and graduated with a BFA in Music Theatre. From there she returned to Flat Rock Playhouse to work and teach and then moved into a role as Apprentice Director. Her time at FRP was briefly interrupted by a two-year exploration of life as a dance instructor and struggling actor in New York City. “I love New York,” she says. “But I don’t particularly love living in New York.”

When Lauren returned to FRP in 2010 she accepted a full-time position teaching in the education program. That role evolved into serving as choreographer for all youth shows, serving again as Apprentice Director, and serving as company manager in the summers. “I wore a lot of hats, but I was young and I loved it,” she recalls with a laugh.

In addition to finding employment at FRP, Lauren also found her husband Mayes who was working for the Playhouse as a Master Carpenter. After getting married, the couple moved to Hilton Head, SC where Lauren was the director at a dance studio. After six years on the coast, however, family ties and the mountains called Lauren, Mayes, and their son Henry back to Spartanburg where Lauren served as an adjunct dance instructor at Converse College.

Still, Lauren’s heart was never far from the Playhouse. “I would email Lisa (Bryant, FRP Producing Artistic Director) and tell her whenever there was an opening, I’m ready to come back. I miss it!” There was an opening, and Lauren returned in 2022 to direct, choreograph, and manage a Playhouse Jr. touring production. The following year, the position of Education Director opened up and Lauren’s career in theatre had come full circle – from being a 7-year-old student to being the smiling face at the door welcoming another class of eager young actors to the world of theatre. Included among those smiling faces are her own 8-year-old son, Henry.

Lauren was home. And prepared for the challenge. “I honestly always felt that I would return to the Playhouse. This was where I was supposed to be. I just needed to go and experience other things and have that life experience so that when I came back, I was the best version of myself that I could be.”

--

The Core Programs of Playhouse Jr.

Lauren’s work with Playhouse Jr. entails a multi-faceted enterprise that is about much more than only theatre classes—it is a comprehensive educational program designed to make the performing arts accessible to young people of all backgrounds. The initiative is built around several key components:

1. Theatre Classes

Offered year-round, Playhouse Jr.'s classes in acting, musical theatre, and Broadway-style dance cater to different age groups, from kindergarten to high school students. Each session—fall, winter-spring, and summer—provides a unique curriculum, allowing students to continuously develop their skills without repeating material. Playhouse Jr. students frequently perform on the FRP MainStage and with the full support of Playhouse’s artistic and technical production staff. "These classes teach more than just theatre," Lauren explains. "They build confidence, teamwork, and communication skills that translate far beyond the stage."

2. The Playhouse Jr. Tour

Playhouse Jr.’s touring program brings performances directly to schools and community centers, exposing professional theatre to area children who may not have access otherwise. Productions such as Letterland Alive and Greetings from North Carolina are designed to be both educational and entertaining. The tour is typically performed by Playhouse Jr.'s apprentices—aspiring theatre professionals who gain hands-on experience while giving back to the community.

3. Educational Outreach and Rock Out Program

FRP’s relatively new Rock Out initiative brings workshops, interactive storytelling, and community concerts to local schools and organizations. Initially launched after Hurricane Helene as a way to reconnect with children affected by the disaster, Rock Out continues today as an outreach effort that brings joy and creative expression to thousands. "We actually read to 1,500 kids in a single month," Lauren recalls, emphasizing the Playhouse’s commitment to literacy and arts integration in education.

4. Playhouse Jr. Licensing

In addition to producing plays and musicals, FRP is actively creating new works - affordable shows offered to schools, children's theatres, and community theatres looking for new, fresh, and age-appropriate materials for their students and performers. The productions are first premiered by FRP and are fully tested to be ready to be produced by other theatre companies and schools. In 2024, FRP premiered Slowpoke!, an original musical production written and scored by FRP’s Music Director, Ethan Anderson.

5. The Apprentice Program

Flat Rock Playhouse Apprentices performing on Tour for an area School

Although strictly speaking the apprentice program is not part of Playhouse Jr, it is supervised by Lauren and the apprentices perform in the tour program as well as work with the young students in various capacities. Lauren, once an apprentice herself, is thrilled to be able to mentor a new generation of apprentices. “It’s incredible to see these young artists grow," Lauren says. "They’re not just learning about theatre; they’re learning about discipline, collaboration, and resilience."

Playhouse Jr. offers classes during the winter/spring and fall as well as week-long camps in the summer. Each session typically offers between 7 and 9 classes and each session attracts anywhere from 100 to 140 students – including families that arrive from as much as an hour away to be in the classes.

Lauren is quick to point out a very unique feature of Playhouse Jr.’s education program is its direct association with The State Theatre of North Carolina. “When our kids perform on the mainstage, they are treated as if it is a full-scale equity production. They get the professional lighting, sound, set tech, and costumes – they get everything the professional companies get.”

Students also get professional instruction from veterans of the FRP mainstage. Well-known Vagabond, Maddie Franke is currently serving as one of the instructors for the Winter/Spring session. Maddie has appeared on the Playhouse mainstage dozens of times, including last season’s productions of Cabaret, Jersey Boys, and her rousing performance as Gretchen in Boeing Boeing. As a former FRP Apprentice and stage veteran, Maddie appreciates the opportunity to give back to theatre. “I have witnessed firsthand how profoundly an arts education can shape both personal and professional growth,” she explains. ” The teachers who believed in me, including Lauren Hopkins and Lisa Bryant, not only nurtured my creative abilities but also helped shape who I am today—both as an artist and as a person.”

—

The Dave Hart Scholarship Fund

A critically important feature of Playhouse Jr. is the availability of scholarship funds for students wanting to participate in their classes. Scholarships help make classes accessible to all students, regardless of background or resources – allowing a wide array of students to benefit from participating in theatre through Playhouse Jr.

The scholarship fund was created in memory of Playhouse Jr.'s friend, artist, educator, and long-time and much-beloved Vagabond, Dave Hart. He first came to the Rock as an actor in 2000 and started teaching full-time at the Playhouse in 2008. He directed numerous student productions including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Charlotte’s Web, James and the Giant Peach and many others. Dave passed away in 2020 after a long battle with cancer and the scholarship fund was established to honor his legacy of commitment to theatre arts education for everyone.

For her part, Lauren knows firsthand the importance of scholarships to make theatre accessible to all. “I was a scholarship kid. My parents were hardworking who did everything they could to make sure we had valuable experiences as kids. I know that if I didn't have those scholarships, I wouldn't have been able to do as much out here as I wanted to.”

Creating a Lasting Impact

Playhouse, Jr. Students performing on the fRP Mainstage

Beyond performance skills, Playhouse Jr. instills valuable life lessons in its students. Lauren has often witnessed inspiring transformations in her students. "A child who once walked in with their shoulders slumped now walks in with their shoulders back. They are brave enough to audition for solos, speak up in class, and take creative risks."

Parents and teachers frequently express gratitude for the program, noting how students in theatre excel in reading and communication due to their script analysis and memorization exercises. Playhouse Jr. students also form lasting friendships, crossing school district lines and learning how to work with peers from different backgrounds.

Recently, Lauren had a high school student tell her that she preferred attending the conservatory musical Theatre camp over a family vacation to Hawaii—a testament to the sense of belonging and passion that Playhouse Jr. fosters.

The Playhouse doesn't just produce professional theatre; it nurtures artists at every stage of their journey. This philosophy is evident in this season’s production of Cats, where 17 Playhouse Jr. students will perform alongside seasoned professionals. These students experience the same rigorous rehearsal process, costumes, and staging as the mainstage actors, preparing them for potential theatre careers. “It's magical,” says Lauren. “Students get to be on a stage with all of these amazing professionals. It’s like getting a personal masterclass every time you're in a rehearsal room.”

Far beyond the many personal benefits to students, Lauren is quick to point out the essential nature of education for theatre going forward. "If we don’t invest in the youth, we won’t have a future audience or future performers. Theatre education and professional theatre go hand in hand."

Looking to the Future

PLayhouse, Jr. Cast Members in FRP’s original musical, Slowpoke!

Under Lauren Rogers Hopkin’s dedicated leadership, Playhouse Jr. continues to grow, with expanded outreach efforts, new productions, and increased community engagement. Plans for the coming years include developing more new works, growing the Rock Out tour, and deepening partnerships with local schools. "We are on the cusp of something incredible," Lauren says. "More and more kids are coming back year after year. We’re building relationships, watching them grow, and creating lifelong lovers of the arts."

Ultimately, Playhouse Jr. is more than an educational program—it is a transformative experience that shapes young lives, fosters creativity, and ensures the future of the performing arts. Through her leadership, passion, and personal journey, Lauren Rogers Hopkins exemplifies the impact of arts education, proving that the stage is not just a place for performance, but also for growth, discovery, and community.

"I truly love what I do," Lauren concludes. "And I hope that every child who walks through our doors leaves feeling the same way.”

###

Useful Links:

Learn More About Playhouse, Jr. Here

Learn More/Donate to the Dave Hart Scholarship Fund

Summer Camp Class Schedule and Registration Here

Notable Alumni of Playhouse, Jr.
(Formerly Flat Rock Children’s Theatre, Theatre for Young People,
YouTheatre and Studio 52)

Chase Brock: Broadway Choreographer (Be More Chill, Spiderman Turn Of the Dark, Picnic), Artistic Director of The Chase Brock Experience

Christoph Sanders: Season regular on "Ghost Whisperer" and "Last Man Standing"

Nick Kepley: Former performer "Mary Poppins" on Broadway, Assistant to the choreographer "Waitress" & "Cinderella" on Broadway, Professional ballet dancer with Kansas City Ballet and Ballet Austin

Turner Rouse: Former performer on the "American Idiot" Broadway Tour

Julia Vanderveen: Professional actress (Flat Rock Playhouse, Mill Mountain Theatre, North Carolina Stage)

Ashli Arnold: Former Resident Costume Designer at Flat Rock Playhouse

Ben Mackel: Professional Actor, Singer/Songwriter, and Playwright

Jesse Siak: Professional actor and Associate Director of Education (Charleston Stage Company)

Cara Dolan: Professional choreographer (Charleston Stage Company)

Rob Morrison: Professional musician and actor

Olivia Palmer: Associate Director of Development at Flat Rock Playhouse

Jay Briggs: Director of Education and Community Engagement at The Warehouse Theatre

Manny Houston: Professional Musician and will be returning to perform in "Beautiful" at Flat Rock Playhouse

Katie Chelena: Teaching Artist and Guest Artist (Pace University and North Carolina Governor's School West)

Images from Playhouse, Jr.