We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Young. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura below.
Laura, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I had been a working actor for over a decade and in 2019, I decided to write a one person show about my divorce. It was risky financially. It was at the Pittsburgh Fringe festival and the artists had to find a venue and rent the space during the festival. It was risky emotionally, to be able to write a vulnerable show and expose a very personal story to a large audience. It was risky professionally. I would be reviewed by the same sources that would review me as an actor. Although I would not be a performer and playing myself, I did not know if that would benefit my career as an actor or be a problem.
I was happy with my career but I felt the story of my divorce, which had taken place in 2011, could help people. I felt like I had to tell the story for an audience. I mentioned to my a couple of friends in a group chat that I was thinking about applying to the festival, but I mentioned the $200 entry fee. Soon, I received venmo notifications, my friends had submitted portions of the entry fee. I had no choice, I needed to write it. I had a month before the festival and since I work best on a deadline, I began writing. Leading up to the festival, I wondered if I should keep it secret and not tell anyone. I decided to put it on facebook. To my surprise, a bunch of friends came to support me. Some of those friends drove in from another state to see the show. Friends I had not seen in ten years. These were friends from college. I had multiple good reviews. The show won “Best New Script.”
In 2020, I was set to perform the show at Indianapolis Fringe. However, the pandemic canceled that performance. In 2022, I was offered the same spot at Indianapolis fringe. When I went, I was noticed by off the WALL productions. They then commissioned my show for a year long contract. My show would be lengthened, given a director and design team. The show would tour Pittsburgh, New York, and Iceland. It received amazing reviews. I look back at the intense amazing year and think that it all started with the small risk of the local fringe festival and friends who supported me.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am an actor, director, and playwright. I am best known for my autobiographical one woman show “When Jesus Divorced Me” a show about when my husband played Jesus at a theme park and left me for the woman who played Mary Magadelene.
I am known for starring and creating period pieces across the United States and love dressing in an elaborate outfit. I partner with local institutions to create literary and history centered events and programs.
I am a Member of Actor’s Equity Association and can be seen on my instagram at themed events.
I co-host the Original Trail podcast on the Trident Network.
I am the author of The Adventures of Dapper Dog, available on Amazon.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
My fellow creatives that are in the same place in the journey as me. It took me a long time to realize that my biggest resource were my classmates and other creatives. We wait for someone “above” us with “more resources and more experience” to let us in, to make our dreams happen. Working with the people around you, in the same room as you to create your own work is the best resource. The individuals you meet with every day will be your best resource today and tomorrow.
The library. There are so many resources the library can offer. Classes, studios, equipment rentals, a quiet space to think. Look at all the libraries in your area and see what they have to offer besides books. I was fortunate that a local library had a recording studio that you could use.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Big Magic: Elizabeth Gilbert
The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Lune
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lauraireneyoung
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5lTyZXDHVAqGblBQ9vEJ7A
- Other: The Original Trail Podcast (Wherever you listen to podcasts)
Image Credits
Heather Mull and Jennifer Leno