Now this is love.
Dear Blog Readers:
Soon we will have to say goodbye to Scott Mallace and Mae Martin as they head off to Los Angeles in pursuit of their dreams. Those jerks. We love them both very much, and Scott has been a vital part of Renegade’s success over the past several years.
We can’t even begin to express how much we will miss them both, and miss the talent and passion Scott has brought to so many of our most successful productions. And, since he’s leaving us, we thought we’d ask him some questions and give you his responses filter-free.
Because if you know Scott, you know he’s a man of strong convictions and beliefs, and he’s not afraid to speak his mind. And we feel the least we can do – as a small thank you for all the years of hard work he’s given us for little pay – is to give him the space to do just that.
WARNING: The views expressed below are those of Mr. Mallace, and do not reflect those of Renegade Theater. Except the part about Katy and Andy being awesome.
R: How did you first get involved with Renegade? What made you come down and audition?
It's not real. But it is sweet.
SCOTT: Katy sent an email to Tom (Isbell – UMD professor), saying you needed actors for a sketch comedy show called Dink Tank. He told every acting student at UMD. Me, Brandon Roberts and Kathy Tingum showed up. Yeah … Renegade didn’t have the best reputation up at UMD before Katy.
You needed a guy that could play a young kid somewhat believably. The guys in the troop at that time where Jody Kujawa, Nate Carlblom, and Andy Bennett. Let’s just say I didn’t have to be very talented to get the job as a young kid in a cast of those three fellas.
I came down and auditioned cuz for two years I had been taught how to act, but hadn’t been given any time on stage to put it into practice. Me and UMD had a love, hate, hate relationship. They loved my money, but hated to cast me, so I hated them.
R: How many shows have you done here? Any favorite shows or experiences?
Click to see the full version without Scott's head cut off.
SCOTT: I have done 6 i think. And a shit ton of Improv shows. They all have been great in their own way. Fuck, I got to do a musical with you guys! That was sweet, cuz I cant sing OR dance.
Scott, Diener and a pig. Plus somebody's shadow.
The Sparrow was a humbling experience. I had been playing bigger roles for a while and it was nice to take a supporting role and really use what I had learned to do that whole, “There are no small parts, just small actors” thing or however it goes.
The Lieutenant of Inishmore was great because I got to be what every kid dreams of. I was an action star, shooting guns, being bad ass, kissing girls and getting my head blown off. “I had an AWESOME TIME” (said like Will Ferrell in Old School.)
Scott and Kyle, who never complained about being upside-down. Not once.
Then there is The Pillowman. Holy shit is all I can say.
None of you know what I’m talking about because only like 12 people ever saw the show. But man, it was, I believe, the show that made me the actor I am today – which is Joey in A Steady Rain.
Scott and a grizzly bear that sorta looks like Andy
By the way, there’s only one weekend of A Steady Rain left, don’t miss it like you missed The Pillowman. Or miss it, go try to see A Chorus line instead. Tell me how that works out for you.
I’m kidding, of course you should go see A Chorus Line. I’m just saying, Chorus Line’s been sold out for like four years already and we only have 3 shows left. So come see A Steady Rain first.
R: Why the hell are you leaving us?
SCOTT: L.A.’s where the money is. I hate to say it that way because it sounds like I’m a fucking sell out, which I hate more than anything. But seriously, I want to make money doing what I love. And Hollywood is the biggest stage to show your work to the most people.
Scott + 3 other very talented people
I have always tried to do theater that I believe in, that effects people. I want to do that on a bigger scale. Get paid to do it. And then come back to the Midwest. Give shit tons of money to Renegade to keep up what they are doing. And then start my own theater company somewhere, connecting it to Renegade as like a sister theater. Because my mission statement would be the same.
Scott demonstrating proper rigging technique
(Btw do you guys have a mission statement? And if so wanna insert it here like I wrote it? I don’t know exactly what it is because I don’t read all that well but I’m pretty sure I have heard it before, and believe it 110 percent.)
EDITOR’S NOTE: Told you we were posting his comments unedited.
R: What are your plans for LA? Theater? Film? Porn? All of the above?
SCOTT: No porn for this guy. I’m pretty talented for an averaged sized guy, but my talent isn’t THAT big … if you catch my meaning.
I'm Coach. I'm kick-ass!
Film or TV is what I’m really going for. But theater is where my heart is, so I don’t think I will be able to say no to an opportunity to jump on stage. Plus theater could be a great stepping stone to getting into TV and Film.
The Three Bears
All of which means I’ll be a bartender, slowly spiral out of control because of my lack of a creative outlet and end up in rehab somewhere, prolly in the Midwest. So I’ll see you in a few years.
R: If you could tell the theater community in this town one thing before leaving, what would it be?
SCOTT: Stop congratulating each other on “fuck up” shows. Call it as you see it and maybe – just maybe – people will better themselves. Which, in turn, will make the theater in Duluth better.
One who is staying, one who is leaving, and one who is already gone. This has to stop happening.
We have lots going on in this town, which is great, but quantity is not better than quality. Hold yourself accountable for the standards you wish to be judged by.
Two artists who love and respect each other a great deal. And a cool little hat.
R: Who do you like better: Katy or Andy?
SCOTT: Dunk. Suck it, you two.
I’m just kidding, I love you both deeply. You have believed in me and my talents from day one and given me so many chances to grace your stage.
It has been an honor to work with the Renegade and I wouldn’t change anything we have done together.
No, Bear. The honor has been all ours. We love you and we will miss you both.
We’d say good luck. But neither of you need it.