From Childhood Dreams to Big Screen Schemes: Lawrence’s Own Spencer Lott
Hey there, Kansas City! Grab a cup of coffee and settle in, because we’re about to dive into a delightful story that bridges childhood wonder and professional success. Meet Spencer Lott, a homegrown talent who has transformed his childhood dream into a shining career in the world of puppetry. Yes, you heard that right—puppetry!
A Journey of Passion
Spencer’s journey began in Lawrence, where his love for puppets blossomed in his teenage years. He didn’t just play with puppets; he worked alongside the esteemed Jim Henson Company and graced the stage at Kansas City’s iconic Mesner Puppet Theater. Talk about starting young! It was clear from the start that Spencer wasn’t just any kid with a few strings attached; this was a passion that would guide him all the way to the big leagues.
Making the Move to the Big Apple
After gaining valuable experience, Spencer took the bold leap to New York City to chase after his dreams. Armed with talent and a heart full of aspiration, he joined the bustling community of artists and creators. But like many of us, the pandemic arrived and threw a curveball into his plans. Instead of letting it get him down, Spencer rolled up his sleeves and, alongside his wife, Grace Townley, who is an artist and social worker, co-founded Simple Mischief Studio.
Can you imagine starting your own puppet studio during a pandemic? Well, that’s exactly what they did! The couple has built a fantastic reputation, creating custom puppets that have appeared in various productions, including the heartwarming movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. But wait, there’s more!
Puppets and ‘IFs’
Recently, Spencer and Grace worked on a new project that has audiences buzzing—John Krasinski’s family film IF, released on May 17. While you might not spot any puppets in the final cut, don’t worry—Spencer and his wife played an essential role behind the scenes!
Their magic came into play when they were called by Eric Wright, the founder of Puppet Kitchen in NYC. Spencer and Grace crafted puppet versions of the characters for the cast members to use during filming. This creative decision helped the actors, including big names like Ryan Reynolds, Steve Carell, and Brad Pitt, connect with their roles on a whole new level. Imagine working alongside such stars while bringing puppets to life!
Bridging Worlds
As they wrapped up their work on IF, the couple continued to collaborate closely, ensuring that the puppetry aligned beautifully with the digital world of CGI characters. Spencer even contributed suggestions on materials, colors, and techniques throughout the editing process. It’s like he had one foot in the real world and another in a magical land woven with threads and creativity!
The Future Looks Bright
Now, as Spencer and Grace look ahead, they are brimming with excitement about more projects that blend their love for storytelling with the art of puppetry. They aim to keep crafting enchanting tales that resonate with audiences of all ages. Who knows what puppets will come next from Simple Mischief Studio? Whatever it is, we can’t wait to see it!
Spencer Lott’s story is proof that with passion and dedication, dreams can truly take flight. So, here’s to following our hearts, whether it leads to puppets, stories, or something entirely unexpected. Cheers to you, Spencer!
