Meet Encore 2016 Senior: Olivia Hammermaster

Encore: What motivated you to first get involved with Encore?
Olivia: My old elementary school had a theatre department and I was eager to get back into it. A friend, Andrew Ruhnke, encouraged me to audition with him when we were in eighth grade.

Encore: What was your first experience with Encore like?
Olivia: Overwhelming. I didn’t realize I could love something so much so quickly.

Encore: What roles have you performed on cast with Encore? Which was your favorite to play, and why?
Olivia: Robin Hood– soldier/townsperson, Aladdin– angry neighbor, The Hobbit– Oin, Sleeping Beauty– seamstress, 12 Dancing Princesses– Stumble

I loved participating in The Hobbit because that was when I learned the most about acting. Susan Keady pushed me to be my best. I developed that role unlike anything I thought possible. However, my favorite role was Stumble. I acted as the comic relief alongside two wonderful boys and really had a blast.

Encore: Have you worked on crew with Encore? If so, what was your favorite position on crew, and why was it your favorite?
Olivia: Darius the Dragon/Rap-Punzel, Honk Jr., Big Bad, Legally Blonde

Anything on crew is fun. Spending time in the set shop, working with your team, and making a show come to life is great no matter what.

Encore: Can you describe your favorite experience with Encore (What role or production, and why was it your favorite)?
Olivia: I have different favorites for different areas of theatre, but stage managing was definitely an unforgettable experience. I wish I had spent enough time with Encore to get a second chance!

Encore: What are your plans after graduation?
Olivia: I will be attending Florida State University as an exploratory/undecided major.

Encore: How do you plan to use what you’ve learned through Encore or theater in general after graduation?
Olivia: Make the most of the smallest roles. Cooperate with your peers. Enjoy every moment because all of a sudden you’re missing it.

Encore: Do you have any advice for this year’s rising seniors at Encore?
Olivia: Don’t fall into a mentality that you’re too busy to have fun. You’ll stress yourself out. You need to do something you love, not just something you can put on an application.

Photos by Larry McClemons