As we approach our final weekend of performances, we’re pleased to share our very last artist profile. Today we’re introducing you to Toria Sterling, our props master. Hear from Toria below and grab your tickets to our final performances of Playing Hot!
Pipeline Theatre Company: Why are you working on this project? What is most exciting to you about being part of Playing Hot?
Toria Sterling: Jaki and Kevin both worked on Good Men Wanted at New York Stage and Film two years ago. I was a prop intern at the time, and thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was not only a solid, and unique show, but had a profound impact on my gender journey.
PTC: What type of design do you do? What initially drew you to this type of design?
TS: Mostly puppets. I just like making things. Movies with practical effects attracted me at a young age (Jurassic park, the Dark Crystal, etc).
PTC: What do you want the folks reading this to know about Playing Hot? What’s the most important element of this project to you?
TS: I think the most important part of theater is escapism, and I am disappointed that a lot of shows don’t grab you right away, and take you to another world. With this show, you get swept up in it in seconds. I just want to help that happen for audiences.
PTC: Talk to us about jazz. What’s your relationship to the music?
TS: I have a strong interest in early film, and the 1920s. I consume everything that I can from that time. Learning about jazz has opened up so many new stories about how the world was. It fascinates me that film and music as we know it were both starting around the same time.
In addition to their work on Playing Hot, Toria is currently working with Michael Curry in Portland, Oregon (a dream job of their’s since high school!). You can follow them on Instagram at @puppetmatter and visit their website, www.puppetmatter.com. And don’t forget to snag those tickets to Playing Hot, before it’s too late!
