In 2025, Lauren Velasco was looking for a way to fill a gap in elementary school children's arts education.  During her years directing children's theater at school districts throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties, Lauren had discovered that children of all backgrounds  love live theater. She wondered if that love could be turned into a learning opportunity. Her research revealed that budget constraints often make it difficult for schools to fund field trips to live theater. So, in 2026, Lauren founded the Abandon Ship Theater Troupe to bring fun, educational, and affordable live theater to schools and students everywhere.