In this conversation, Laura Stearns shares her journey as an actor, author, and advocate for trauma survivors. She discusses her experiences with childhood trauma, the impact of her time in the theater community, and her healing process.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Laura Stearns
01:42
Exploring Trauma and Healing
04:03
The Impact of Childhood Experiences
06:09
The Role of Institutions in Abuse
08:28
Personal Stories of Assault
11:04
The Aftermath of Trauma
12:59
Marriage and Relationships Post-Trauma
15:06
Legislative Changes and Advocacy
17:43
Public Disclosure and Its Consequences
20:38
Understanding Trauma in the Arts
22:08
The Healing Journey and Self-Discovery
26:36
Navigating Identity and Relationships
30:48
The Impact of Trauma on Society
32:24
Current Projects and Future Aspirations
35:49
Living Authentically and Trusting Your Gut

Summary
In this conversation, Laura Stearns shares her journey as an actor, author, and advocate for trauma survivors. She discusses her experiences with childhood trauma, the impact of her time in the theater community, and her healing process. Laura emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma, the implications of the Child Victims Act, and the role of art in healing. She also shares insights from her memoir and her current projects, highlighting the need for community and support for survivors.

Takeaways
Laura's journey through trauma began in childhood.
The theater community can harbor hidden dangers.
Understanding false core beliefs is crucial for healing.
The Child Victims Act allows survivors to seek justice.
Art can be a powerful tool for healing and expression.
Community support is vital for trauma survivors.
Litigation can be a re-traumatizing experience.
Self-discovery is a key part of the healing process.
Sharing stories helps build connections and understanding.
Trusting one's gut is essential for personal growth.

Laura Stearns' Bio
Laura studied theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has been working in professional theater since the age of thirteen. As a theater maker in the Twin Cities, which included twelve years on staff at the world-renowned Guthrie Theater, Laura has worked with some of the most talented artists from around the world, both on and off stage. Laura is an accomplished actor and director with a diverse skill set that has given her the opportunity to work in almost every department of theater production as a manager, technician, and designer. Now living in Southern California, she is the winner of the 2024 Desert Theatre League Award for Best Direction of The Woman in the Mirror. She also designed and fabricated the puppets for Avenue Q at Revolution Stage Company. Palm Springs audiences will recognize Laura from her performances this past season as Norma Baxter in Perfect Arrangement at The Bent, and Dr. Charlotte in Falsettos at Dezart Performs. She is also the author of Shattered: Exposing the Open Secret of the Children’s Theatre Scandal and Daring to Heal: Growing Beyond Trauma Through Awareness, Acceptance, and Action, co-author of The Minnesota Theater Standards for Safety and Accountability and co-founder of the Minnesota Theater Accountability Coalition. Her testimony at the state legislature supported the removal of the criminal Statute of Limitations for rape victims in the state of Minnesota. As a proud member of Actors Equity Association and an associate with the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Laura is a fierce advocate for safe spaces in theater production and education. 

Learn more about Laura at http://www.laurastearns.com

LAURA STEARNS
she/her/hers
Artist ~ Advocate ~ Consultant
Actor- SAG/AFTRA ~ AEA
Director- Associate, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
Intimacy Direction - IDC Consent Forward Artist Certified

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