MEET LAUREN STROUD
From West End performer, to founder of Stroud Theatre Arts & Stroud Talent.
For Lauren Stroud, performing arts has never simply been about learning the steps, rehearsing for a show or standing in the spotlight. It has been her career, her training and, ultimately, something she wanted to pass on to the next generation.
Lauren trained professionally at Laine Theatre Arts, before building a career as a professional performer across the West End and UK touring theatre. Her stage credits include Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, Strictly Ballroom at the Piccadilly Theatre, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella at the Gillian Lynne Theatre and The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium, alongside UK tours of Hairspray, 9 to 5, Grease, High School Musical 2 and Dance ’Til Dawn.
But performing was only one part of Lauren’s story.
As Lauren’s career developed, so did her work behind the scenes.
She has gone on to work extensively as a Choreographer, Associate Choreographer and Resident Choreographer, bringing the experience gained during her years as a performer into the rehearsal room and creative process.
Her credits include Resident Choreographer for The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium and Associate Choreographer for its subsequent run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre and UK Tour. She was also Associate Choreographer for the UK Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Robin Hood at the London Palladium.
Lauren’s choreography credits include Fame for National Youth Music Theatre at Birmingham Hippodrome, The Mad Ones at The Other Palace Studio, The Wedding Singer and Little Women at Laine Theatre Arts, and Aladdin at the Beck Theatre, Hayes, for which she was nominated for Best Choreographer at the 2025 Panto Awards. She was also Co-Choreographer of Layton & Nikita Live! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Her creative work has extended beyond traditional theatre too, including Associate Choreographer on the BBC's Bad Education Christmas Special and work with Princess Cruises, the Royal Academy of Music and Southwark Playhouse.
FROM THE STAGE TO THE CREATIVE TEAM
WHY LAUREN DOES WHAT SHE DOES
Lauren’s work has always centred around two things she cares deeply about: the professional performing arts industry and helping young people recognise and develop their potential.
Having begun by running West End workshops for young performers, she founded Stroud Theatre Arts in 2018, creating a place where children and teenagers could access professional training within a warm, encouraging and supportive environment.
Lauren believes young performers should be supported as individuals. For some, performing is about enjoyment, friendship and confidence. For others, it becomes an ambition they want to pursue professionally.
Today, Lauren continues to produce, direct and choreograph performances for Stroud Theatre Arts while maintaining her own professional creative career.
That continued connection to the working industry is an important part of her approach.
Lauren understands what happens beyond the classroom: auditions, casting, rehearsals, recasts, professional expectations, working within a company and maintaining performance standards. Her professional experience includes leading auditions and casting, rehearsing new company members and supporting performers across major West End and touring productions.
It is this combination of industry experience and genuine care for young people that informs everything Lauren does.
STILL WORKING | STILL LEARNING | STILL CHAMPIONING YOUNG TALENT
Alongside running Stroud Talent and Stroud Theatre Arts, Lauren continues to work professionally as a choreographer and creative. Her recent work includes productions at venues such as the London Palladium, Gillian Lynne Theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Theatre Royal Drury Lane and The Other Palace.
This means the knowledge and experience she brings to the agency isn’t frozen in time. It continues to grow through her own work and first-hand understanding of the professional industry.
And perhaps that is the thread running through Lauren’s whole story: professional experience, used with purpose.
From performing on some of the UK’s biggest stages to guiding the next generation through auditions and professional opportunities, Lauren brings the same belief in preparation, potential and giving young performers the support they need to take their next steps.
