Olivia Kroh performs as Elvira in “Blithe Spirit” at Hillsdale College in 2021.
Courtesy | Olivia Kroh

Olivia Kroh is a senior studying theatre, music, and German. She has been a part of the Tower Dancers for the last four years.

What was the first play you ever performed in?

The first play I ever performed in was a musical called “Band Geeks.” I was in the ensemble with my friends, and I couldn’t tell you a single plot point. All we did was mess around backstage.

How did you get involved in theater?

I started music at a really young age. I was always interested in movies, musicals, and things like that. So when my high school musical rolled around, I was like, “Why don’t I give this a chance?” 

When did you decide to study theater at Hillsdale?

I chose the school more than the department. I did get to come and tour, and I met James Brandon. He had offered me a scholarship at that point, and that was even before I was accepted. I knew that if I would go here, I would get at least a little bit of scholarship money. But it was mostly Hillsdale that I chose, and I just ended up also really loving that department.

What is your favorite role you’ve played here?

The one I’m playing right now, we haven’t performed it yet, but I think it’s gonna end up being my favorite role, is Athena in “Helen.” But my favorite one that I have actually performed in is probably Polly Peachum in “The Threepenny Opera.”

What was the hardest role you’ve ever played?

I think Mrs. Webb from “Our Town.” That was last year, and it was the first motherly role that I had ever really taken on. It was challenging for a while.

What is your dream production that you’d want to perform in? Dream role?

I want to be Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde the Musical.” That is my all-time dream role. 

What are your post-grad plans? How will you stay involved in theater?

I’m hoping to go to grad school and get my master’s and even Ph.D. in theater. If I do the master’s program, I’ll be studying most of my day, but I’m hoping to weasel my way into primarily directing, assistant directing, or directing productions if they let me. I kind of want to shift more into the directing side of things if I can.

What are lessons you have learned from being a theater major?

I feel like especially when you focus on acting, you really learn a lot about perspectives and how to put yourself in other people’s perspectives. I think that that is a really invaluable kind of life skill. I also know a lot of stories. 

What is the greatest amount of lines you’ve had to memorize?

Elvira in “Blithe Spirit,” I had to memorize 250 lines. I think she takes the cake. 

What’s been your favorite costume?

Elvira, definitely. It was a floor-length silver sequin gown, and it was fabulous. It looked like a disco ball, and on stage, when the lights hit it, it was very reflective. 

Would you ever write your own work?

I definitely have considered it, but never actually tried. But I think maybe one day I would, given the right space. 

Do you prefer plays or musicals? 

I love musicals so much, that’s where I started my love of theater. That will always be my go-to comfort.