The Lotus Project began like the Lotus flower...rising from the "mud."

Founded by Susan Cherin and Kayla Piscatelli, the idea for The Lotus Project came from a shared dream of changing the world through the arts...one human at a time.

Prior to founding LOTUS, Susan and Kayla had spent 15 years working together to build a vibrant, wonderful community in which they produced 5+ musicals a year, ran a performing arts summer camp with over 80 children, taught classes to both tiny humans and adults, and much more.

Then...they fell in love. Oops ;).

Informed that they could not continue their important work together if they were to pursue a romantic relationship, they took a huge leap and left their secure jobs in the arts and launched a brand new tiny theatre company. With over 40 years of combined professional experience in theatre, dance, and music, Susan and Kayla knew they had the both the skills and the passion to make something beautiful out of a terrible situation. And thus, The Lotus Project was born. As they head into the 4th year of LOTUS, they have independently produced 15 musicals, created a summer intensive program for children, teens, and college students, and found ways to bring the arts to those communities that do not have regular access.

They are married, have a goofball puppy named Navi, and continue to dream big about all the ways art could change the world...one human at a time.