Rising Star owner and lead instructor Lauren McCarthy holds a BS in Elementary Education from TWU and an MA in Theatre Education from UH. She is also the proud homeschooling mother of two active and artistic little boys. Lauren has over 12 years of experience teaching ages 2-14 in both private and public settings. She loves getting to share her passion for the arts with kids and teachers every day!

Rising Star provides arts enrichment, instruction, and curriculum for students ages 3-14. We also create theme-based homeschool resources for parents and teachers!

2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Texas Education Theatre Association Theatrefest Presenter 2012 Walter Kase Award Finalist

I grew up in theatre and learned much of what I use in the classroom today from WONDERFUL 6-12 theatre educators. My undergrad degree from TWU is in elementary education. I graduated summa cum laude from the Honors Scholar Program in 2005 with an honors thesis entitled "The Play is the Thing: Integrating Theatre into the K-8 General Education Classroom." I love to work with early childhood and elementary educators to help bring the benefits of creative dramatics to life in their classrooms. In 2011, I graduated with my MA from the University of Houston's program for Theatre Educators. As part of this amazing program, I studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Lincoln Center, and the Actor's Studio of Chicago.

In addition to my career as an arts educator, I am lucky to be a homeschooling Mommy to Aedan & Logan and a wife to Matt. My wonderful boys, in addition to my fabulous parents and a supportive extended family, allow me to do what I love every day. Come learn and play with us at http://RisingStarEnrichment.com