Laura Jean Schwartau

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Laura-Jean Schwartau is a SUNY Plattsburgh alumna that went on to train at Circle in the Square Theatre Program, and at the University of Minnesota, where she attained her M.F.A. As a graduate teaching associate, she was selected to teach undergraduate acting classes for the Theater Department. She has worked extensively in Minneapolis, MN, including the Guthrie Theatre and the University’s Showboat. In New York City, L.J. appeared in cabaret performances, numerous Off-Off-Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, such as Soho Rep. Theatre, as well as directing for the Vortex Theatre. She has also had TV and independent films roles to her credit, was a private acting coach in New York City, and taught at colleges around the Metropolitan area.

L.J. lives in the Adirondacks, is an outdoor enthusiast and competes in alpine ski racing. She is a long time company member of Pendragon Theatre in Saranac Lake, performing most recently as: “Masha” in Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike, “Mrs. Lovett” in Sweeney Todd Candida (title role), The Christmas Cat and the Pudding Pirates! (title role) “Mom” in A Christmas Story, “Frau Schneider” in Cabaret. Some of the shows she’s recently directed are Dirty Blonde and The Last 5 Years. She is a respondent with The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and a member of Actors Equity Association (AEA), SAG & AFTRA.

Laura-Jean teaches several courses at SUNY Plattsburgh, including: Introduction to Acting, Introduction to Theatre, Acting I Acting II, and Acting III. She is a specialist in movement studies, and has directed and/or choreographed shows for the college such as: June Moon, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, Oklahoma, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Guys and Dolls, Chicago and Anything Goes.

• Education
  • M.F.A., University of Minnesota