Laura Nan Peete
Laura Peete (LP) is a Telly award-winning director and a Broadway League-nominated arts educator with over a decade of experience in the performing arts sector. Her diverse professional background includes producing, directing, programming, and arts educational leadership as well as project management related to content development, financial planning, and operations. Currently, LP serves as the Associate Artistic Director at Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) in Houston, TX, where she line produces self produced works acting as the second-in-command to TUTS Artistic Director and Tony-nominated choreographer Dan Knechtges. She also serves as the Artistic Director for the TUTS Pre-Professional Company since its launch in 2021.She also serves as TUTS local casting director. Laura serve on the 37th Annual Festival of New Musicals Screening Committee, and NAMT's New Works Committee for the Writers Residency Grants.
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Previously, LP held artistic educational leadership roles for over eight years, creating pre-professional productions and Broadway engagement opportunities for over 500,000 students and artists through a variety of programming, including masterclasses, residencies, and workshops. She has partnered with industry leaders like Disney Theatrical Group, Alvin Ailey, Broadway Across America, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, to name a few, to promote equitable opportunities in the performing arts industry. With her extensive knowledge of industry standards and trends, Laura has successfully guided high school students to gain admission to prestigious musical theater programs such as Carnegie Mellon University, University of Michigan, and Juilliard. Many of her students can be seen on Broadway, in film and television, and tours and cruise lines.
Laura holds a BM from Millikin University and a MEd from DePaul University.
Purpose
My passion for storytelling on stage became a powerful force that guided me toward my purpose. Musical Theatre and the performing arts provided a safe haven for me to not just who I wanted to be, but also how I could inspire change in the world around me. Navigating an industry that struggles with BIPOC representation in directing, creative roles, production, and design was daunting. I faced discouragement, being told that as a Black woman with a voice suited for Cinderella rather than Effie from Dreamgirls, booking a gig would be nearly impossible. And as for directing or producing? I was unsure of where to begin. Despite not knowing the "how," I made a commitment to find my path. I immersed myself in creative spaces, challenged those who doubted my place, and radiated my light to ensure presence was felt. This determination eventually led to larger platforms where I could challenge norms and dream bigger. I am committed to turning my dreams into reality.
I hope you feel inspired to do the same.