We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lana Schwartz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lana below.

Alright, Lana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I run a theater company called Nxt Generation Theatrics (NGT), which I started when I was 14, in order to give young artists more opportunities in the theater industry. So much of growing up is figuring out what career you want to pursue, however, there aren’t many professional opportunities for young adults to pursue theater behind the scenes. I had so many friends who were interested in scenic design, lighting design, directing, choreography, etc., so I wanted to create a space for young artists to come together and create a professional-level show.

We are currently preparing for our 4th annual MainStage, and it has been so meaningful to watch this company grow from an idea to a community of 100+ artists who encourage and push each other to work harder, think deeper, and create!

Theater is a remarkable and transformative experience, and having the opportunity to not only participate in it but also to facilitate opportunities for others has been one of the greatest highlights of my life. Each production and every new project reinforces the importance of nurturing young talent and cultivating a supportive creative environment.

Lana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

II’m a 19-year-old performer, director, and producer, currently a sophomore at Harvard University. Theater has always been a central passion in my life. From a young age, I was captivated by musicals and Broadway soundtracks, which fueled my love for both performing onstage and working behind the scenes. This early love for both the spotlight and behind-the-scenes work led me to explore the world of theater in depth. At 12, I took a course at the Commercial Theater Institute, which sparked my interest in producing.

In 2019, I launched the non-profit organization Nxt Generation Theatrics (NGT), a theater company run entirely by young adults. The organization was formed in order to create more opportunities to empower young artists and to help the next generation gain experience and exposure to the arts by jumping in and managing every aspect of creating a theatrical experience.

My journey into directing began during my junior year of high school when I enrolled in a directing class with the brilliant Kyle Pleasant. Inspired by this experience, I decided to try directing, and fell in love with it! Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of directing our NGT annual MainStage musicals, and working with the most creative and inspiring young artists.

Our first production, NEXT TO NORMAL, ran Off-Broadway with sold-out performances in June of 2022, with Lana directing and producing, and with a team of 43 teens. It was followed by VIOLET in June of 2023, which was nominated for 8 Broadway-World Off-Broadway Awards, including Best Direction of a Musical and Best Production of a Musical, and our incredible lighting designer, 15-year-old Ziggy Bornas, won Best Lighting Design of a Musical. In June of 2024 we produced FUN HOME Off-Broadway, and we are now eagerly preparing for our 2025 MainStage musical, which will premiere in July 2025.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I believe the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the profound impact that art can have on individuals and society. Theater, in particular, provides a powerful platform for expressing important messages and provoking thought. It fosters a unique communal experience, bringing audiences together in real time and free from everyday distractions. The most fulfilling moments for me are sharing that experience with an audience and seeing how a shared vision resonates with them.

Equally rewarding is witnessing the close-knit community that forms behind the scenes. I feel incredibly fortunate to collaborate with an extraordinary team of young artists who have emerged as strong leaders in their field. Seeing them support and inspire one another is incredibly moving and highlights the deep connections formed through our community.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One of the most valuable resources I initially hesitated to fully utilize was the opportunity to reach out to and learn from experienced professionals in my field. For a long time, I was intimidated by the prospect of connecting with established artists and industry leaders. However, I soon discovered the value in these interactions.

Engaging with mentors and peers has provided me with invaluable insights that go beyond textbooks and formal education. Sitting in on rehearsals, for instance, has allowed me to witness firsthand the nuanced processes and creative decisions that shape a successful production. Assisting a director who I admire has been an eye-opening experience, offering practical knowledge and an understanding of the intricacies of directing that can’t be gained from theory alone.

Overall, embracing the opportunity to connect with and learn from those in the field has been a transformative experience. It has expanded my knowledge, enriched my skills, and reinforced the importance of community and mentorship in artistic growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lana-schwartz.com
• Instagram: @_lanaschwartz_
• Facebook: Lana Schwartz
• Linkedin: Lana Schwartz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LanaSchwartz
• Other: https://www.NxtGenerationTheatrics.com