Worthy: A Work in Process Reading

Worthy by Lauren Marissa Smith

Lauren is a multidisciplinary director and writer, focused on creating honest, raw, and humorous storytelling that amplifies the interior lives of those on the margins, particularly Black women and girls. Her work explores themes of love, relationships, intimacy, connection, family, and the impact of incarceration, classism, and violence on oppressed communities.

Notable projects include Free Black Girls, which chronicles her time as a burlesque dancer in New York City; Me+You, a coming-of-age story centering a young woman's journey to escape her father’s criminal past and live life on her own terms; and Georiga Stars, a heist drama featuring a female family of master thieves. 

Lauren also produces projects across media, including theater, live events, burlesque shows, and short films. At Brown Girls Burlesque, she was also a Creative Producer, producing panels, educational content, and themed shows. She has collaborated with Columbia University, National Black Theater, Negro Ensemble Company, The Public Theater, House of YES, and the Brooklyn Museum. 

As an actor, Lauren performed in over 30 productions. Highlights include Their Eyes Were Watching God, On Strivers Row, Macbeth, Day of Absence, and Funnyhouse of a Negro.