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Lauren Malara is a proud New Orleans native. She holds a B.F.A. in Acting from DePaul University, a M.F.A. in Creative Writing from University of New Orleans, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Xavier University of Louisiana. In 2016, she implemented a Comedy Studies program at NOCCA. In addition to her decade of experience in secondary education, she facilitates professional developments and provides affordable community classes for adult learners.

Outside of the classroom, Lauren enriches the community with laughter. She is an alumni of the famed Second City. Her NPR podcast, Life Raft, is a regional Edward R. Murrow award winner. Currently, she hosts and produces The Bear With Me Comedy Open Mic, the longest woman run comedy show in the state of Louisiana. She is thrilled to have recently released her first comedy album through The New Orleans Public Library.