Biography

Laura Pruden is an actor and storyteller living in New York. "As wryly funny in person as she is on stage and page," Laura is known for finding the humor and humanity in complex characters and situations. An experienced improviser (comedic and dramatic), Laura thinks fast and feels deeply.

After earning her degree in theatre from Northwestern University, Laura performed on Chicago stages, including Touchstone/Organic, Chicago Dramatists, and Lifeline, and taught improv and sketch comedy for The Second City. She continued her studies at California Institute of the Arts (MFA, acting), working on stage and screen in LA, notably as an original cast member of the long-running hit The Book of Liz (Amy & David Sedaris), opposite Ann Magnuson and Tom Lenk (with Kirsten Vangsness, Deborah Van Valkenburgh and more) at the Blank Theatre.

Since moving to NY, Laura has had the pleasure of collaborating with filmmaker Christina Kallas on three features: Slamdance premieres Paris is in Harlem and The Rainbow Experiment, and 42 Seconds of Happiness (Best Ensemble, Harlem International Film Festival 2016). Additional NY credits include The Daily Show (recurring), Law & Order, SVU and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and a recurring role on the Ambie Award nominated (Best Independent Fiction Podcast) What Happened in Skinner. Most recently, Laura workshopped a new play for The Public's under the radar festival and earned accolades for her work in The Sea Lady at Metropolitan Playhouse.

Ever curious about human nature, Laura is also a writer and storyteller. She has performed original monologues at Symphony Space, The Neighborhood Playhouse, The Comedy Union, on WGN radio, and on The Brick Underground podcast (#4). Laura and has received several grants for her work and leads storytelling workshops for NYC Seniors through the renowned Su-Casa artist residency.

"Laura is the kind of actor who can pull off the most emotionally charged and controversial parts without ever losing their humanity or authenticity." (director Christina Kallas)
- IMDb mini biography by: Laura Pruden

Laura's grandmother immigrated to California from Guatemala City. She is of Irish, French, Guatemalan (Spanish and Mayan) and Scottish descent.

Taught Improv at The Second City, NW.

Laura has a bachelors degree in Theatre from Northwestern University.

Laura received an MFA in Acting from California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).