Skye, a proud Sault Ste. Marie resident, has always been deeply connected to her roots. Growing up in the Soo, she spent cherished summers at her family camp on St. Joseph Island, a place fondly referred to as a “cottage” by those from the south. Her heritage is rich with Italian culture, thanks to her nonna, who bravely immigrated to the Soo at the age of 19.
In 2010, Skye graduated from Algoma University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Her journey didn’t stop there; in 2014, she furthered her education by completing a post-graduate program in Public Relations and Event Management at Sault College.
Skye chose Algoma University to pursue her artistic passions within her hometown. She had a vibrant involvement in the arts from a young age, dancing competitively with Sherry Walsh Academy of Dance Arts (SWADA) and later teaching there while studying. Skye’s talent and dedication extended to local community theatre productions, and she was a regular performer in the Frosh Week play, “Single & Sexy.” Despite starting at Algoma U with just one year of voice training, Skye thrived under the guidance of patient and supportive teachers, including Agnes McCarthy and the late Dale Innes. The unwavering support from her family enabled her to juggle studies, multiple part-time jobs, and acting gigs successfully.
A significant turning point in Skye’s creative journey came in her third year during a creative writing class called Writer’s Craft with the late Dr. Alana Bondar. Her first assignment was to rewrite a fairytale, and Skye chose the creation story from the Bible. She delved into researching Lilith, a feminist archetype said to be erased from the Bible, and felt a profound connection to her story. This inspiration led to the creation of “The Book of Calla,” published in Algoma Ink. For 15 years, this story lingered in the back of Skye’s mind, always with the intention of turning it into a script.
In her 20s, Skye used drugs and alcohol as a superficial way to feel connected with her craft. Whether it was smoking on a break at rehearsals or getting drunk with fellow castmates to bond, she got wrapped up in the party-girl lifestyle, which greatly affected her self-esteem and mental health. She often got a surge of creative juices during a buzz or high, but it wasn’t worth the crash and created a false sense of self. Becoming a mom jolted her into figuring out who she was without drugs or alcohol. She wants to feel and heal her whole day, however uncomfortable.
This year, Skye has brought this vision to life in a dance performance titled “L” for the Fringe North Festival. “L” is a feminist retelling of the creation story from Lilith’s perspective, including characters like Adam, Eve, and a group of women goddesses who aid Lilith on her journey to find her true destiny. Skye will be narrating the story, embracing her love for performance. The stellar cast features Emma Dingle, Hanna Ellis, and Josh Filion, with special choreography by Amelia Stuetz and, Algoma U alum, Lauren Kinney. Former Algoma U student and current music instructor, Josh Norling, has composed all the music for “L”.
There are three opportunities to see “L” at the Fringe North Festival, running from August 21-25th. Tickets will be available from August 1st on the Fringe North website – Fringe North.
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