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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 August, we introduce Sydney Schott (she/her) and Marley Sullivan (she/her)- two young trailblazers who have launched their own Waterloo-based production company, Innovative Productions.
Sydney Schott made her Penny & Pound debut as Ann Putnam in 2016’s THE CRUCIBLE, and has since appeared in such productions as ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (2016) as Marilla Cuthbert, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU (2018) as Essie Carmichael, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (2018) as Lady Bracknell, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (2019) as Mrs Van Daan, and most recently, LITTLE WOMEN as Meg March.
Marley Sullivan starred at The Baker’s Wife in Penny & Pound’s inaugural production of INTO THE WOODS (2015.) Since then, she has been an active member of many tech teams and recently appeared in PLAY IT AGAIN: CELEBRATING 7 SEASONS OF PENNY & POUND MUSIC (2022).
“WHO ARE YOU?”
We are Sydney Schott and Marley Sullivan - the Founding Artistic Directors of The Innovative Productions Theatre Company, and local artists born and raised in the Waterloo region.
“TELL US ABOUT THE INNOVATIVE PRODUCTIONS.”
The Innovative Productions Theatre Company is a Non-Profit theatre company based in the Waterloo Region formed with the goal to create asafe, inclusive space for local emerging artists.
“WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH THE INNOVATIVE PRODUCTIONS?”
As two emerging artists ourselves in the midst of the pandemic we were in search of something to channel our creative energy into. The Innovative Productions has been through many phases in the past 2 years, starting as something completely different and finally ending in a theatre company now that art is back, live and in person.
“HOW DID YOUR TIME WITH PENNY & POUND INSPIRE YOUR FUTURE ARTISTIC ENDEAVOURS?”
We both started working with Penny and Pound early on in our artistic careers, and Lori and Corina became mentors to us at young ages. Getting the opportunity to be on stage, back stage, helping with props and set and all the other things that go into producing a show on stage helped prepare us to develop our own shows and works, and gave us the confidence to start our own company.
“IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO YOUNG ARTISTS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?”
Take every opportunity you can that comes your way to get involved in the arts. Whether it be on stage, back stage, or just being a helping hand in one way or the other. You never know where it’ll lead you to.
Sydney Schott as Mrs. Van Daan in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (2019.) Photo by Tawp Photography.
“WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT ARTISTIC OBSESSION?”
We’ve been really into new Canadian works this past year. Taking every chance we can to get out and see them locally, as well as reading them for consideration for shows to bring to stage with us.
“WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE THE WATERLOO REGION CAN DO TO BETTER SUPORT YOUNG ARTISTS?”
We believe that art should be accessible for everyone - no matter the financial situation. So many artistic programs, groups, and shows in the region come with hefty participation fees and costs (and some even have extra hidden fees like costumes or merch. Being expected of them as well.) We understand that businesses are doing what they can to ensure they can produce any sort of art - however making it more financially accessible is a change we are trying to help start in the region, and would love to see others do as well.
“WHAT’S NEXT?”
We’re currently auditioning for our next production “That One Act Thing” which is a 1 day event for 1 act plays. It’ll be taking place Saturday, October 22nd at the KWLT theatre (9 Princess st.) and tickets are pay-what-you-can minimum $10!
Marley Sullivan as The Baker’s Wife in INTO THE WOODS (2015.) Photo by Andi Cluthe Photography.
WANT TO STAY CONNECTED WITH MARLEY & SYDNEY?
Facebook: @TheInnovativeProductions
Instagram: @theinproductions; @sydneyschott; @marleysullivan_
