Lawren Askinosie’s curiosity and critical observations have always inspired her to engage in her community. Her interest in culture and the arts led her to Springfield Little Theatre in grade school where she enrolled in classes and summer camps.

Askinosie has always had a unique way of looking at the world. When recalling her time at Springfield Little Theatre, she professed an affinity for one of the most notoriously intimidating stages of performance.

“I can remember all of my auditions pretty vividly. I loved them. I really loved auditioning,” Askinosie said. “It completely freaked me out, but I really loved it. I so believe auditions are one of the best things a kid can do. I wish there were more opportunities for people to get a chance to be that vulnerable and put yourself out there.”

Her appreciation for nailing a good audition can likely be attributed to her rigorous commitment to preparation. When Broadway hit ANNIE was announced as a title in the 2001-2002 season, Askinosie locked in on the title role and worked with beloved musical director, the late Grady Affolter, on her rendition of ‘Tomorrow’.

“I was so, so utterly focused and obsessed with wanting that role,” Askinosie laughed. “I remember working for months with Grady before the auditions. Just practicing and practicing at home. Like I was so nervous for the auditions, and they were so much fun. For my 11-year-old self, it was the most amazing, wonderful thing that had ever happened to me thus far.”

Askinosie won the lead role, splitting the part with Kylie Stack Jackson. The hours she spent training her voice with Affolter impacted her in more profound ways than simply learning music.

“He was a huge part of my theatre experience and preparing for auditions. I had no clue what I was doing,” Askinosie admitted. “I just have such fond memories of him and associate him completely with my time at Little Theatre. Since I saw him weekly for years, he was almost like a grandfather figure to me. I didn’t really have a grandfather in my life. He was such a big part of that.”

With roles in HOW TO EAT LIKE A CHILD and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF under her belt, Askinosie was accepted into Y.E.S. Troupe where she expanded her education. The competitive performance company exposed Askinosie to more acting styles and techniques. She didn’t always feel confident in the new challenges, but she said that alone helped prepare her for a life in business and service.

“Just gaining the confidence, but also the opportunity to really suck at something. To really suck at it and keep at it. That’s an important thing to learn,” Askinosie acknowledged. “I remember [Education Director] Lorianne [Dunn] would have this incredible choreography, and I would just flub it sometimes. I loved the acting, the singing, the dancing, all of it, but I was more of a singer than any of those things. The dancing, I always loved, but it was not my thing. But it really taught me how to not give up on things. And watch yourself be terrible at something and keep going. Not to mention just thinking on your feet.”

Today, Askinosie’s compassion and creativity has guided her to embrace a global perspective on community as Chief Marketing Officer for Askinosie Chocolate. The company, founded by her father Shawn Askinosie in the mid-2000s, has been applauded for engaging in fair trade practices with farmers in Ecuador, the Amazon, Tanzania, and the Phillipines.

“Even though I didn’t go on to do anything professionally related to theatre or performing arts or the arts, I still use things every day that I learned [at SLT],” Askinosie reflected. “I do a lot of public speaking. There’s no way I would be as comfortable if it weren’t for my time at SLT.”

In addition to her demanding career, Askinosie is a published author, board member, and mother. She raises her two children in Austin, TX with husband, Scott. Leading a company with global impact requires a great appreciation for each person that contributes to crafting an award-winning chocolate bar. By engaging in different areas of the theatre, Askinosie developed an understanding of working with others toward a larger goal. Sometimes that meant trying new things in front of an audience.

“I would be so sweaty and nervous because I hated improv and it was so good for me,” Askinosie confessed. “It laid the foundation for knowing how to think on your feet, which is a constant thing I need as a small business owner and a mom and a board member. I can just recall things during performances where things went haywire and everybody had to adapt, which was something else that I learned at SLT. Teamwork. How to work together with a group of people and adapt quickly. I think all of those things made me just a better citizen of the world.”

Beyond making delicious chocolate from bean to bar, Askinosie supports Springfield students in learning business and foreign relations through Chocolate University. The organization is committed to lifting the lives of each person who contributes to their products and the community around them. Askinosie found the seeds of this passion for engaging in the Springfield community at SLT.

“I think the theatre teaches you that we’re all in this together and we help each other. Frankly, I feel like it couldn’t be more poignant than right now with what we’re all facing as a country. There are things about my time at SLT that I am just so grateful for,” she said. “The people and the place and what it gave me and taught me. I wish every kid had a Springfield Little Theatre. I can honestly say I have not found any other place like it. Now that I’m a mom, I wish it’s something that my kids had.”

Askinosie travels the world connecting with the farmers that supply their cocoa beans. The commute can be taxing with frequent challenges and delays to reach the remote locations. However, the direct relationship is critical to her family-owned business. Engaging with people of different backgrounds has been a priority to Askinosie since childhood.

“SLT created a really important foundation for my self-worth and confidence, but it also made me a more inclusive, open person. From a really young age, I was around people who were different than me, which was not an easy thing to do in Springfield, Missouri at that time,” she noted. “I’m incredibly grateful for just that exposure to people of all different walks of life and kids and adults from all different walks of life. I think it really just made a very lasting impact on how I relate to people in the world. I am really grateful for it.”

Explore the Springfield Little Theatre 91^st season kicking off in September with ANNIE.