Lawrence Kern, a multifaceted and accomplished individual, emerged from the culturally rich and diverse backdrop of Texas, where his formative years were deeply influenced by the state's vibrant artistic and cultural landscape. His innate passion for the performing arts, a spark that had been ignited within him from a young age, drove him to pursue higher education, ultimately leading to the attainment of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre, a testament to his unwavering dedication and commitment to his craft. In addition to his major, Kern also pursued a complementary minor in English, a decision that would serve to further enrich his understanding of the performing arts and equip him with a nuanced appreciation for the power of language and storytelling.
Lawrence's remarkable artistic talents and inclinations prompted him to make a significant relocation to the northern parts of the United States, a move that ultimately led him to enroll in The Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, a highly esteemed and respected institution renowned for its exceptionally demanding and rigorous academic programs in the performing arts, which are widely recognized as among the most comprehensive and challenging in the country.
Lawrence's impressive stage presence has been marked by a standout performance at the renowned Shakespeare's Globe in London, England, a distinction that can be attributed to his participation in the esteemed Shakespeare at Winedale program, a highly respected initiative that has provided a platform for artistic expression and has been recognized for its commitment to preserving the legacy of the world-renowned playwright.
Among the numerous acting credits that have contributed to his impressive body of work, one notable performance stands out in particular: his captivating portrayal of the character "Swat Leader" in the highly anticipated film, The Dark Knight, directed by the acclaimed Christopher Nolan.
Notably, Lawrence has amassed a remarkable filmography, which is complemented by his notable appearances in various television shows. One such notable venture was his stint in the acclaimed crime drama Chicago PD, where he showcased his acting prowess. Additionally, he has also made a notable appearance in the romantic thriller Betrayal, further solidifying his reputation as a talented actor.
Moreover, Lawrence has demonstrated his adaptability as a performer by lending his talents to a straight-to-video thriller, thus expanding his repertoire and showcasing his ability to excel in a wide range of roles.
Lawrence's creative endeavors in the realm of short films have garnered widespread critical acclaim, with his thought-provoking masterpiece "Girl Parts" and his poignant opus "Non-Love Song" standing out as exemplary works that have been showcased at some of the most esteemed and revered film festivals in the industry.
Lawrence, a veteran motion capture actor with an extensive background spanning an impressive 15 years, has devoted himself to the meticulous art of bringing characters to life in a diverse array of renowned video game franchises. His impressive body of work is a testament to his dedication and skill, featuring a wide range of notable roles in several iconic series. Among his many notable credits, Lawrence has lent his talents to the popular Mortal Kombat franchise, which has captivated gamers worldwide with its over-the-top action and memorable characters.
Joshua Michael Lawrence, a multifaceted individual, has successfully branched out from his illustrious acting career to explore various creative avenues.
In addition to his impressive acting credentials, Lawrence has also ventured into the realms of writing and production, showcasing his remarkable versatility.
One of his most notable endeavors is the creation of his own innovative web series, aptly titled Comanche, which serves as a testament to his creative prowess.
Furthermore, he has also developed a pilot, cleverly dubbed F-Men, which underscores his ability to conceptualize and bring original ideas to life.
This remarkable display of talent and innovative spirit is a testament to Lawrence's dedication to his craft and his willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Lawrence has been resolutely dedicated to his profession as a teaching artist, a commitment that has been unwavering since the dawn of the year 2010. Throughout his tenure, he has leveraged his profound expertise to create and facilitate a wide range of learning experiences that cater to the unique needs of individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A pioneering individual, he is one of the visionary co-founders of A.B.L.E., a groundbreaking organization that has taken a remarkable stride in the realm of empowering actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities to transcend their limitations and unlock their full potential.
Lawrence has had a career marked by an impressive array of theatrical performances, showcasing his remarkable talent alongside the gifted and accomplished young and adult casts of A.B.L.E., at numerous distinguished theaters scattered throughout the bustling metropolis of Chicago, each location providing a unique backdrop for his captivating on-stage presence.
Notably, Lawrence has exhibited a remarkable flair for the dramatic, which is further complemented by his impressive display of artistic versatility. This multifaceted talent is exemplified by his authorship and direction of two feature films for A.B.L.E., a production that showcases a diverse ensemble of 20 actors, each with Down syndrome.
The cinematic creations, "The Curse of the Tempest Jewel" (2015) and "The Spy Who Knew Me" (2017),have garnered widespread acclaim at prominent international film festivals, including the esteemed Chicago Onscreen Showcase, a prestigious event that celebrates the art of filmmaking.
These cinematic masterpieces have also received accolades at the Courage Film Festival in Berlin, a platform that showcases courageous storytelling and innovative filmmaking techniques.
Furthermore, "The Curse of the Tempest Jewel" (2015) and "The Spy Who Knew Me" (2017) have been recognized at the Awareness Festival, a gathering that brings attention to important social and environmental issues through the power of film.
In summary, these two films have received widespread acclaim and recognition at prominent international film festivals, solidifying their status as outstanding cinematic achievements.
Lawrence's unwavering commitment to his artistic pursuits and his unrelenting enthusiasm for highlighting the exceptional abilities of actors with Down syndrome have undoubtedly left a profound and lasting mark on the film industry, transcending its boundaries and extending far beyond its traditional confines.
Lawrence, a gentleman of discerning refinement and sophistication, has elected to inhabit the bustling metropolis of Chicago, where he cohabitates with his devoted and loving wife, Katie, in a life replete with warmth, companionship, and mutual affection.
