Meet Lindsey Augusta Mercer | Multi-Hyphenate Theatre Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsey Augusta Mercer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsey Augusta, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I grew up in a rural area an hour outside of Cleveland where sports or 4H were really the only options for hobbies, but I was always a very arts oriented little weirdo. I loved to draw and eventually started stapling together printer paper to make my own “books” of stories I wrote and illustrated with crayons. I was always singing and staging elaborate living room performances to my favorite country albums. And it was only a matter of time before I got my hands on the family camcorder…

Needless to say, I was dying for creative outlets and constantly finding new ways to make them for myself.

When I was 13, my family went on a cruise vacation where I saw one of those Broadway style revues they put on as entertainment for the guests. It was my first time seeing live theatre in that capacity with the splashy musical arrangements, and dancers, and costumes, and live singing with so much emotion— I was beside myself. This was all the things I loved in one place.

It was visual art, story-telling, and music woven together in a way I had no idea was possible, and which spoke to me on a deep fundamental level. I got off that cruise ship boasting to my entire family that —that— was what I planned to do for the rest of my life. I’ve never looked back since.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My favorite thing about working in the theatre is that it’s never the same thing twice. Every project and group of collaborators is a fresh opportunity to tell a story and engage with audiences in a compelling new way.

Primarily, I work as a stage director, which is kind of the perfect balance of all my interests. I really consider it the anchor to my interdisciplinary career while acting, playing and composing music, writing, and working in video all ebbs and flows around it.

I am currently working on a musical adaptation of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, for which I wrote the book, music, and lyrics. It’s been the most monumental, terrifying and rewarding challenge of my life so far, and I am so excited to see it come to fruition with its premiere production at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company this April.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a big foodie and the Cincinnati area has such a fun and vibrant dining scene, so much of my itinerary would probably be eating our way around the city. Brown Bear Bakery in Over-the-Rhine will always be the best start to any morning, though a cozy brunch at Sleepy Bee is a close second.

Since the theaters are all downtown, that is really where I spend the majority of my time. Mannequin Boutique in OTR and Newport has fabulous and affordable Vintage thrift which donates 100% of their proceeds to charity. It is my must see for any of my thrift or fashion loving pals. I honestly love a night at the ballpark and think the Reds stadium is situated in such a beautiful spot on the river. 21c museum hotel is always fun to walk around and check out the new, free, art exhibits and the bar at their restaurant, Metropole has a Shirley Temple made with a killer house made grenadine that makes me swoon.

The Bakers Table in Newport is the best restaurant you’ve never heard of. By far one of the best dining experiences of my life.

I also recently discovered King Pigeon in Walnut Hills which is a coffee shop by day and cocktail bar by night. With live music and food pop-ups, I think it’s one of the most exciting new spots with a lot of style and a little bit of something for everyone.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Mom and Dad were so fearlessly supportive of my creative whims growing up in a way that gives me awe. It was a totally foreign world to them, but they just saw a crazy, inspired kid passionate about learning everything they could about theatre, and they always said yes. I couldn’t have been luckier.

I’ve had many amazing mentors and creative homes, but specifically want to shout out Cincinnati Shakespeare Company for so often believing I could do something (before I believed I could,) and for giving me the chance to surprise myself.

Website: https://lindseyaugustamercer.com

Instagram: linds_augusta

Image Credits
Lia Chang, Dan Winters