One of the most commonly asked questions, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, seems to be the most intimidating for some, yet liberating for others. In a world where so many people are weighed down by the pressure of choosing what they want to be when they grow up, there are a rare few who have known exactly what they want to be for as long as they can remember. And when you meet one of these driven people, you’ll see that their passion is like no other.
Katie Lowes is an actress, producer, theater director and activist among many other talents and professions. For as long as she can remember, Lowes has been performing. From youth dance recitals to starring on Broadway and in mainstream television shows, she has never failed to display a true love for performance. This devotion came naturally to her, as if it were destiny.
“I don’t ever remember choosing to be an actor because it’s just always what I did from the time I was little,” Lowes said. “I was always in some sort of dance recital outfit with too much makeup for a three year old, trying to make people laugh, or putting on some sort of show and seeking applause.”
Lowes grew up in Port Washington, N.Y., after spending her earliest years in Queens, N.Y. Growing up in dance and theater, Lowes was never a stranger to being on stage. In high school, she took part in many performing arts clubs and classes, nearly filling her entire schedule full of these courses. As an aspiring actress, Lowes got many more eye-opening opportunities by having a close connection to New York City with a short 35 minute train ride.
“I knew I wanted to go to school of the arts,” Lowes said. “I wanted to be in downtown New York City. I wanted that “Rent”, musical vibe. I really wanted to make weird art and live in that kind of scene.”
With the support of her parents, Lowes went on to New York University Tisch School of the Arts where she fulfilled her dreams of living in New York City and creating art. Following her graduation, Lowes moved to Los Angeles with some college friends to pursue her career. They worked relentlessly to build IAMA Theatre Company which is now a fully non-profit organization that has become a huge success, selling out theaters and sending shows directly to Broadway.
Lowes had her big break in 2012 starring as Quinn in Shonda Rhimes’ hit television series “Scandal”. She was such a perfect fit for the part that she was given the part by the showrunner, an act unheard of in Hollywood.
“It was a total, total game changer,” Lowes said. “I mean it’s like being on “American Idol”, and they say you’re going to Hollywood. I was so shocked, overwhelmed and in disbelief. I was like, this can’t be real.”
Being on “Scandal” changed the trajectory of her career immensely. On a personal level, being a part of this show allowed her to build lifelong bonds with her costars and make many incredible memories that she continues to think back on to this day. Not only this, but the show also opened her up to endless possibilities. Following her “Scandal” days, Lowes made her Broadway debut with her husband, Adam Shapiro, as Dawn and Ogie, respectively in the musical “Waitress”. She also went on to star in many more productions such as “Inventing Anna” and most recently “The Hunting Wives.”
Amidst all her success, the actress has never forgotten those small stages she started on and continues to be reminded of the drive and passion that has contributed to her incredible career. In all of this, she has become a true example of someone who has turned their dreams into a reality. Lowes continues to lead with a big appreciation for the arts as she pays homage to her upbringings.
