Ponsonby local Sam Scott MNZM founded Massive Theatre Company in 1991 (then known as Maidment Youth Theatre Company).
Originally working with rangatahi and emerging artists, Massive now has members spanning generations and produces both emerging and professional theatre shows as it has evolved along with its members. The fusion company is still headed up by Sam as Artistic Director and in 2023 moved into a new space in Richmond Road.
How did you get into theatre?
I grew up in a whānau where theatre was a mainstay. My mum and dad were performing and lots of their friends, so a love of the performing arts was very much in my ‘DNA’. I got into performing on stage as a teenager and from there it all grew.
How are things going right now?
Right now it’s a mixture of many things – excitement to get into the rehearsal room and work with the guys on I LOVE YOU G, and to make the unknown known. I am the eldest in my immediate whānau and so I am immersed in things to do with all of them, loving and caring for them as life happens. I am also working daily to stay positive and optimistic about this world of ours.
Who is your partner? What do they do?
My darling is Robert Pollock. An inspirational human, teacher and performing artist who is HOD Drama at Western Springs. He is very funny, playful and smart, a wonder in the world.
Do you have any pets? No pets, but maybe later.
Your best friend would say of you...
Gosh… I am organised, a bit weird with quirky details, remember birthdays and honour special occasions and rituals of friends and whānau, would go into battle for my niece and nephew, so glad Robert and I are together, passionate about my mahi, love love love Massive Theatre Company and everyone in it. Hopefully other things but I wouldn’t dare to presume.
Your mother would say of you…
That I am bossy and I get things done. That I am loved by her and loving.
You’ve got a day off, how do you spend it?
It depends where I am. Here in Tāmaki Makaurau, I love getting stuff done, so probably getting all the things I might not have got sorted while working – errands, etc. If I am away, then I love art museums and museums in general. I would seek out the best coffee plus a really good local food place that serves up specialties of the area. I would also find an interesting neighbourhood to shop in (more presents for my present cupboard).
Who's your ultimate rock icon?
My music tastes are many and eclectic, but under this heading, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury.
Favourite actor?
I really don’t have one, there are too many fabulous actors in so many different ways for me to only have one. Why have one unless I was only going to make a one person show for the rest of my life?
Secret passion?
To fly business class with Robert for the rest of our lives, instead of sadly walking through it as we enter the plane.
What's your secret talent?
I have a present cupboard. I love buying presents, not quite knowing who they will be for, but always knowing I have them to give.
Where do you spend your holidays?
Waiheke is a favourite. But so are many places around the world – Reading, Pennsylvania (where I was an exchange student and still love to go back to see my friends), Paris, New York and since last year, Crete! I also love being in Tāmaki Makaurau when it’s quiet in summer, it’s like a different place then.
What's your perfect Sunday?
Reading sitting alongside Robert with coffee and fresh cut up mango. Followed by biking for more coffee and a cheese scone at Homeland. Then any mixture of more biking, reading, seeing my family, doing laundry and vacuuming – I love all of these things and all with Robert.
What were you going to be when you grew up?
Many things, it changed. Julie Andrews running over the mountain from the Sound of Music, a nurse, something in TV, an actor, a musical theatre actor on Broadway, preferably A CHORUS LINE, a midwife, and the list goes on.
Favourite local cafe?
Fort Greene in K’ Road; those sandwiches, YUM.
Favourite local restaurant?
Homeland, everything about it but mostly Peter and Al.
Your best kept Ponsonby/Grey Lynn secret?
I am not sure if it’s a secret, but I love my park at the end of my street, Tuna Mau (Western Park). My niece and nephew call it Samsam’s park. It’s where we have Massive Theatre Company picnics, where I go to think and ruminate on things. I love going fast on my bike down all the various paths.
Massive Theatre Co, 562 Richmond Road, T: 09 369 1864, www.massivecompany.co.nz
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Published: April 2024