KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 26, 2024

Lance Avery Brown exemplifies Kennesaw State University’s dedication to student success.  

A graduating theatre and performance studies student in KSU’s College of the Arts, he has leveraged countless resources and has taken every opportunity during his undergraduate experience to hone his creative skills.

“My favorite aspect of being here was surrounding myself with people from all different walks of life and learning valuable lessons from one another,” said Brown, who will attend Columbia University in the fall to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree. 

Throughout his time at KSU, Brown has appeared in multiple KSU productions, including “SpongeBob,” “Jitney,” “Rent” and the recent performances of “Pride and Prejudice.” In addition, he formed a freestyle improv troupe, which integrates musical performances with suggestions from the audience.

Growing up in Atlanta, he mostly stuck to sports and admittedly didn’t realize hip-hop could be a gateway to performing on Broadway until his junior year of high school. 

“Back then, musical theatre was not discussed as much,” he said. “When I joined the program at Kennesaw State University, it truly opened my eyes to the community around me and made me recognize the power of art and expression.”

Since then, Brown has written and workshopped two original hip-hop musicals on the KSU stage, allowing him to develop his artistic skills with support from the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies faculty and students.

His first musical, “The Heist,” was shown during his sophomore year, and his second original musical was shown this past semester. Additionally, he’s been able to network and work with industry professionals outside of KSU, including those at Alliance Theatre and Theatrical Outfit.

Over the past three summers, Brown has been involved in undergraduate research with the Juvenile Justice School System in Macon, Eastman, & Atlanta. He served as a peer leader and has collaborated with students to tell their stories using poetry and songwriting.

“It has been a joy and a beautiful learning experience to witness what art students create and to be a mentor for future artists,” Brown said. “Working with them to express themselves through the mediums theatre provides has been rewarding.” 

His research was presented as part of the 2022 Fall Symposium of Student Scholars.

Brown credits his mentors for instilling him with the confidence to pursue his dreams, including faculty members Amanda Wansa Morgan, Jacqueline Springfield, Margaret Pendergrass and Tiffany Small. As his journey takes him to New York City, he looks to impart wisdom on his fellow Owls.

"My advice to students is to trust yourself and the work you put in, which will ultimately have an impact on the people around you,” he said. “Also, do not sell yourself short. If you feel you can go further, do it with grace. Only you can believe in your truest potential."

– Article by Ana Johnson

– Photo by Darnell WIlburn

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.