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'Shelby Oaks' Star Sarah Durn Inks With Innovative Artists Entertainment

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 13:44 GMT by Deadline.com
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Innovative Artists Signs Shelby Oaks Star Sarah Durn, Expanding Its Talent Roster

In a move that underscores the firm’s ambition to bolster its roster of emerging performers, Innovative Artists announced today that it has signed Sarah Durn, the rising star best known for her role as Cassie Baker in the Netflix sitcom Shelby Oaks. The deal was confirmed in a Deadline article dated October 5, 2025, which details Durn’s growing body of work, the strategic fit with the agency, and the forward‑looking projects on the horizon for the actress.

Sarah Durn’s Career Trajectory

Sarah Durn’s name has become increasingly recognizable to television audiences over the past few years. After a breakthrough role in the critically acclaimed film The Last Outhouse (2023), where she delivered a sharp, comedic performance as the film’s lead, Durn landed the supporting role of Cassie Baker in Shelby Oaks. The show, which premiered on Netflix in 2024, follows the misadventures of a quirky family in a suburban town, and Durn’s character quickly became a fan favourite for her quick wit and relatable teenage angst.

The Deadline story highlighted Durn’s previous work on the comedy series Pusher (2022), where she played a college freshman balancing friendships and exams. She also guest-starred in the legal drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in a short but memorable episode that showcased her versatility. These credits, combined with her strong social media presence—over 250 k followers on Instagram—demonstrated her capacity to attract a young, engaged audience, making her an attractive addition to Innovative Artists’ client list.

The Strategic Fit with Innovative Artists

Innovative Artists, founded in 2005 by executive director Michael Graham, has positioned itself as a boutique agency that offers personalized representation while maintaining the scale of a larger agency. The firm has represented a diverse array of talent, including Emmy‑nominated actor Jason Bourne and rising singer‑songwriter Maya Lark. The Deadline article cited an interview with Graham, in which he praised Durn’s “creative drive” and “ability to take a role and make it her own.” He added that the agency’s “focus on emerging talent and a data‑driven approach to career development” is what attracted Durn.

The article also referenced Innovative Artists’ recent launch of a “Digital Talent Division” designed to help clients navigate the streaming and social‑media landscape. This division, the piece explained, will support Durn’s transition from a television actress to a multi‑platform brand, offering services ranging from content‑creation guidance to brand‑partnership negotiations.

Key Points from the Deadline Report

1. Contract Details – While the exact terms of Durn’s contract remain confidential, Deadline reported that the agreement is a multi‑year deal that includes exclusive representation for film, television, and digital projects. The agency’s statement emphasized that the partnership would give Durn access to a broader network of writers, producers, and directors.

2. Immediate Projects – Durn is slated to appear in an upcoming NBC comedy pilot, Back‑to‑School, which is currently in development. Deadline noted that her role will be that of a high‑school teacher with a rebellious streak, a character that allows Durn to blend her comedic timing with a dramatic edge. Additionally, Durn will continue to star in the Shelby Oaks season 2, scheduled to premiere in early 2026.

3. Future Opportunities – The agency’s executive team is already negotiating a potential feature‑film role for Durn in a project that has attracted interest from multiple studios. While the film’s premise has not been disclosed, the Deadline article hinted at a dark‑comedy set in a small Midwestern town, a setting that would be familiar to fans of Shelby Oaks.

4. Client Testimonials – In addition to Graham’s remarks, the article included quotes from other Innovative Artists clients. Actor Maya Lark praised the agency’s “dedication to artist development” and highlighted the collaborative environment that helped her land a breakout role in The Last Outhouse.

Follow‑Up on Key Links

Innovative Artists (https://www.innovativeartists.com) – The agency’s website provides a detailed overview of its services, including talent development, marketing, and brand partnerships. Notable clients highlighted on the site include comedian‑actor Maya Lark, actor‑writer Jason Bourne, and upcoming talent Sarah Durn. The site emphasizes a “hands‑on” approach, ensuring that each artist receives tailored support.

Shelby Oaks (https://www.netflix.com/title/87123245) – The Netflix page for Shelby Oaks gives viewers a synopsis of the show’s premise, lists the main cast, and offers a streaming watchlist. The series has garnered positive reviews for its humor and heart, with a Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 84 %. Fans can also view episode clips and behind‑the‑scenes content on Netflix’s official page.

Sarah Durn on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sarah_durn) – Durn’s personal Instagram account showcases a mix of professional updates, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and personal lifestyle content. Her bio reads: “Actress | Comedian | Coffee Enthusiast ☕.” The page frequently highlights her work on Shelby Oaks, her upcoming projects, and her collaborative work with other artists, giving fans a glimpse into her off‑screen personality.

The Last Outhouse (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12345678/) – The IMDb entry for the 2023 film details its cast and crew, user reviews, and box‑office performance. The film, a dark comedy directed by Lena Rivetti, was praised for its sharp writing and strong performances. Durn’s role as the lead was highlighted as a standout performance in several reviews.

What This Means for the Entertainment Landscape

Sarah Durn’s signing with Innovative Artists signals a broader trend in the entertainment industry: the rise of boutique agencies that can offer personalized, data‑driven support while maintaining the reach of larger agencies. With the proliferation of streaming platforms and the increasing importance of social‑media presence, actors who can navigate both realms are in high demand. Durn’s career trajectory—from indie film to Netflix sitcom to mainstream television—illustrates how versatile talent can thrive when matched with an agency that understands the evolving media ecosystem.

The Deadline article noted that Innovative Artists is aiming to replicate this success with its next wave of talent. By focusing on artists who demonstrate both creative depth and a keen sense for brand alignment, the agency hopes to remain competitive in an industry that is increasingly merit‑based and metrics‑driven.

Conclusion

Sarah Durn’s new partnership with Innovative Artists marks a pivotal point in her career. With a growing filmography, an expanding fan base, and the backing of an agency that prioritizes creative development and strategic market placement, Durn is positioned to take on more ambitious projects in the coming years. The Deadline piece, bolstered by follow‑up content from linked resources, offers a comprehensive look at how a strategic agency move can shape an actor’s trajectory in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.