Return to Headlines

Actress, Director Lara Hayhurst Shares Career Path with High School Students

January 2025

In December, Highlands High School welcomed actress, freelance casting director, writer, theatrical animal handler, stylist and baked goods enthusiast Lara Hayhurst to speak to High School vocal music students about her career path in the performing arts. 

Coordinated by vocal music director Mr. Michael Zeiler and library media specialist Mrs. Kristen Gettens, Hayhurst's presentation offered an insightful and dynamic exploration of the performing arts industry and the role that career readiness plays in various professional fields. Lara shared her personal journey in the entertainment world, discussing her experiences performing in Pittsburgh and New York City, while also emphasizing the importance of having a diverse skill set in today’s workforce. The presentation was a powerful example of how a multifaceted career can align with the four major workforce readiness standards, offering students valuable insights into various aspects of career development and growth.

Addressing the Standards

The first standard, Career Awareness and Preparation (13.1.11), was covered through Lara’s discussion of her career path. She explained how she built her career from humble beginnings and prepared for opportunities in both Pittsburgh and New York City. Her story highlighted the importance of education, networking, and continual learning in career growth.

Lara also addressed the Career Acquisition standard (13.2.11), sharing her experience as a casting director. She discussed navigating auditions, hiring actors, and selecting dogs for shows, emphasizing the skills needed to enter competitive industries. This segment helped students understand the value of networking, building a strong portfolio, and persistence in job hunting.

In discussing Career Retention and Advancement (13.3.11), Lara highlighted the need to stay relevant in one's career. She stressed the importance of skill development, staying updated on industry trends, and adapting to change. Her experiences in dog training and casting showed students that career success requires constant growth, adaptability, and a personal brand.

Lara's entrepreneurial ventures in dog training aligned with the Entrepreneurship standard (13.4.11). She shared how she started her own business and carved out a niche in the performing arts. This portion of the presentation encouraged students to explore entrepreneurship and consider creating their own opportunities, showing that careers can extend beyond traditional paths.

Overall, Lara’s presentation provided a rich and multifaceted example of how career readiness standards can be applied across various fields. By discussing her performing arts career, dog training business, and casting work, she not only engaged students with real-world experiences but also demonstrated the importance of career preparation, acquisition, retention, and entrepreneurship. Her insights into the workforce gave students a deeper understanding of how to navigate their own career paths, reinforcing the significance of skill-building, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit in achieving career success.

For a deeper insight into Lara Hayhurst’s background, performing experience, and professional journey, please visit her personal website at www.larahayhurst.com.  Her website includes her portfolio, accomplishments, and resume, offering a comprehensive view of her expertise and artistic contributions. Notable performing works include: Cindy Lou Who in Pittsburgh’s CLO Who’s Holiday, Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Tawnya in Mamma Mia, and Ariel in Footloose.

Thank you to Mr. Zeiler and Mrs. Gettens for the article and photos for this feature.