LAURA EKSTRAND (she/her) is co-founder and artistic director of Vivid Stage, which began as Dreamcatcher Rep in 1994. She is an actor, director, playwright and teacher who has appeared on stages and screens for over 30 years. Laura is also a member of The Flip Side improv comedy team. She has worked at many other New Jersey Theatres including the Bickford Theatre, Centenary Stage, Luna Stage, Passage Theater, Pushcart Players, The Theater Project and 12 Miles West. In New York, Laura has appeared at Naked Angels, Ensemble Studio Theatre, and New Georges. Laura has worked as an actor in film and television, and is the host of Vivid Stage’s podcast. Her short and full-length plays have been produced at theatres around the country and online. Laura is a private monologue coach and holds a BA from Yale University and an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College. Laura is the Chair of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance Board of Trustees and a member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA and the Dramatists Guild. She is also a certified yoga instructor and enjoys a good hike. www.lauraekstrand.com