Meet the Forge Fam: Lauren Acord

The Forge
Dec 9, 2025
3 min read

Get to know the incredible Filmmaker, Casting Associate, and Studio Manager, Lauren Acord! You may know Lauren as the face of the Forge, welcoming actors, artists, and casting teams, agents, and filmmakers to the studio. Because Lauren is so busy putting her expertise into action each day, most people don't know just how vast her experience in this industry truly is.

From her days at Saturday Night Live, to now working in casting for over 6 years, Lauren Acord has a wealth of knowledge and industry experience to share.

Let's learn about Lo!

Tell us a bit about your background. How does your training and expertise serve students at The Forge?

I started performing as a young girl, on stage, screen and for my parents in my living room. I loved to make people laugh and create art in any way I could get my hands on. As I grew older, my focus narrowed in on filmmaking. I worked with the team at Saturday Night Live for four seasons in NYC, and it showed me a true passion I had for creating something out of pea size idea. This experience plus my 6+ years in casting, serve students at The Forge because I share the same love, passion and dedication to this big beautiful beast of an industry that they do.

What is a recent project you are proud of?

I recently cast a short film entitled Hāfu. The family in the film was both American and Japanese and it was all about the feeling of being caught between two worlds.

I was extremely dedicated to finding actors who both spoke Japanese and had the talent to give this incredible script the legs it needed to run to every film festival and WIN. I searched far and wide and created a cast I am so proud of and the film has been received incredibly.

What excites you about working at forge film acting?

I love to help people and to meet folks where they are at. I often have days where I work with someone who is auditioning for a leading role in a network TV show as well as someone who is thinking about auditioning for their first play. This industry is so important, and I think by working with actors of all ranges, we only make it better and stronger.

What are you watching lately? Favorite TV Show, podcast, music?

I watch an insane amount of movies. I love to consume cinema and read reviews. You can follow me on Letterboxd to see what I've been watching as of late, @lo_a

What's your go-to thing to have on set?

Oooo hmmm... this is cheesy but lots of pockets lol. I have a million pens and scripts and schedules on me at all times so I usually wear cute overalls with 7+ pockets to carry everything. AND - electrolyte packets.

How would your friends describe you?

Sentimental, curious, funny (I hope) and chatty (maybe too much sometimes)

What might people not know about you?

I love music and concerts. I typically go to a couple a month, the energy in the crowd feels like home to me. I specifically love Pop Punk, Metalcore and Midwest Emo.

Any work you'd like to highlight?

I have been lucky enough to work on a wide variety of projects, some of my favorites have been Season One of The Bear, Chevy's Christmas campaign that was nominated for an Artios Award, Saturday Night Live and Season One of Dark Matter.