Kristen Harrell

Kristen Marie Harrell, a native of Lake Charles, LA, is thrilled to assist Mrs. Coburn in the production of "Hairspray". She and Mrs. Coburn have worked together on many plays and productions, such as "Kiss Me Kate" and "Seussical", but this is the first time they have directed together. Kristen began her affiliation with ACTS at the age of 10 in “Peter Pan.” She has won an ACTA for her role as Grace in “Annie Warbucks,” played Ms. Mona in “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and played opposite Mrs. Coburn in “9 to 5” as Doralee and in “White Christmas” as her sister Judy.

Kristen began singing and dancing competitively at the age of 7. She was a member of Cathy Kurth's competitive Dance Team and soloed in Song and Dance com-petitions on the local, regional and national levels. Kristen was the Song and Dance Na-tional Champion 3 times and an Overall winner twice. Kristen continued her dancing with the Sam Houston High School Broncettes for 4 years. After high school she began teaching Aerobic Hip Hop in the Baton Rouge area while attending LSU where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors. She also completed her Master's Degree from McNeese State University.

Kristen is a teacher in Calcasieu Parish where she has taught French and Social Studies at Starks and Westlake High School. She is currently teaching Gifted AP European History and Gifted AP Government at LCB Academy and Sulphur High Schools. She is also active in her church, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, where she is a member of the choir and a cantor.

In her spare time, Kristen loves to read, travel, listen to a wide variety of music and play with her nieces and nephews; or if they’re not available, with her two dogs, Tuck and Keeva.