Interview with Olivia Dantzler!
We recently interviewed teen actress and poet, Olivia Dantzler!
Read the interview between Daania and Olivia below!
Read the interview between Daania and Olivia below!
Olivia: My name is Olivia Dantzler and I am a student at Montgomery College majoring in Theater. I will be transferring to Stevenson University. My hobbies are writing poetry, photography, working out and hanging with family/friends.
Question 1: When did you start theater and how?
Olivia: I started theater my sophomore year in HS. My mother encouraged me to do theater because she thought it would help with my confidence. She also wanted me to do theater because that is how most actors start their career in the acting industry.
Question 2: How did you decide you wanted to do theater as a career?
Olivia: I enjoyed the spotlight. I have always visualized myself performing on stage and on screen. I would say joining theater was the biggest step I have ever taken in my life so far because everything has changed since then.
Question 3: What roles have you played, and which were your favorite?
Olivia: I was ensemble for most of my plays, but my favorite ensemble role was in “All Shook Up” there was music, dancing and singing! The energy was high, and the audience loved it! I have recently done my first film as an extra and that would also be considered as my favorite because it was my first film ever lol it was my first time working with the camera and I met some amazing people.
Question 4: Talk to a bit about your photography and poetry? How did you start those? etc
Olivia: Growing up I never had an outlet like most people. My mother bought me a journal in middle school and told me to write whatever came to my mind. So I did. I would journal my feelings and I decided that I wanted to express my emotions in a different way...a creative way. My mom bought poetry books for me to read that could hopefully help give me a start. So, I’ve been writing poems ever since middle school and fun fact the journal my mother bought me in middle school, I still write in it. For photography it all started when I took my first photography class in high school. My teacher inspired me to take photos because I loved her work. So, I’ve been doing photography ever since my freshman year.
Question 5: Are you doing or have done anything with your photography and poetry? Or have you done it as a personal hobby? (ex: writing a poetry book, do a photography business, etc its alright if you haven’t)
Olivia: No, I haven’t. I would consider both of these things as a hobby. I do have a photography page on Instagram and for poetry I would submit them for contests or share at open mics.
Question 6: What’s the big dream with theatre? You are studying at college correct? After that, where are you hoping to perform? Is there a fallback plan?
Olivia: I hope to one day become a successful actress and I am also open to working as a director! As a fallback plan I will be minoring in communications. There are many jobs that I could find with a minor in comm. while working that job I could continue going to auditions.
Question 7: Has it ever been a struggle to juggle your interests and activities with school?
Olivia: There has been a few bumps along the way because I am very active on my campus. I am currently in the SGA so I serve as a senator at large and I also chair for a committee so there has been a few minor complications. Such as scheduling
Question 8: How have you overcome all of this? What skills have you acquired doing all of these activities?
Olivia: I told all of the senators that my major is theater and that I would be busy with shows or even outside shows/films. They were able to understand. I have overcome all of this by using my calendar/planner because it keeps all my upcoming events(SGA and Theater) organized.
Question 9: What advice would you give to teens following your footsteps?
Olivia: Never give up. I know people always say that haha but I have been through a lot. There were times where I felt like what I’m doing is pointless. There have been times where I felt like giving up. I have had many people doubt me some including my friends. But I kept faith/hope in myself. There is a reason why we are all here today. Each and one of us have a purpose. It’s just a matter of time till we find it. I found my purpose and I hope to use this and inspire others to keep going. When it gets tough that means you are growing. The seed is gonna have to get through the dark before it sees the light. (I hope that made sense lol) But yes that is my advice...keep faith and hope, and when it gets tough see that as growth.
Question 10: Who is your biggest inspiration and what is it you value about them?
Olivia: My biggest inspiration is my mother. She is a single mother and has been ever since I was a little girl and she has been raising me and my two sisters. She is strong, independent and determined. She is also a writer
Question 11: If you could ask her one question you haven’t before about writing, what would you ask, and why?
Olivia: Hmm good question. I would ask her what inspires her to write. I’ve never asked her that question even though I know she is a writer haha
It’s great to have a mom who does the same sort of thing as you, a great support
Question 12: Speaking of support, who has been your biggest supporter?
Olivia: Yes, I love my mother so much! My biggest supporter would have to be my mom of course! then my siblings
Question 13: Lovely! What advice would you give to teens about school, life, friends, and family?
Olivia: For school: GET INVOLVED! it is so important to stay involved and work up your resume, and so many opportunities come to light. For friends: Like my mother would tell me “Friends come and go” and it’s okay if they leave that means that there is a new chapter in your life. Yes it hurts but hey this world is filled with millions of people so get out there lol. For family: Keep them close. They are your number one supporters and if you have someone in your family that is toxic and is not supporting you for whatever reason it is okay to keep a distance from them just because they are family doesn’t mean they have the right to hurt you. For life: Just live. Because you only have one. We never know when our time is up so live as if it would be over tomorrow. Each day gives you an opportunity to become someone better. You are the future.
Daania: Thank you so much! That concludes the interview, is there anything else you would like to add?
Olivia: Thank you so much! No, I have nothing else to add thank you so much I really appreciate it.
Olivia's Instagram: @oliviadantzler
Question 1: When did you start theater and how?
Olivia: I started theater my sophomore year in HS. My mother encouraged me to do theater because she thought it would help with my confidence. She also wanted me to do theater because that is how most actors start their career in the acting industry.
Question 2: How did you decide you wanted to do theater as a career?
Olivia: I enjoyed the spotlight. I have always visualized myself performing on stage and on screen. I would say joining theater was the biggest step I have ever taken in my life so far because everything has changed since then.
Question 3: What roles have you played, and which were your favorite?
Olivia: I was ensemble for most of my plays, but my favorite ensemble role was in “All Shook Up” there was music, dancing and singing! The energy was high, and the audience loved it! I have recently done my first film as an extra and that would also be considered as my favorite because it was my first film ever lol it was my first time working with the camera and I met some amazing people.
Question 4: Talk to a bit about your photography and poetry? How did you start those? etc
Olivia: Growing up I never had an outlet like most people. My mother bought me a journal in middle school and told me to write whatever came to my mind. So I did. I would journal my feelings and I decided that I wanted to express my emotions in a different way...a creative way. My mom bought poetry books for me to read that could hopefully help give me a start. So, I’ve been writing poems ever since middle school and fun fact the journal my mother bought me in middle school, I still write in it. For photography it all started when I took my first photography class in high school. My teacher inspired me to take photos because I loved her work. So, I’ve been doing photography ever since my freshman year.
Question 5: Are you doing or have done anything with your photography and poetry? Or have you done it as a personal hobby? (ex: writing a poetry book, do a photography business, etc its alright if you haven’t)
Olivia: No, I haven’t. I would consider both of these things as a hobby. I do have a photography page on Instagram and for poetry I would submit them for contests or share at open mics.
Question 6: What’s the big dream with theatre? You are studying at college correct? After that, where are you hoping to perform? Is there a fallback plan?
Olivia: I hope to one day become a successful actress and I am also open to working as a director! As a fallback plan I will be minoring in communications. There are many jobs that I could find with a minor in comm. while working that job I could continue going to auditions.
Question 7: Has it ever been a struggle to juggle your interests and activities with school?
Olivia: There has been a few bumps along the way because I am very active on my campus. I am currently in the SGA so I serve as a senator at large and I also chair for a committee so there has been a few minor complications. Such as scheduling
Question 8: How have you overcome all of this? What skills have you acquired doing all of these activities?
Olivia: I told all of the senators that my major is theater and that I would be busy with shows or even outside shows/films. They were able to understand. I have overcome all of this by using my calendar/planner because it keeps all my upcoming events(SGA and Theater) organized.
Question 9: What advice would you give to teens following your footsteps?
Olivia: Never give up. I know people always say that haha but I have been through a lot. There were times where I felt like what I’m doing is pointless. There have been times where I felt like giving up. I have had many people doubt me some including my friends. But I kept faith/hope in myself. There is a reason why we are all here today. Each and one of us have a purpose. It’s just a matter of time till we find it. I found my purpose and I hope to use this and inspire others to keep going. When it gets tough that means you are growing. The seed is gonna have to get through the dark before it sees the light. (I hope that made sense lol) But yes that is my advice...keep faith and hope, and when it gets tough see that as growth.
Question 10: Who is your biggest inspiration and what is it you value about them?
Olivia: My biggest inspiration is my mother. She is a single mother and has been ever since I was a little girl and she has been raising me and my two sisters. She is strong, independent and determined. She is also a writer
Question 11: If you could ask her one question you haven’t before about writing, what would you ask, and why?
Olivia: Hmm good question. I would ask her what inspires her to write. I’ve never asked her that question even though I know she is a writer haha
It’s great to have a mom who does the same sort of thing as you, a great support
Question 12: Speaking of support, who has been your biggest supporter?
Olivia: Yes, I love my mother so much! My biggest supporter would have to be my mom of course! then my siblings
Question 13: Lovely! What advice would you give to teens about school, life, friends, and family?
Olivia: For school: GET INVOLVED! it is so important to stay involved and work up your resume, and so many opportunities come to light. For friends: Like my mother would tell me “Friends come and go” and it’s okay if they leave that means that there is a new chapter in your life. Yes it hurts but hey this world is filled with millions of people so get out there lol. For family: Keep them close. They are your number one supporters and if you have someone in your family that is toxic and is not supporting you for whatever reason it is okay to keep a distance from them just because they are family doesn’t mean they have the right to hurt you. For life: Just live. Because you only have one. We never know when our time is up so live as if it would be over tomorrow. Each day gives you an opportunity to become someone better. You are the future.
Daania: Thank you so much! That concludes the interview, is there anything else you would like to add?
Olivia: Thank you so much! No, I have nothing else to add thank you so much I really appreciate it.
Olivia's Instagram: @oliviadantzler