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Each month, Penny & Pound Theatre Productions is proud to shine a light on past and present alumni who are making a difference in the KW arts community.
In March, we introduce P&P performer Grace Mason Soucie (She/Her), who made her P&P debut as Queen Aggravain in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (2019). Since then, Grace has performed in A NIGHTINGALE SANG (2019), PLAY IT AGAIN! (2022) and served as Dance Captain/Assistant Choreographer for our recent production of GREASE (2022.)
WHO ARE YOU?
My name is Grace Mason Soucie. I’m a professionally & classically trained singer, actor, and dancer based in KW & Toronto. I've attended Randolph College for the Performing Arts, where I trained intensively in musical theatre, and have been performing for about 15 years now!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR TIME AT EASTWOOD COLLEGIATE?
Eastwood helped me grow so much as a performer, and as a person. Attending high school here only grew my passion for theatre and the arts. During my time at Eastwood, I met so many amazing artists who I still adore and keep in touch with, as well as mentors & teachers that I still take lessons with. I also started an initiative with my 3 other friends during my grade 11 year that we called “Musical Theatre Night” . We fundraised, produced, directed, choreographed, and put together a cabaret style night with musical numbers from various productions for a one night only show done at the Registry. This taught me so many valuable lessons, one of the most important being how to work as a team, and how important respect & kindness is. I learned so much from that production and it had a profound effect on who I am today.
HOW HAS YOUR TIME WITH PENNY & POUND INFLUENCED YOU?
I'm so grateful to have been given the role of Queen Aggravain when I was in high school. Being given that role only furthered my passion for theatre. For the first time I knew what it was like to have a lead role, and the pressures, but also the reward of having done it. I was recently trusted to be dance captain for Grease, and that taught me so much. It was a lot of work, but having that opportunity gave me the chance to put my dance skills to the test, as well as my memory! Every opportunity I've been given on and off the stage has grown me into a better, more well rounded performer. I learn & grow so much with each show, and I am always so grateful for any door that opens for me.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PERFORMANCE YOU’VE BEEN IN?
This is a tough one. I have so many fond memories from my times in the Drayton Entertainment summer programs, as well as in their children’s chorus’. The friendships I made during those productions were so valuable and those programs helped me get through high school. They completely made me fall in love with theatre. I’m having so much fun in rehearsals with the Wizard of Oz right now, and that show may be working its way to the top!
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER EMERGING ARTISTS?
The number one thing I've noticed within the theatre community is gossip. I've been guilty of this in the past… it's hard to not give in to. But one thing we take very seriously at Randolph is not talking about another person's performance behind their back unless it’s positive. If you can't say it to their face, why say it at all? You are entitled to your opinions on what makes a performance good or bad, but theatre is SO subjective. Talking bad on another person's art doesn't make yours ANY better, and it only poisons the trust we work so hard to establish within a cast. How can we all grow if we're constantly breaking each other down? Approaching everyone with unconditional loving kindness is the only way we can all grow and work together. Show more love!
HOW DO YOU THINK WATERLOO REGION CAN BETTER SUPPORT YOUNG ARTISTS?
I always wished that there were more youth/Jr. Musicals available year round. I just love seeing more and more youth audition opportunities open up in KW. Next, I think we need to start getting more body positivity in the arts in KW. Growing up and through high school, I was very aware that I would only be considered for specific roles because I was bigger. Things are changing, and for the better, but we still have so far to go. I’m so happy to see different body types represented on stage at P&P. I hope that the bigger theatre companies will start to do this too, and especially in youth productions. We need more inclusivity to make it a safe space for all, especially in youth productions, so that everyone feels welcome, appreciated, and loved for who they are, no matter what they look like.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
In April I'll be performing as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz with Community On Stage! After that, I am headed to Bali to get my yoga teacher training certification which I have been dying to do for so long. I deeply believe that part of being a well rounded performer is your physical and mental fitness. Yoga and pilates has helped me so much, and I integrate my work on the mat into my work on the stage, through breath work, fitness, flexibility, and so much more. Heading back to school to complete my final two terms at Randolph in January, and seeing what sparkly theatre magic awaits me in the future!
Grace Mason Soucie as Queen Aggravain in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (2019) | Photo by Alyssa Palmer
WANT TO STAY CONNECTED WITH GRACE? INSTAGRAM: @gracemmusic
PURCHASE TICKETS FOR COS' 'THE WIZARD OF OZ' HERE! https://www.communityonstage.com/copy-of-auditions