Stephanie Lilley explores self-identity with support from the Dorothy Scott Award 

Stephanie’s stories “always revolve around empowerment” with the strength, vulnerability, and marvels of the human body as a perfect medium, she can “invite others to witness introspective dance art.” As Stephanie puts it, this form of dance and theatre feels “more authentic, more personal, and far more vulnerable. My art is not stagnant because I am always changing.”  

It’s Just You & Me continues in this tradition as a deeply personal exploration of the “fluidity of identity, the many versions of self that make up the individual.”  

This mirrors the many lessons and changes that have marked Stephanie’s life “I have become a parent, navigated the pandemic, acquired two prosthetic hips, loved, lost, thrived, and failed.”  

Set to the music of Sarah McLachlan, the production explores self-love and self-affirmation through acts of evolution. “We curate the parts of ourselves that we want to keep and shed what no longer serves us. Sometimes reinventions are intentional, and, at other times they are driven by circumstance.” says Stephanie. 

This ability to bring art to life and share it on the stage is something that Stephanie takes great pride in. “I am so proud to be able to show my kids that my art matters, that the stories I tell resonate with people and that my work makes people feel something. Having a community of theatre and dance patrons validates my stories.”  

For Stephanie, sharing her work at Fringe, and receiving the Dorothy Scott Fringe Theatre Creator Award is a genuine support for her creative process.  

“As many Artists will attest to, self-presenting shows can be cost prohibitive. This is especially true for dance shows as they require so much rehearsal time. Fringe has allowed me the freedom to focus on my art knowing that I am supported by a team of arts administrators.”  

Meanwhile, “the Dorothy Scott Fringe Theatre Creator Award directly supports some of the many costs that are associated with presenting a show. I am so grateful for the award and the pressure it takes off my family’s budget.”  

Dorothy Scott, the namesake and inspiration for this award, was a passionate champion of the arts in Edmonton. She wholeheartedly believed in supporting live theatre. Dorothy contributed to many Fringe shows in a myriad of ways. She was a seamstress, transported set pieces, attended midnight shows, and made financial contributions to productions that needed her support. Over the years, many an Artist received personally handwritten, thoughtful notes from Dorothy expressing how much she had enjoyed their performances. She truly embodied the spirit of fringing and understood how much community effort it takes to bring a Fringe show to life. 

Do you want to take part in supporting the creatives lives of Artists and ensuring spotlights stay on our stages? Consider becoming a monthly donor today. Just $5/month helps champion Artists like Stephanie so their work can continue to grace stages and change lives.  

In case you didn’t see Stephanie’s show at the Fringe Festival, we’ve got fabulous news! Theatre Network Main Stage Series presents It’s Just You & Me at The Roxy Theatre: February 19 – 21, 2026. Tickets are on sale now!