Fox Friday: From Acting to Writing and Production, Fox Lane’s Chloe Sullivan Has Her Hands in the Performing Arts

Fox Friday is a series that highlights the accomplishments of students districtwide. We regularly feature the incredible things our students are up to — whether they are excelling academically, athletically or are quietly impressive.

Fox Lane’s Chloe Sullivan may be a senior in high school, but she’s had quite a lot of experience in the performing arts already. From roles on the stage to production work and small roles in the upcoming biopic Jimmy (about actor Jimmy Stewart), Chloe’s stage and filmmaking adventures have really helped shape her life.

We spoke to her to learn a little bit more.

How long have you been acting and how did you get into it?

I have been acting for over ten years now, primarily on the stage, but with a deeper interest in screen acting. I first got into acting when I was around five or six through a local dance and performing arts study, Purejoy! Performing Arts, with my first-ever junior production of The Lion King, where I played Older Nala. I immediately connected to and felt confident while acting, which came as a surprise to my parents, since I was a pretty anxious child.

What are some of the roles you've played? Do you have a favorite?

As a kid, I played roles from Belle in Beauty and the Beast Jr., to Lily St. Regis in Annie Jr., and acted at Fox Lane Middle School for all three of my years there, but the role I have enjoyed most is Violet Newstead, in the Fox Lane High School Players' production of 9 to 5 last spring. Playing such a confident and assertive woman—a bit out of my comfort zone—­­helped develop my stage presence. I started to carry the confidence and things I learned from characterizing Violet in script analysis into my personal life. I also really enjoyed getting to do a thick French accent in my sophomore year with the Players' fall play, Bold of You to Assume I Can Die, written by director and FLHS teacher Mr. Slot.

How did you get connected with the movie Jimmy and what role do you play?

In addition to acting, I've always had a profound interest in all aspects of film and watching and analyzing movies. My mom (a film producer, casting director and chief marketing officer) started working with director Aaron Burns over three years ago, when he came to her with this idea of a biopic based on several major eras of James Stewart's life. My mom told Burns about my aspirations, and he trusted that I could handle an internship at their film production studio, Burns & Co., where I would centrally work on Jimmy. Also knowing about my lifelong interest in acting, Burns allowed me to audition for a small speaking role in the film, and it worked out that they were filming a party scene and an orphanage scene when I would be in Ireland. So, I would be an extra and have a small role as an Orphanage Attendant in one scene, then a Partygoer in another, which was filmed a few days later.

You traveled to Ireland for filming. How long were you there and what was that experience like?

I traveled to West Cork, Ireland for filming, and was there for about 12 days total in the middle to end of September 2025. Ireland has been on my want-to-travel list for years, especially after hearing such great things about its landscapes and welcoming people, and it wholly lived up to that expectation. I was on set almost every day—not just in a studio, but at a beach, church, ancient castles, and fields to replicate WWII settings—though we took a day trip to Dublin (in the middle of the city) and did part of the Ring of Kerry. I appreciated the greenery, livestock everywhere, sustainable culture, kind locals, and the region's beauty overall, even in days of non-stop rain.

Do you have any other performances coming up?

I had callbacks for FLHS's spring musical (performances in mid-April), titled The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical! But nothing currently in TV or movies.

Are you in Fox Lane Players? If so, has it taught you anything that has been helpful while acting professionally?

I am part of the Fox Lane Players! Unfortunately, its meetings often conflict with the FLHS Human Rights Activist Club, which I am Co-President of.

But as for Fox Lane Players, I have learned so much as a performer, filmmaker and person. I think a lot of the members value compassion and emotional understanding to succeed in acting specifically. It's a phenomenal energy, especially during tech weeks and after shows. The organization has taught me to take pride in my own work and that of others, while often letting go for a more authentic performance alongside my peers.

Fox Lane offers a very special arts program, and I've learned so much from Mr. Slot since my freshman year (in addition to the plays and musicals, through his Acting for Film course, and his mentoring of my Independent Study in Writing for Screen). 

Do you plan to pursue acting in the future?

I've recently become keen on exploring all aspects of filmmaking, beyond stage and screen acting, including directing, screenwriting (I've always loved literature and English courses), editing, and cinematography. I would say that as of now, I'd rather pursue some of those elements of filmmaking in the future, while continuing to act.