ECU Theatre Arts student Lawler balances scholarship, service and stage

Students clapping in audience — McKenna Lawler, left, attended a master class with Ali Ewoldt, the first Asian American woman to play Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway, as part of her theatre arts education.

There has never been a doubt in McKenna Lawler’s mind of what she wanted to be when she grew up. From a young age, Lawler had a great passion for the performing arts. Her father introduced her to musicals and her mother enrolled her in ballet classes. As a double East Carolina University legacy, Lawler had always considered following in her parents’ footsteps but was worried about not being a STEM student. When she was accepted into the Brinkley-Lane Scholars program as a theatre arts major with a concentration in musical theatre, Lawler was proven incorrect.

“When I attend honors events, I’m always shocked and overjoyed to know that people are actually interested in what I’m doing. They invest time in learning about my passions and are willing to put in the work to help me achieve them,” Lawler said.

As a recipient of the top merit scholarship at ECU and dedicated theatre student, Lawler has a very demanding schedule. She emphasizes that although she does not have time for everything, she focuses on mental health, has studied abroad, and works to incorporate service. Lawler participated in Book Bag Buddies, a major service experience that allows students to pack lunches for the community.

Lawler said, “I felt amazing knowing that I was helping young students get lunch, which might not have gotten it otherwise.”

The theatre program provided her with the opportunity to study abroad in Croatia for 10 days. Lawler was able to learn how different cultures approach and practice theater. She is already hoping to return next year.

Theatre arts has always been a place that Lawler has excelled. She has been a part of over 30 different productions throughout her life. She emphasized the importance of making the audience happy. “Make at least one person smile a day” is a rule that Lawler lives by. Up on stage, she is able to make that happen through performance.

McKenna standing in front of books on the set of a production — McKenna Lawler on stage during “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

“I love making people smile, I always have,” Lawler said. “If I can put time and effort into a career and it can also make someone happy, then I’ll never feel like I’m working a day in my life.”

With each performance Lawler learns more about herself and her art. She has worked hard to create a unique identity as an actor and student.

“Each time I’ve come out of the process learning so much about my craft and myself. I’ve also come out of it laughing a lot. …and truly, what is better than that?” She said.

Lawler will be adding another performance to her theatre credits. She will be playing Johanna Barker in ECU’s production of Sweeney Todd. Lawler loves the complexity of this character and looks forward to showing the audience her depth and agency. Actors such as Lawler go through costumer fittings, meetings on dialect, and many different types of rehearsals before a show.

Lawler said, “It can be time-consuming and tedious, but this is how I thrive. I have always loved the thrill of rehearsals, and my evenings feel unusual without them.”

Group of students standing together in front of a house in Croatia — McKenna Lawler, left, with her fellow theatre arts majors during a study abroad trip to Croatia.

Although she loves her major, Lawler recognizes that the arts can become disheartening or toxic over time. She works consistently to advocate for her fellow actors and practice a positive and uplifting mindset.

“While I love performing myself, there is something so inspiring about watching others, especially when they are so talented,” she said. “I hope if I continue to follow these sentiments, people will notice and also learn the value of others’ work.”

Lawler hopes to one day be in an original cast recording for a new musical. She has found herself on the stage and knows that her heart lies in performing live.

She offers some advice to her fellow students and anyone that just might need to hear it: “Give yourself some grace as well as those around you. Also, always know which one of your friends has a college cat. Sometimes you just need some pet therapy. You’ll do just fine.”