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executive director.
Providing the vision for artists to share their artistry and storytelling to audiences. Sophie Ann Rooney brings comprehensive oversight and final decision-making on all artistic matters as the executive director, ensuring alignment with TKBB's goal and artistic integrity.
"Pour ce qui est de l'avenir, il ne s'agit pas de le prévoir, mais de le rendre possible."
"For the future, it is not a matter of predicting it, but of making it possible."
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Sophie brings a wealth of experience as an arts leader to her role at The King Black Box having excelled in various creative roles, including directing in videogame (Assassin's Creed Odyssey, including earning a BAFTA nomination & Game of the Year, Assassin's Creed Odyssey: The First Blade, and Assassin's Creed Odyssey: The Fate of Atlantis, including several undisclosed games), film (Kodak award Fallen Fighter), TV, animation (Netflix's Daniel Spellbound), writing, as well as teaching & guiding countless artists through RAW Actor Studio, with a successful tenure in Toronto as artistic director for Sterling Theatre Cru 2011-2015, and a devoted mother to her sons JJ & Maxwell. [Full bio scroll down]
artistic director.
Commitment to bringing untold stories to the forefront, coupled with her diverse experiences and innovative approach, positions Ziggy Schulting as a valuable addition to the Toronto acting community.
Toronto actors can anticipate a dynamic leader who not only brings a wealth of experience, from off-Broadway, but also a passionate dedication to fostering inclusivity and artistic excellence. [Full bio scroll down]
OUR THEATRE
Step into a transformative theatre tucked away in one of Toronto's most historically artsy neighbourhoods.
Let THE KING BLACK BOX become your personal 40 seat cinematic-hideout where stories dive into gritty reality, the bizarre universe, and everything-in-between -- a haven to explore the questions that make life extraordinary.
[she/her] story
Ziggy Schulting, an American actor with a prolific career spanning both stage and film, has made an indelible mark on the New York theatre scene over the past 9 years. Her notable performances in productions like "Teenagers in Love" [Young Becca], "The High Priestess" [Deidre], Bram Stoker’s “Dracula" [Lucy] and "Good Friday" [Video Ensemble] have showcased her versatility and depth as an actor. Collaborating with prestigious theatre companies, Ziggy has had the privilege of working under the guidance of accomplished directors such as Anne Bogart, Sam Schacht, Sherri Eden Barber, Chad Rabinovitz, and a variety of other skilled directors who have made significant contributions in their field.
Ziggy's distinction lies not only in her on-stage prowess but also in her extensive training in classic acting techniques. Specialising in Commedia dell’Arte, Shakespeare, Suzuki, Viewpoints, Alexander, Stanislavski, and Strasberg, Ziggy's educational journey includes enriching experiences at Accademia Dell’Arte in Italy, SITI, The Stella Adler Studio, Wesleyan University, Skidmore College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Theatre, and attended the highly competitive, Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, where she was a Musical Theatre major.
Ziggy’s Skidmore credits include Julius Caesar [Marc Anthony], Let the Right One In [Mum], Macbeth [First Witch], The Penelopiad [Oracle/Suitor] and Rachel B. Karp’s world premiere of Of White Walls and Worlds [Charlie].
In 2019, Ziggy co-founded the production company 3DAYSPRIOR, assuming the pivotal role of Artistic Director. Under her leadership, the company successfully premiered "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" at the Upstairs Theatre in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, followed by a Shakespeare Festival at The Brick. Ziggy's productions have not only graced renowned off-Broadway venues such as The Tank, Dixon Place, and The Brick but have also garnered attention for their innovation and artistic merit.
Beyond her achievements on the production board, Ziggy has emerged as a fervent advocate for underrepresented stories and voices. In 2019, she pioneered the site-specific reading series, "3DProcess: Plays on Draft," a platform that showcased works by emerging playwrights; including Stefani Kuo’s, "Final Boarding Call," and Grace Parker’s award-winning play, "Why We Have Book Club."
[elle/she/her] story
Sophie Ann Rooney took on the role of Executive Director of The King Black Box in 2024, bringing with her a rich history of achievements in directing, producing, and mentoring in both film and theatre. Her work in the gaming world has been particularly influential, especially her role in Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Her contributions earned the game multiple awards and nominations, including a BAFTA nomination and Game of the Year honors. She also worked on expansions such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: The First Blade and The Fate of Atlantis, directing actors in Greece, Canada, the USA, Singapore, and England.
In the realm of animation, Sophie was the voice director for Season 1 of Netflix’s Daniel Spellbound and was integral in casting for the first two seasons, highlighting her influence in the series' success. Additionally, her filmmaking talent was showcased in Fallen Fighter, a film she wrote, produced, and directed, starring Philippe Bas. This project, which involved collaboration with acclaimed fight choreographer Alain Figlarz (The Bourne Identity), earned multiple festival recognitions including CICFF,Fallen Fighter became part of the Chicago Board of Education's film studies, and won the Kodak Award.
As a mentor, Sophie was selected by the Ontario Arts Council and the New Brunswick Arts Board to guide talents like Indigenous writer-director Bradley Paul from Bear Island. Her mentorship extends over 22 years at RAW Actor Studio, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of actors, writers, and directors. Alongside her partner, Grisha Pasternak, she has empowered countless artists through personalized coaching, career guidance, and reel-building, fostering notable success within the creative community.
Sophie's journey began with early recognition for her talent, earning scholarships to prestigious institutions such as The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and Oxford School of Speech & Drama. In Paris, she trained for 3 years in Stanislavski at L'Atelier de Blanche Salant and studied under figures like Valerie Landsburg and Larry McGowan (Steppenwolf). Her apprenticeship under Amy Werba at the American University of Paris led to her being entrusted with running the program during Werba’s sabbatical. Sophie’s dedication to her craft was recognized by Werba, who featured her in the book 'Be Your Own Coach' [amazon/ Drama Book Shop NYC], showcasing their collaboration and Sophie's acting skill.
Sophie’s passion for film continued at the International Film School of Paris (EICAR), but her BFA studies were interrupted when she was cast in Paolo Barzman’s (Wynonna Earp) TV adaptation Grand Star, based on the graphic novel La Compagnie des Glaces. This role took her to Vancouver, where she continued teaching and worked as a projectionist at Fifth Avenue Cinema before gaining residency.
Her directing career took off as Performance Director for the premiere dancers at the iconic Moulin Rouge, and she went on to direct John Patrick Shanley’s Beggars in the House of Plenty at Vancouver’s Beaumont Stage, which sparked a lifelong friendship with the playwright. In Toronto, she founded and built Sterling Studio Theatre, where she produced several of Shanley’s plays, including Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, Where's My Money?, and Sailor’s Song.
Sophie’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through in Toronto, where she produced numerous plays, collaborating with local playwrights such as Dianne Flacks and Jane Ford. She also fostered various artistic events, from slam poetry to open mic nights, joining forces with The Theatre Machine and Unit 102.
As an actress, Sophie performed in the Paris premiere of The Glory of Living by Rebecca Gilman at Les Voûtes Theatre, earning critical acclaim. She also appeared in productions at Théâtre Alexandre Dumas de Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Théâtre du Vésinet. Her expertise extended to serving as Jury President for the New Wave Film Festival and as a judge on panels such as the Hot-Shot Shorts Contest, Celluloid Social Club in Vancouver, and Monologue Slam in Toronto.
Sophie’s creative versatility includes directing music videos and short films, as well as serving as a session singer for the rap-rock group Enhancer during the Limp Bizkit European Tour, working directly with renowned producer Ross Robinson.
Her artistic journey began in her youth when she founded the student-led drama club Inseine Cru as a response to arts funding being redirected to sports at her school. Under her leadership, the club grew into a 50-member ensemble and produced a sold-out, week-long run of a Bollywood-influenced A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Théâtre Jean Vilar de Vitry-Sur-Seine. Inseine Cru continues to thrive today, having been passed on to the next generation, who have upheld the club's creative legacy.
Sophie's exceptional contributions to the arts have been widely recognized, including receiving the Gold Award with Distinction from the late HRH Prince Philip for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, which was personally presented to her by His Royal Highness.