Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Benson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Laura thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
I’m a preacher’s kid from a small Midwestern town, where opportunities to perform were few and far between. I went on to graduate from Wayne State College in Nebraska, studying Exercise Science/Wellness and Music—an unlikely but heartfelt combination. At WSC, I sang in the college choir and Madrigal group, always holding onto the dream of a bigger stage.
After college, I worked as a personal trainer in Texas, though my heart longed for performance. That’s when an unexpected opportunity came my way: becoming a flight attendant. The job took me around the world, but most importantly, it landed me in New York City, where I discovered the magic of Broadway. On my “on-call” days, I’d stand in the TKTS line hoping for a cheap ticket. One night, I struck gold—seats to Sam Mendes’ new production of Cabaret. Watching the Kit Kat girls sing, dance, act, and play instruments, I had a revelation: this was what I was meant to do.
I threw myself into vocal and acting lessons, and with my teacher’s encouragement, began researching musical theatre programs. Within a year, I was accepted to The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. For the first time, I felt completely aligned with my purpose. And then, in a full-circle moment, shortly after graduating from AMDA, I was cast in the Broadway National Tour of Cabaret.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Although my roots are in theatre, I found myself increasingly drawn to on-camera work. I began with student films, which eventually led to landing a lead role in an independent film. Around that same time, life shifted in the most beautiful way—I fell in love, married my best friend, and became a mom at 42. My focus shifted overnight, and I chose to put acting on hold for a while.
Fast forward to 2020. With the world turned upside down by Covid and grieving the loss of my father, I was pushed to do some deep soul searching. That’s when I realized it was time to return to my art. I reached out to my teacher and found myself back in class after nearly a decade away. It was terrifying and exhilarating. What I initially thought might be just a hobby quickly became something much bigger—I was auditioning again, booking commercials, and rediscovering the joy of performance. I fully committed by joining the 2% Collective, a program designed for actors ready to level up their careers. Shortly after completing it, I secured management, and I’ve been auditioning and working steadily ever since.
The roles I’m most drawn to—and love to play—share a through line of advocacy and empathy, sometimes with a devious edge. From a sharp defense attorney who knows how to spin a narrative, to a doctor who exudes patience and compassion, to a wife navigating the push and pull of career and motherhood, to an Upper East Side PTA mom wielding status like a weapon—each character allows me to tap into that complexity. My headshots and media capture a sampling of this range.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
One of the most rewarding aspects of this career choice is the time spent between “action” and “cut.” That space, where you are fully immersed and it’s the most important thing in the world, allows you to forget the past and future, focusing entirely on the present moment. It’s a state of flow, if you’re lucky; and it’s beautiful.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
While the pursuit of being a working actor may seem challenging, it’s my ultimate goal. I want to demonstrate to my daughter that it’s achievable to both pursue your passion and earn a living doing so. This might involve a side hustle to make ends meet, which isn’t ideal, but as my dad taught me, hard work pays off and can even enhance one’s character and life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurabensonactor.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.bensonpfeufer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.r.benson.5
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-benson-pfeufer-5b703810/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/user21556254
Image Credits
Jeffrey Mosier Photography