Laura Borgwardt

Laura Borgwardt is a New York-based actor and teaching artist (but has a valid passport just in case). She holds a BFA in Acting from Syracuse University and has trained with cool people like Michael Gould at London's Globe Theatre, Amy Morton at Chicago's School at Steppenwolf; and Reed Birney at NYC's Freeman Studios. She is a co-founder of CO/LAB Theater Group, a nonprofit organization that provides individuals with developmental disabilities a creative and social outlet through theater arts. Watching actors grow their confidence and become leaders both onstage and in the rehearsal room is an amazing gift and she is proud of the community they've built - reaching more than 1,300 actors over the past 10 years. She has performed Shakespeare in New York City, Edinburgh, and Istanbul as part of The Tempest Ladies, an all-female ensemble. She also plays well independently, taking on all the roles in Lily Tomlin's iconic piece The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe in Madison and Syracuse. Other favorite past theatre experiences include: playing Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream, being directed by the incredible Kimberly Senior as Francine in Summertime, and being part of the ensemble of a very memorable Julius Caesar at Shakespeare in the Park. She lives in Brooklyn with her pup Edith Ann, an adorable Jack Russell rescue who just learned how to sing. Edie's favorite song is "Brand New Day" from The Wiz.