When did you first really know you wanted to be an actress?

When I was around 12 years old. I had done some shows in elementary school, but when I was in middle school--it seemed that much more real, more exciting. I got larger roles. I learned I was good at it.

What was your first lead role?

Well, let’s see-I don¹t even remember the play title. It was based on that song Sweet Georgia Brown. I was sweet Georgia Brown's arch nemesis. I loved doing that character. I got to sing and dance and be evil and be funny.

You performed at your school?

Yes!

Is anyone else in your family an actor or in theater?

No, but my mother sent me to acting lessons. She always said I had a special talent - she called it talent, I think I just had a very active imagination.

What acting school?

In Philadelphia at the New Freedom Theater.

You grew up in Philadelphia?

Yes, in West Philadelphia. I attended The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and studied acting when I went to college.

Did you always have a special interest in Musical Theater?

I loved it all.

Was your family pleased you wanted to be an actress?

Yes, actually, they were. I think they knew it was really what I wanted. When I was around three years old we were all at a wedding. No one was dancing. My mother says that I marched right onto the dance floor and started dancing and singing. She say that I stole the spotlight from the bride.  Everyone knew I was just a child who loved performing. I was always singing and dancing.

You have two daughters?

Yes.

Do they want to be performers?

No, they have no desire, not at this moment anyways. Things can change. Tiara, my eldest, did go to the High School of Performing Arts here in New York City but right now she is studying Advertising and Mass Media Marketing at FIT. When she was a little girl she always said she wanted to be a Paper Bag Player when she grew up. She asked me if I would put in a good word for her. My younger daughter, Alana wants to be a neurosurgeon.

Which actors inspired you?

Let me think, early on and still really, Meryl Streep. She is so good. One of my first teachers at New Freedom Theater, Mr. Garfield. He was an actor himself. He inspired me. He was a very demanding teacher. He wanted us to be the best we possibly could be. He pushed us to look at our characters from every angle and the story. He only accepted what he considered the best. He made us work hard--but we wanted to. I always thought if I succeed in his class I could really do this! 

You performed in a one women show this past summer--which you also wrote?

Yes, Sunday Best.

How did you come up with the idea for the show?

My husband, Craig, suggested the idea to me. I would talk about the glorious hats that you see sometimes in church and the women in their beautiful church outfits and hats and we would tell stories about them. That’s how it started. Craig was a big help throughout the process.

You and the other Paper Bag Players have begun working on a show for next year?

Often after our morning performances we go to the Studio to work.  

How is it going?

Wonderfully, we are coming up with lots of great ideas. We are having a really good time, which is always a good sign. We are laughing all the time. How terrific is it to be working with such imaginative people.

You enjoy collaborating?

Yes. I also collaborate with composers on songs I write. I love bringing my ideas to the table and presenting them to Ted, Kevin, John and Amy. After we work together it always seems to come out even funnier.

Do you have a favorite place you tour to with The Paper Bag Players?

Rhode Island, Providence. The audiences always seem to love the show. I lived there when I was very young and I always wanted to go back.

What do you do when you are not acting?

I enjoy going to see other shows and being a Mom!

What is your favorite food?

Well, my husband is a chef. There are so many of his dishes I love. Right now, there is a special dish he prepares a blackened trout with tomatoes and olives and greens. It’s delicious!

The Paper Bag Players wear new shoes this year in the show?

Yes, even bolder and brighter than before. That’s what we wanted- an even stronger look-also they are wonderfully comfortable.

Do you have any tips to be a successful actor?

Never be afraid to have fun with your imagination. And of course, practice! Write your own shows or write little stories then read them out loud. Make the different sound affects and use different voices for the characters. Use your imagination!

Can anyone become a Paper Bag Players?

Just so you have lots of energy and be willing to be funny and silly everyday!

It sounds like fun.

It is.

You have played so many characters--which Paper Bag Players character is closest to who you are? 

Like in real life?

Yes.  

Let’s see-ah-the Meatball in On Top Of Spaghetti. Yes, definitely, the Meatball!

If you have any more questions for Laura you can e-mail her at pbagp@verizon.net or mail her a letter at The Paper Bag Players, 185 East Broadway, New York NY 10002