Laura Youngkin

Laura Youngkin is a performer and producer currently residing in Los Angeles. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Laura grew up performing in the theater, and eventually moved on to obtain her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Performance from Baylor University. While studying at Baylor, Laura moved to New York City to work for Broadway Producer, Carolyn Rossi-Copeland. During her tenure at the Lamb's Theatre, Co. she helped to launch the Summer Smorgasboard Comedy Festival in 2005, as well as serve as the Production Stage Manager on My Fake IDs and Man 1, Bank 0. It was there that she realized her true passion: producing.

In 2007, Laura became a founding member of Break BIG Entertainment, LLC. Break BIG Entertainment is comprised of actors, writers, and producers committed to creating quality work intended for film and television. Currently she is taking a sabbatical from her producing role with BBE in order to finish her Masters Degree, although she continues to develop work with New York writers Chris Cragin Day (Public Theater Emerging Writer 2009) and Christina Cigala (The Actors Studio).

Laura is an MFA Candidate in Producing at CalArts. Recent productions include Jane Pickett's Someone in Florida Loves Me, the French opera, Platee, directed by Raphael Lopez-Barrantes, and Gertrude Stein's Doctor Faustus Lights the Lights, directed by Lily Whitsitt. Laura also produced the 2009 CalArts Actors Showcase.

Laura's Master's Thesis project, CoCreate, will take place in the spring of 2010. CoCreate is a one day conference that aims to connect up-and-coming female producers with established and successful women in the entertainment industry. Inspired by the unique experiences of creative female leaders, Laura hopes the conference will establish relationships between the two generations and celebrate their accomplishments.