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Scott Penner

BFA York University

Coming from the suburbs, but not forever trapped there... I like to call Toronto home- where I earned a BFA in theatre production at York University. My formal training is in Set & Costume design, but not limited to just that. I also write plays, design clothes & handbags, as well as playing around with directing every once and a while. I like to experiment with art and theatre whenever possible.


       And we love Art for Art's sake!
       It's smart for Art's sake,
       To part, for Art's sake,
       With your heart, for Art's sake,
       And your mind, for Art's sake-
       Be blind, for Art's sake,
       And deaf, for Art's sake,
       And dumb, for Art's sake,
       Until, for Art's sake,
       They kill, for Art's sake,
       All Art for Art's sake!
             -from Marc Blitzstein's The Cradle Will Rock


Art, in my opinion needs to be innovative, fresh and accessible. It is from this mandate that I am constantly in search for new theatre that challenges the status quo, asks questions and inspires change. Considering this type of theatre is hiding-out, or taking a vacation somewhere (where did it go... I know you're out there)... I've decided to take matters into my own hands, creating theatre which is politically charged.

Some of my recent theatre credits include Set & Costume design for Theatre @ York's 'Death and the Maiden' as well as for Shakespeare in Action's 'Shakespeare for Kidz' program. I debuted in 2001 with a solo gallery exhibition of illustrations entitled 'sketchbook'. New plays include, In Queue and the most recent: The Street Kid Project- A politically charged play about Toronto's street community. I also initiated 'Coming Up': A collaborative project that was work-shopped at York's University. I have also held the position of Co-Artistic director for Theatre @ York's playGround Theatre Festival.

Sample Works

London Fashion Week 2004

While living in the U.K. Scott built several show pieces for designer Robert Cary-Williams' catwalk show. He and a co-worker used wood, metal, old leather straps, nuts, bolts, washers and TV screens to create the accessories.
Click here to view pictures on www.vogue.co.uk.

As Scott says "I made all the accessories: Helmets, arm braces ... anything involving a TV screen etc. The very last photo was my labour of love over the last month. You can't tell, but the outfit had little maglite all over it lighting the model... very cool, very dramatic."

Scott also worked as a dresser on ARKADIUS. Pictures from this show are also available on www.vogue.co.uk.




Click here to view a photo of Scott's costume and set design for Theatre @ York's "Death and the Maiden".