"To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist."

— Robert Schumann

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LAURA ELISABETH PRIDGEN

“Laura is one of the brightest and most talented women I’ve ever encountered.” -Rickey Pittman, The Bard of the South

“Laura is the unusual combination of talent, creative fire and cool organizational skill that makes her a skilled leader and likable colleague. When Laura is on my creative team, I know I will be able to enjoy our creative process and have a product I can be proud of.” -Cathy Airhart Webb, Owner and Director, CA Studio

CREDITS

STAGE

Acting

  • Mrs. Lovett

    dir. Amy Bell

    River City Community Players, 2026

  • Lizzy Bennett

    dir. Hephzibah Dutt

    Bell Road Barn Players, 2023

  • Jake Laurents, Marley, +4 more

    dir. Hannah Magee

    Little Theatre of Weston, 2022

  • RM Renfield

    dir. Mitchell Pennington

    Weston Community Theatre, 2021

  • Nurse

    dir. Cathy Airhart Webb

    CA Studio, 2021

  • Lady Macbeth

    dir. Cathy Airhart Webb

    CA Studio (Zoom Production), 2020

  • The Witch

    dir. Joe Todaro

    Emmett Hook Center Theatre, 2019

  • Kristine Linde

    dir. Cathy Airhart Webb

    CA Studio, 2019

  • Lily St. Regis

    dir. Joe Todaro

    Emmett Hook Center Theatre, 2019

    Grace Farrell

    dir. Willie Cogburn

    Strauss Theatre Center, 2005

  • Elizabeth Proctor

    dir. Cathy Airhart Webb

    CA Studio, 2018

  • Sophie Sheridan

    dir. Richard Folmer

    Emmett Hook Center Theatre, 2018

  • Don John (Widow Jeanne)

    dir. Cathy Airhart Webb

    CA Studio, 2018

  • Sister Mary Robert

    dir. Terri Larsen Cunningham

    Strauss Theatre Center, 2018

  • Lucy Harris

    dir. Hal Robinson

    Rose Theatre, 2009

  • Cherubino

    dir. Fritz Maraffi

    Rome Opera Festival, Italy 2008

  • Antipholous

    dir. Cathy Airhart Webb

    Dixie Theatre, 2008

  • Fantine

    dir. Cathy Airhart Webb

    Strauss Theatre Center, 2003, 2004

  • Juliet

    dir. Cathy Airhart Webb

    Strauss Theatre Center, 2003

PRODUCTION TEAM

  • Director

    River City Community Players, 2026

  • Director

    Sunday Night Players Radio Troupe

    Little Theatre of Weston, 2026

  • Director

    Sunday Night Players Radio Troupe

    Little Theatre of Weston, 2026

  • Director

    Sunday Night Players Radio Troupe

    Little Theatre of Weston, 2026

  • Director

    Technical Director

    Little Theatre of Weston, 2025

  • Director

    Little Theatre of Weston, 2024

  • Technical Director

    Assistant Director

    dir. Hannah Magee

    Little Theatre of Weston, 2024

  • Director

    Little Theatre of Weston, 2023

  • Assistant Director

    Sound Designer

    dir. Cathy Airhart Webb

    CA Studio, 2019

  • Sound Designer

    dir. Cathy Airhart Webb

    CA Studio, 2018

  • Assistant Director

    dir. Cathy Airhart Webb

    CA Studio, 2008

Credits listed are career highlights. A complete resume with all credits, training, and more is available below.

One Page Resume
Full Resume

OTHER CREDITS

  • Dickensian Christmas Caroling

    • Quartet Alto

    • dir. Charles Pridgen

    • Little Theatre of Weston, 2022-Current

    Witches + Bitches Concert

    • Director & Soloist

    • Little Theatre of Weston, 2024

    Music of the Night Concert

    • Director & Soloist

    • Little Theatre of Weston, 2023

    Platte City Community Band Goes to the Theatre

    • Soloist

    • dir. Jim Edwards

    • Platte City Community Band, 2022

    Raise the Hook Fundraiser

    • Live Request Soloist

    • dir. Rocky Maddox

    • Emmett Hook Center Theatre, 2019

    The Spiritual Side of Les Miserables

    • Cosette, Constable

    • dir. David Melville

    • Emmett Hook Center Theatre, 2019

    Star Wars in Concert

    • Ensemble Soprano I

    • cond. Dirk Brossé with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

    • CenturyLink Center, Shreveport 2009

  • Audition Workshop ‘22

    • Director

    • Little Theatre of Weston, 2022

    Music & Mayhem

    • Music Director

    • dir. Cathy Airhart Webb

    • CA Studio, 2019

    Mary Poppins Returns

    • Music Director

    • dir. Taylor Yakowenko

    • Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts, 2019

    Descendants, Too!

    • Music Director

    • dir. Walter Allen

    • Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts, 2019

    Elsa & Anna’s Broadway Takeover

    • Music Director

    • dir. Walter Allen

    • Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts, 2018

    Opera Workshop

    • Soloist

    • dir. David Wylie

    • Louisiana Tech University, 2006

  • LEA.

    • Director, Co-Writer

    • Lagniappe Entertainment

    • Documentary, 2021

    Grandmother

    • Caretaker

    • dir. Bing Bishop

    • Fatal Frame Productions

    • Short Film, 2020

    The Click

    • Emma, Co-Writer

    • Trouvaille Productions

    • Short Film, 2018

  • Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union

    • Wife

    • Plugged In Creative

    • Commercial, 2019

    Bayou Dental Group

    • Actress

    • KTVE 10 KARD 14

    • Commercial, 2019

    LAWARD Cellular

    • Customer

    • Newcomer, Morris, & Young

    • Commercial, 2009, 2010

    Haik Humble Eye Clinic

    • Patient

    • Commercial, 2009

    St. Francis Sports Medicine

    • Tennis Player Patient

    • Commercial, 2004

WHO AM I

  • Laura Elisabeth Pridgen is an adaptable actor, director, and technical artist who has spent her life exploring every facet of the "theatrical coin". Known for her meticulous expertise and a leadership style that fosters deeply dedicated ensembles, she brings a calm, analytical demeanor to every creative endeavor.

    With a versatile vocal range spanning over three octaves, Laura’s performance credits bridge the gap between classical opera and modern musical theatre. Her notable roles include Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (CA Studio), The Witch in Into the Woods (Emmett Hook Center), RM Renfield in Dracula (Weston Community Theatre), and Lizzy Bennet in Kate Hamill’s Pride & Prejudice (Bell Road Barn Players). She has performed internationally as Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro at the Rome Opera Festival and appeared with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Star Wars: In Concert. Most recently, she delivered a standout performance as Mrs. Lovett in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd (River City Community Players).

    Offstage, Laura’s technical and directorial command is the backbone of her work. She is currently directing Steel Magnolias with River City Community Players while helming Little Theatre of Weston’s Sunday Night Players radio broadcasts, an eight-month series including The Scarlet Pimpernel, Wuthering Heights, Treasure Island, and Frankenstein among other classic titles. Her production credits further extend to sound design, music direction, technical direction, writing, and film coordination through Lagniappe Entertainment.

    Whether she is coaching, designing, or directing, she remains deeply committed to the collaborative spirit of theatre.

  • UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT MONROE

    2011-2012

    Master of Science in Psychology, Psychometrics

    LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY

    2004-2009

    Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, Humanities

    Minor: Music Performance, Voice

  • Tennis, Water Skiing, Swimming, Writing, Four-Wheeler Driving, Automatic and Standard-Shift Vehicle Driving, Video Gaming, Marksmanship: Pistol, Computers, 120 WPM, Music Composition, Sound Design, Vocal Range: E3-D6, Dancing: Cha Cha Cha, Dancing: Bachata, Dancing: LA Style Salsa (+tricks and dips), Dialects: RP British, Cockney, French, Russian, American-Southern, American-Standard

As an Actor…

  • You have such a command of the language and storytelling. You give so much onstage and it shows. Your acting choices were many and varied. This told me you are a smart actor. I enjoy that in actors. Being a fellow actor it makes playing a scene all the better. You also understand the ability to grab us and in turn we care about your work onstage. Your energy was great. Thank you for creating such a beautiful character that was not an actor acting but a real breathing person. Thank You!!!

    — Rob Scoles, Actor

  • It was a highlight of my theatre career getting to work with you ... It's an amazing feeling when you really trust a fellow performer, and I feel like we were right there with each other every performance. I am very grateful for this experience, and sincerely hope we get to work together again.

    — Richard J. Burt, Actor

  • Dammit if you aren’t amazing ... You are an ideal scene partner who rolls with the punches, explores the scene, and is present ... I’m so grateful that we have met and I look forward to any chance where we would get to play together again.

    — Meghann Deveroux, Actor

  • I am a Veteran of the United States Airforce and an actor who has performed on stages all over the world. I have been a member of the community theater world for 30 years as well as worked professionally. In all that time I have met few people like Laura who truly understands what the community in community theater stands for. I have worked with her as an actor and director and have found each experience gratifying. Her professionalism and joy in the craft brings out the best in people.

    — Joshua Montambeault

As a Team Member…

  • I worked as musical director with Laura on Little Theatre of Weston's Music of The Night Halloween Revue show. Laura always has a clear vision for a show and is extremely well organized. Communication comes easy with her and her direction to the performers is precise and clear. Aside from being a director, she is also a talented performer who brings a command and presence to the stage that cannot be overlooked. Whether as a performer or a director, Laura is a major asset for any theatre.

    — Dr. Charles Pridgen, Owner, Lagniappe Entertainment

  • The only thing you need to know about Laura is she comes with a creative quiver of arrows that would make Robin Hood jealous. She has a beautiful singing voice and a great range. She is a director’s delight in that she gets inside her character and works her way out, willing to take suggestions, bringing a unique aspect to every character, but not needing to be coddled. She brings a spark to the stage whenever she steps onto it to speak, sing, or dance. Off stage, Laura is a creative collaborator for graphics, design elements, even social media content. I have worked with her in two very challenging musicals, Into the Woods and Mamma Mia! My only regret is she has moved too far from me to use her creativity in more productions. If you need someone who contributes above and beyond to any creative project, you need look no further.

    — Joe Todaro, Director NELA Region

  • I have worked with Laura for many years and have always been thrilled to have her on the CA Studio creative team. She brings leadership, inspiration, organization and stellar performance to all my theatre, film, and education needs.

    — Cathy Airhart Webb, Owner & Director, CA Studio

As a Teacher…

  • Laura's teaching style is excellent and inclusive for all levels of actors. After one month of adult acting class, I felt prepared to audition for multiple types of roles and like I had a great toolbox to use in future performances.

    — Hannah Magee

  • 25 years of voice study and practice went away when I had a stroke at age 45. Under Laura's tutelage, I have regained most of my tone and breath control. A huge part of who I am has come back thanks to her dedication and guidance.

    — Merideth Vaughn

  • Laura is an excellent voice teacher. After just four thirty-minute lessons, I could hear a noticeable difference in my voice. She gave me things to try, ways to practice, and this was all done over Google Meet! Very flexible and knowledgeable teacher if you're looking for help with singing.

    — Jessalyn Porét

  • Laura is one of the most professional performers/directors I’ve had the pleasure working with. She’s acted as a great mentor and friend in my own performance endeavors, offering guidance, patience, and professionalism in every experience I’ve worked with her.

    — Mitchell Pennington

  • A very experienced and knowledgeable person and I have learned a lot and was always looking forward to class! Very professional!

    — Mary Jane Norman

  • Laura is an absolutely excellent acting coach. Her knowledge of the industry and performing truly is so comforting and evident during session. She has not only helped in strengthening my acting, but has been continual guidance when on set and exploring characters and different pieces.

    — Anne Brown Petersen

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