Sydney Tucker is a Seattle actor, burlesque performer and 2012 Cornish grad. She’s worked with Annex Theatre and 14/48 Projects and last summer she played Montana Wildhack in Book-It’s stellar Slaughterhouse-Five.
Tucker produces theatrical burlesque cabaret shows all over town and in September she’ll perform at Bumbershoot with her troupe, A Little Burlesque. Next month she’ll be acting, singing, dancing and hula hooping in Mark Siano and Opal Peachey’s new cabaret musical, Twister Beach at Cafe Nordo. Tucker joined me for this week’s installment of Five Friday Questions.
What’s the best performance you’ve seen lately?
On The Boards is my favorite venue in town. Every time I see something there I am completely surprised by it. I find that so refreshing. They just had a group from New York, 600 Highwaymen, put up Employee of the Year, which featured this amazing ensemble of five young girls aged 11-13. Whoa whoa whoa my mind, my heart, my soul, everything exploded.
What’s the best meal in Seattle?
If I’m going out to eat—it’s usually brunch—I will always go to Oddfellows Cafe. Other fabulous brunch places are Cafe Presse and The Wandering Goose. I also really love Red Star in Fremont for great tacos and margaritas!
What music gets you pumped up? What do you listen to when you’re sad?
To get pumped, I am most certainly listening to Beyonce. My favorites are some older classics like “Love on Top” and “Countdown.”
I’m in love with Sia, especially “Cheap Thrills.” I’ll also be jamming to MØ, Chvrches, and Disclosure, just to name a few more.
When I’m feeling sad, I’ll listen to Bon Iver or Sufjan Stevens. There may have been times when I’ve laid on the floor and cried will playing songs from Sufjan’s Come On Feel the Illinoise. Not that I cry on the floor often, just, you know, when it’s necessary.
What’s the most crucial element of any production?
Teamwork. Theater is a team effort and it requires everyone to show up, be present, and do the work. If one personal falls, we all fall. If one person succeeds, we all succeed.
What’s the most useful thing anyone’s ever taught you about working in theatre?
I always quote this and I’m sure she’s sick of it by now but my mentor and dear friend taught me, “Yes and Yes and I Don’t Know and Yes.” It reminds me to be open and explore the unknown. It reminds me to be curious and playful. It’s not called a “play” for nothing!