•Hometown: I was born and raised in Miami, FL.
•Training:
- Musical Theatre: Robert D. Nation ("A Tale of Two Cities")
-Group Scene Development: Daniel Torres ("EVITA")
-On-Camera: Melvin & MArvin Coleman
-Scene Study: Melvin & Marvin Coleman
-Improv: Melvin & Marvin Coleman Inkwell Pictures
-Acting on Camera: The Online Actor
-Audition Success: Becky Sharpe
-Self-Tape Techniques for Actors: Becky Sharpe Sharpe Films
-14-Day Epiphany Mentorship: Tommy Beardmore Working Actor Pro
It is important to constantly train at this skill just like any other to remain sharp!
•Web site:
-IMDb https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm11465142
-Links to what's new: https://linktr.ee/IvySunflower
•Social media:
-Instagram: @_IvySunflower
-Facebook: Stephanie Darucaud (Ivy Sunflower)
-Tiktok: @IvySunflower8
•Favorite song? Adele is my favorite artist. With any song by her you'll catch me singing my heart out.
•What was your first stage role?
-My first role on stage was in the Magical Land of Oz as an ensemble member.
-My first professional role was in Jekyll and Hyde as the role of "Nellie".
•What was the role that changed your life?
-In September of 2019 I was casted in this all female cast short film titled “The Pact”. It followed the story of four women who lived in a shelter for abused women. The women joined forces and seeked healing for their trauma. There are a few reasons why this project holds a special place for me. At this point in my life I had recently moved to the Fort Myers area and couldn't find my creative circle. I started taking twice a week trips to Inkwell Pictures in Tampa and realized immediately that this was a more free, safe place for the art I wanted to share. “The Pact” was the first film I had completed in this area. We created a PSA, had talk backs, and really focused on sharing the message of survival, awareness, unity, and love. I constantly mention how important the community is and being able to help one another when we can. This project showed me the community of this area. I also share the screen with two women who are now the closest people to me, my sisters. We completed several other projects after this and even started a production company. This film allowed me to create a name for myself in my now new home. I wouldn't know anything about the St. Pete, Tampa area if it wasn't for that moment in time.
•Why are you a Teaching Artist? I am a teaching artist because just as much as I love performing and creating art, I also enjoy showing others how to do the same. The process of taking a blank canvas or an unfinished picture and molding it into a perfectly in-perfect masterpiece is extremely rewarding to me.
•What would you be doing if you weren’t an artist? If I weren't an artist I would be a drama therapist. I wouldn't be able to do something that wasn't artsy. So with this profession I can incorporate the skill of helping others and my love for the performing arts using techniques like puppetry, improv etc.
•Ideal scene partner: My dream scene partner will be the legendary Viola Davis. She is my role model. I can't help but to get chills whenever I find myself captivated in one of her scenes. She is also the only African American person to receive the Triple Crown of Acting (Tony, Oscars, Emmy). She is truly an inspiration.
•Why does theatre education matter? Theatre education can help anyone in the world, even if you aren't an artist. Theatre courses have been proven to help children and adults gain confidence and learn how to communicate better with others. It also gives you the ability to express yourself freely. We improv each day as we walk through life, never really knowing what will happen next. Why not rehearse the possibilities?
•It’s a regular Friday night. What are you doing? You mean after I go through my email, check what self-tapes I need to complete, network through social media, and update my resume..again? Besides that I am usually at home playing with my dogs, cooking a new recipe or trying a new restaurant, or having a movie night with my partner. May a glass of wine also be included in that..possibly!
•Finish this sentence: “All I want is …” All I want is the chance to showcase my talent to the world and express my passion for the arts. I want to come to the end of my long creative life and say that I was fulfilled and went after my dreams.
About American Stage Education
Experiencing and creating live theatre ignites curiosity, fosters belonging, and heightens creativity; inspiring growth for artists, audiences, and communities on stage, and in life. American Stage Education provides opportunities for intellectual, social, and emotional growth through inclusive and accessible programs. Discover our classes for youth and adults, summer camps, productions for young audiences, and enriching collaborations with schools and community groups.
Click here to explore fall classes
