Laura Rocklyn is an actress, writer, and first person historical interpreter based in Boston, MA. She has performed with regional theater companies across the country, including Folger Theatre, Round House Theatre, Classic Theatre of Maryland, History At Play, and Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. She has been seen on TV in "Legends & Lies:The Patriots" and on "Investigation Discovery: Southern Fried Homicide."
Laura writes and performs historic character portrayals for educational groups up and down the East Coast. Her one-woman play "Charlotte Brontë: To Do More & Better Things" was presented as part of the North American Friends of Chawton House 2021 Speaker Subscription Series, and her original short play "Emma is Presented in Washington City" was performed as the curtain raiser for the Jane Austen Society of North America 2016 Annual General Meeting.
Laura has published articles in “Brontë Studies” and “The Revere Express”. She was the winner of the “LitMag” 2021 Virginia Woolf Award for short fiction, and her stories have appeared in the literary journals “Stork” and “New Square.”
Laura holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, and an MFA from The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting at The George Washington University.
Tartuffe
(
Theater
by The Hub Theatre Company of Boston/Bryn Boice
Elmire Poor gullible Orgon refuses to see what’s hiding in plain sight! He’s been duped by Tartuffe, a charismatic con man, who fully intends to make off with his family, his fortune and maybe even his kitchen sink! Thank goodness the women of the household are not so easily fooled. Together they vow to reveal his ruse and beat Tartuffe at his own game. But will their daring deception be enough to defeat the sanctimonious scoundrel before the final curtain? Packed with witty wordplay, laughable lies, and the pretense of piety, this side-splitting satire will keep audiences on their toes and on the edge of their seats.
Jane Eyre
(
Theater
by Classic Theatre of Maryland/Donald Hicken
Jane Eyre Experience Charlotte Bronte's iconic novel of self-discovery, redemption and love brought to vibrant life onstage! This new adaptation sweeps the audience away with the mystery and romance of Jane’s compelling journey.
The Book of Will
(
Theater
by The Hub Theatre Company of Boston/Bryn Boice
Rebecca Heminges/Anne Hathaway With a legacy on the line- it’s publish or perish!
Shakespeare is only three years dead – and already the London stage is littered with badly botched Hamlets, ripped-off Romeos, and plagiarized Pericles. With the clock ticking, his comrades in art must band together to outwit an embezzling publisher, a drunk poet laureate, and their own mortality as they race to publish Shakespeare’s masterpieces and preserve his memory. Replete with history, hijinks, and Shakespeare’s greatest hits, this tale of the First Folio sheds new light on a man and a legacy you thought you knew.
The Learned Ladies
(
Theater
by Classic Theatre of Maryland/Donald Hicken
Philaminte This classic by Moliére is one of his most popular comedies and the last of his great plays in verse. In a satire of academic pretension and bourgeois preciosity, can true love prevail?
Nevermore: The Fantastic Terrors of Edgar Allan Poe
(
Theater
by ClockJack Productions/P.J. Griffith (Horror)
Signora Psyche Zenobia The short stories and poems of Edgar Allan Poe come alive outside the buildings of Old Sturbridge Village, as told by the characters who have just witnessed them occur. At six different locations throughout the Village, tales of horror, revenge, obsession, and deception will be repeated in pulsating rhythm…like the beat of a heart.
FairyTale Farm
(
Theater
by ClockJack Productions/P.J. Griffith (Comedy)
Goldie/Granny Lil Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol, Rhode Island and The Freeman Farm at Old Sturbridge Village are transformed into Fairy Tale Farm in July and August 2021. Guests are transported into an enchanted countryside where they’ll meet characters from several beloved fairy tales, all now living beside each other on a farm full of surprises.
Each character steps out of their home for the first time in a while; from “real-boy” Pinocchio, to a recently-awakened beautiful princess-turned-influencer, to Little Red Riding Hood’s once-devoured grandmother, to an entrepreneurial Goldilocks and her fiancé Baby Bear, to a quarantine-frustrated Hansel and Gretel, to a self-aware third Little Pig. Map in hand, guests have the freedom to explore as the sun goes down on this enchanted farm. Hilarity ensues as characters we thought we’ve known since childhood finally decide to get real.
Cato & Dolly
(
Theater
by History At Play/Judith Kalaora
Dolly Hancock This new play by Patrick Gabridge reveals life in a Governor's mansion through the experiences of those who live there: Dolly Quincy Hancock, a Boston Brahmin and First Lady of Massachusetts, and Cato, an enslaved person of color, in the Hancock Household. "Cato & Dolly" breathes life into their legacies, as well as other Revolutionary-era figures, whose lives intersect at the Hancock House over the course of 50 years (1764-1816). The performance features influential and often forgotten figures, as they live through late Colonial America’s most pivotal events, inspiring new perspectives for an American narrative.
How Long Must We Wait?
(
Theater
by History at Play/Judith Kalaora
Angelina Grimke "How Long Must We Wait?" is History at Play's original performance art piece chronicling 100 years of suffrage history. I play the part of leading Abolitionist and Suffragist Angelina Grimke, along with other ensemble roles.
4D Bacons Rebellion Theater
(
Film (short)
by Cortina Productions/Brent Feito
Sarah Grendon I portrayed Sarah Grendon, one of the conspirators behind Bacons Rebellion, in this short film that is part of a 4D visitor experience in the museum at Jamestown Settlement in Williamsburg, Virginia that explores the history behind this historic event.
I Now Pronounce You Lucy Stone
(
Theater
by History At Play/Judith Kalaora
Lucy Stone Challenging discrimination is not easy, but Lucy Stone is never one to take the easy road. The first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree, Lucy defies every obstacle and is an ardent supporter of human rights. Always fierce, her belief that women and men be equal is evident in both her political and personal endeavors. Her message inspired thousands of women to join the suffrage movement; Susan B. Anthony credits Lucy's impassioned speeches for her involvement.
In this fiery presentation, Lucy describes the tension of Antebellum Boston. Her discussion touches on the gender caste system and also encompasses the fierce abolitionist movement. Women were evolving from successful abolitionists to struggling suffragists! Their fight was ferocious, so come along for the ride! Suitable for all ages. Running Time: Approx. 60 minutes.
Pride & Prejudice
(
Theater
by Annapolis Shakespeare Company/Sally Boyett
Elizabeth Bennet I was delighted to have the opportunity to play Lizzie Bennet, one of my dream roles, in Annapolis Shakespeare Company's 2019 production of Jane Austen's beloved story "Pride & Prejudice," adapted by Jon Jory.
Chocolate in George Washington's America
(
Hosting
by Mount Vernon New Media
Host This is a short educational video I hosted for George Washington's Mount Vernon that explores the history of chocolate in the 18th century!
Red Velvet
(
Theater
by Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
Ellen Tree In this critically acclaimed biographical play, the Shakespearean actor from New York is remembered for his achievements on the bittersweet road to international superstardom more than 150 years ago. Red Velvet takes you backstage to witness the drama as Aldridge prepares for his history-making performance of Othello in London in 1833. How with the cast and the public react?
Laura won the 2018 BroadwayWorld Baltimore Award for Best Actress for her performance in this role.
Clover
(
Theater
by Ally Theatre Company
Clover Adams/Playwright A new full-length play that explores the life of Gilded Age Washington socialite Clover Adams. Clover dives into the political and social scene upon arriving in DC, however, while coping with her beloved father’s death and the possible philandering of her husband, the darker forces that brew through her family line finally catch Clover in their grasp.
Alice and the Book of Wonderland
(
Theater
by Annapolis Shakespeare Company
Alice I was thrilled to play one of my dream roles in the world premier production of Annapolis Shakespeare Company's new adaptation of this Lewis Carroll classic.
Legends & Lies
(
Television
by Kevin R. Hershberger (History)
Abigail Adams Profiles of notable figures in American history, through dramatic re-enactments, interviews with descendants and historians, and archival photographs.
Twelfth Night
(
Theater
by Quill Theatre
Viola Quill Theatre set this outdoor summer production of "Twelfth Night" in the Roaring 20s!
A Midsummer Night's Dream
(
Theater
by Annapolis Shakespeare/Donald Hicken
Hermia I played Hermia in Annapolis Shakespeare's stunning outdoor production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in the gardens of the historic Charles Carroll House in Annapolis, Maryland.
The Most Haunted Houses
(
Voice-over
by Washington Walks
Clover Adams This was a brief promotional video for Washington Walks' "The Most Haunted Houses: The Original D.C. Ghost Tour," a walking tour. Book yours by visiting: www.washingtonwalks.com
Sense & Sensibility
(
Theater
by The Folger Theatre
Elinor Dashwood u/s
Portrait
(
Film (short)
by Twelve14
Seth's Agent Reclusive artist Seth is unsure of how to woo the beautiful Katrina when they meet at a gallery exhibit of his work.
Director: Mark Jason Welch
Cinematography: Srikanth Nandigama
Editor: Kerry King/ kaykimedia.com
Written by Mark Jason Welch
Sense & Sensibility
(
Theater
by Annapolis Shakespeare Company
Marianne Dashwood
The Servant of Two Masters
(
Theater
by Annapolis Shakespeare Company
Beatrice Rasponi
Two Gentlemen of Verona
(
Theater
by Annapolis Shakespeare Company (Comedy)
Silvia
A Tale of Two Cities
(
Theater
by Annapolis Shakespeare Company
Lucie Mannette
The Amazing Birth
(
Film (short)
by DC Dogs/Jonathan Zuck
Spoon (Principal) Back in November 2014, DC Dogs participated in the Speakeasy Shorts competition, which paired filmmakers with storytellers to create a film in 5 days. Our story came from Jenny Splitter, who shared her experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood, peer pressure and, above all, the notion that life is far more precious than the latest fad.
The Dogs decided to take these life lessons to the extreme and mix in a little parody of the “reality” TV our society has so overwhelmingly embraced. The Amazing Race is in it’s 26th season! Scary. Is this a comedy or a horror film? You decide!
A Christmas Carol
(
Theater
by Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
The Ghost of Christmas Past
She Stoops to Conquer
(
Theater
by Pallas Theatre Collective
Kate Hardcastle
The Schemings of Scapin
(
Theater
by Annapolis Shakespeare Company
Zerbinette
Richard III
(
Theater
by Richmond Shakespeare Festival
Lady Anne
The Broken Continent
(
Series
by Francis Abbey
Woman of the Wood First of three pilot episodes of a new fantasy web series, produced by Ciscovaras Pictures, Team Jabberwocky and Cavegirl Productions.
Eadwyn Redway, King of the Heart and the Blade, must confront a faction of rebel lords who oppose his quest to unite the Five Shards of Elyrion.
Tartuffe
(
Theater
by Annapolis Shakespeare Company
Dorine/Elmire
Dracula
(
Theater
by Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (Mystery)
Miss Wells
A Midsummer Night's Dream
(
Theater
by Baltimore Shakespeare Factory
Titania
Henry VI, Parts 1-3
(
Theater
by Adirondack Shakespeare Company
Bona, Rutland, John Talbot and others
As You Like It
(
Theater
by Oxford Shakespeare Company
Celia
Hamlet
(
Theater
by Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
Ophelia
"LitMag's" Virginia Woolf Award for Short Fiction
(2021)
Best Actress Award from BroadwayWorld Baltimore for the role of Ellen Tree in "Red Velvet"
(2018)
Helen Hayes Recommended for Annapolis Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona"
(2015)
Helen Hayes Recommended for Annapolis Shakespeare's "A Tale of Two Cities"
(2015)
Helen Hayes Recommended for Annapolis Shakespeare's "Servant of Two Masters"
(2015)
Helen Hayes Recommended for Round House Theatre's "Pride & Prejudice"
(2011)
Emerson College
(2018-2021)
George Washington University
(2009-2010)
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (London, UK)
(2005-2005)
Middlebury College
(2000-2004)