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Lauren Mariasoosay is an actress based in NYC – but right now, you can find her on tour! She got her start in performance at three years old, and, after taking a job as a principal vocalist at Disneyland, she knew she was on the right track. Now, Mariasoosay’s resume includes credits like “Six,” “Aladdin,” “Cats,” and fan-favorite “Hamilton!” When she’s not performing, Mariasoosay is an advocate for Laadliyan and Didihood, Canadian-based organizations that support South Asian women in the workplace and education system. Her advice to young artists? “Keep going! They really mean it when they say you’ll get a single yes in a sea of no’s.” Read on to learn more about Lauren Mariasoosay and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Name: Lauren Mariasoosay
Heritage: South Indian, Malaysian
Hometown: Tracy, CA
Current City: On tour, but home base is NYC!
Current project: “Hamilton” (Eliza)
What are some of your favorite credits/projects?
“Six,” “Aladdin,” and “Cats.”
Any advice for young people getting into the arts?
Keep going! They really mean it when they say you’ll get a single yes in a sea of no’s. Continue being a student in each and every contract, class, environment. It will get you so much farther than you think. Work hard, play hard, rest hard.
How did you get your start?
I have been an actor and dancer since I was 3 years old. Singing came later on to me, mostly college. But I’d say my first big gig was working at Disneyland as a principal vocalist and dance swing when I was 18 years old. It taught me how to swing shows and work on multiple projects at once!
Do you have any favorite moments in your career that you'd like to share?
My current contract has been a dream come true. Playing Eliza Hamilton has been a goal of mine ever since I first heard the soundtrack.
What have you found is the biggest challenge in your career?
I think the industry has such a long way to go in terms of inclusivity and diversity. I still am constantly reckoning with the fact that we have made some steps forward, but still somehow feel lightyears behind. I’m constantly the only Indian girl in my work environment. Every contract I take I keep thinking that will change, and it never does.
Do you have any organizations or non profits you work with you’d like to highlight?
Yes! Both are based in Canada @laadliyan and @didihood are incredible orgs that support South Asian women in the workforce and education system.
Is where you are now where you thought you’d be?
It’s always such a pleasant surprise when I book something! I mean, I’ve worked so incredibly hard, don't get me wrong, but you always work hard with thehope that it will work out, but it’s never promised.
Did you have any interesting “odd jobs” you worked at between gigs to pay the bills?
During the pandemic I was a spin instructor! It was something I really enjoyed doing and something that also helped me keep my endurance and stamina up for when I returned to the arts!
Do you have any other “special skills?”
I have a really insanely good impression of R2D2.
What skills did you find to be the most helpful in your career?
The ability to tune out the noise. I could be in a room full of people but if I had my headphones in and my journal out, it was as if I was in my own little world. I’ve found this ability so handy when it comes to auditioning, or even just nerves in general.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love that we, as actors, have this superpower to be a catalyst for change. Whether that’s within somebody’s heart or in their physical world. Someone can leave the theatre going “this really touched me. I’ll never forget it.” Or kids seeing their first show and thinking “how do I get to do that when I’m older? What do I have to do to get there?” Because one way or another, everyone on that stage has felt both of those expressions. Because we sat in those seats and felt the magic of it at one point too.
Do you have any self care practices you do to stay focused and sane?
I actually spend a lot of time recharging on my own on this contract. The show is such a marathon, and it takes a lot of energy to rev up for, sustain, and come down from. When I’m at work I’m there to work and then it’s time to rest. I always vocally warm-up for and cool-down from the show. I nebulize when the chords need more than just steam. I have a 5 day work-out regimen, vocal lessons bi-weekly, acting coaching sessions monthly, the list prevails! I go out seldomly simply because this role has demanded a lot of the mind and body, but when I have the flexibility to go out I do love to turn the party! But the routine helps keep me grounded and feel like I still have a schedule and a life even on tour.
If you could name one point in time when everything changed for you, what was it?
To find out more on Lauren Mariasoosay, please visit her at:
Website: laurenmariasoosay.com
Instagram: @laurenmariasoosay
TikTok: @lauren.mariasoosay
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