IN THE SPOTLIGHT | Nat Horner

Each month, Penny & Pound Theatre Productions is proud to shine a light on past and present alumni who are making a difference in the KW arts community. In January, we introduce P&P performer Nat Horner (He/Him); a local Indie performer who is making his name in the music scene!

Nat Horner was supposed to make his Penny & Pound debut as Jonas Fogg in SWEENEY TODD (2020), but COVID had other ideas! He has since performed as Stevie the T-Bird in GREASE (2022) and TOPPER/OLD JOE in the world premiere of MISS SCROOGE: A NEW HOLIDAY MUSICAL (2022).

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is Nat Horner and I’m a singer songwriter, actor, producer and writer based here in K-W!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MUSIC

My music is kind of all over the place in way of genre. However, I talk a lot about real experiences, feelings and moments in my life that have helped shape me into the person I am today! WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

What inspires me is my passion for performing and having people feel based on my art. I remember a time where I didn’t feel much of anything unless it was art from a band or solo artist I really enjoyed. If I could pay that back, then I feel like I’ve done something! HOW HAS YOUR TIME WITH PENNY & POUND INFLUENCED YOU AS A PERFORMER?

My time with Penny & Pound has been wonderful getting me comfortable singing and performing on stage again! This company has also really done a lot in way of my confidence in my singing as well as improving my craft as a singer!

Nat Horner as Topper with (L-R) Caelan Milford, Megan Patterson, Arthur G. Brook, Victoria Santos-Geldart and Megann Friesen and Company in MISS SCROOGE (2022.) | Photo by Tawp Photography

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER EMERGING ARTISTS? The advice I’d give to anyone who wants to follow their passion- especially young artists- is to just go for it and celebrate the little victories while working away at the bigger goals and aspirations! Chase your dreams and pour your heart and soul into it and eventually the rest will fall into place!

WHO IS ON YOUR 2023 PLAYLIST?

My playlist definitely goes through a lot of changes lol but currently Hozier, Connor Price, Slaughter Beach Dog and Harry Styles.

Nat Horner with (L-R) Sebastien Williams, Klaas Raymond and Zachary Larsen in GREASE (2022.) | Photo by Tawp Photography.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE WATERLOO REGION CAN BETTER SUPORT EMERGING ARTISTS?

I think the region should do more to showcase young up-and-coming artists with events catered to youth artists, allowing them to showcase their craft! Whether that’s open mic nights at the different city halls, having young artists perform for city councils or just doing more when it comes to funding the arts in schools!

WANT TO STAY CONNECTED WITH NAT HORNER?

INSTAGRAM: @nathorner SPOTIFY: Nat Horner

*Some answers have been edited for length and clarity.