Laura Pruden is a multifaceted individual, a talented actor and storyteller, currently residing in New York. She is a master of finding humor and humanity in complex characters and situations, and her wry sense of humor is just as prevalent in person as it is on stage and page.
With a degree in theatre from Northwestern University, Laura began her career performing on Chicago stages, including Touchstone/Organic, Chicago Dramatists, and Lifeline. She also taught improv and sketch comedy at The Second City, honing her skills as an improviser, both comedic and dramatic.
After continuing her studies at California Institute of the Arts, earning an MFA in acting, Laura worked extensively on stage and screen in Los Angeles. She was an original cast member of the hit production The Book of Liz, opposite Ann Magnuson and Tom Lenk, at the Blank Theatre.
Since relocating to New York, Laura has had the pleasure of collaborating with filmmaker Christina Kallas on three feature films, including the Slamdance premieres Paris is in Harlem and The Rainbow Experiment, as well as 42 Seconds of Happiness, which won the Best Ensemble award at the Harlem International Film Festival in 2016. Her additional New York credits include recurring roles on The Daily Show, Law & Order: SVU, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, as well as a recurring role on the Ambie Award-nominated podcast What Happened in Skinner.
Laura has also worked on several stage productions, including a new play workshop at The Public's under the radar festival, and earned accolades for her performance in The Sea Lady at Metropolitan Playhouse.
In addition to her acting work, Laura is a writer and storyteller, often performing original monologues at various venues, including Symphony Space, The Neighborhood Playhouse, The Comedy Union, WGN radio, and The Brick Underground podcast. She has received several grants for her work and leads storytelling workshops for NYC Seniors through the Su-Casa artist residency.
Director Christina Kallas praises Laura, saying, "She is the kind of actor who can pull off the most emotionally charged and controversial parts without ever losing their humanity or authenticity."
