Jump inside the brains of Chicago theater artists as we ask them 10 questions that were in no way inspired by “Inside the Actor’s Studio.”

What’s the one role/show you’ve always wanted to work on that you haven’t yet?

FUNNY GIRL. Oh, I’m sorry. Did I let you finish the question? The answer is Funny Girl.

What current production, besides one of your own, are you most excited about?

I’m real excited to see Company at Mercury’s new Venus Cabaret! Company is one of my all-time faves and I’m obsessed with cabaret, so I’m truly pumped to check out the new space.

If you couldn’t be in theater, what career would you have chosen?

Do you remember the scene where Rachel McAdams watercolors topless in Noah’s house in “The Notebook?” She just looks so RELAXED!!! My dream life career is a naked watercolorist. Given the fact that I can barely draw stick figures however, I probably would have been a Speech Pathologist.

What quote or saying do people spout but is really complete BS?

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Feel your feelings, honeys.

What would you name your boat if you had one?

I like to describe myself as “singer, actor, shellfish obsessed” – oysters are my favorite food. My boat will be named “On The Half Shell.”

What will finally break the internet?

When a female wins the presidency 🙂

What well-known fictional character would be the most boring to meet in real life?

Anyone from “Lord of the Rings.” Snoozefest (just lost about 70% of readers and probably my boyfriend with that answer, but I was encouraged to be honest).

What is a play or musical that you cannot stand (CATS is not an acceptable answer)?

Phantom of the Opera. Nope.

What is a play or musical that you love (CATS is not an acceptable answer)?

Sunday in the Park with George. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Spring Awakening. Oh, and I will see any and every production of A Chorus Line forevermore – maybe someday I’ll have a shot at playing Zach (if you catch my drift).

What are you reading, watching or listening to right now?

I’ve been trying to mentally prepare myself to start The Handmaid’s Tale, season 2. I would say I’m about 85% ready. I also listen to my “Vulnerable Percy Girl” playlist every night before and during Spitfire, so I’ve been hearing a lot of Ingrid Michaelson, Brandi Carlisle and Miranda Lambert in my ears lately. In the mood to cry? Turn on “I Remember Her” by Ingrid Michaelson. You’re welcome.

Lauren Paris can currently be seen as Percy in Refuge Theatre Project’s THE SPITFIRE GRILL through May 5th.

Bio: Chicago actor Alexis J Rogers once described Lauren as a “glam goof,” and that pretty much sums it up. Lauren Paris is a Seattle native whose credits include THINGS TO RUIN (Refuge Theatre Project), Jenna Roxy in JENNA ROXY AND THE CHURCH OF MODERN LOVE, Diva in PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT (Pride Films and Plays), working with Sarah Ruhl on her MELANCHOLY: A CHAMBER MUSICAL (Frances, Piven Theatre Company), Yitzhak in HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Haven Theatre), Mary Magdalene in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, GODSPELL (Theatre at the Center), and the first Chicago productions of RENT (American Theatre Company, directed by David Cromer) and SPRING AWAKENING (Griffin Theatre Company). Credits also include Porchlight Music Theatre, The Hypocrites, Underscore Theatre and Emerald City Theatre. Frequent and passionate cabaret performer with headlining credits in Chicago, Seattle and Boston. Proud Loyola Chicago graduate. www.laurenparis.net, @theelaurenparis.

If you would like to nominate someone for “theTEN” email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media.