We’re looking forward to introducing you to KATIE OLIVER. Check out our conversation below.
KATIE, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am always wandering on my path!
Wandering is so important to who I am. It keeps life interesting for me, to never get stuck going in one direction.
Observing the world around me and letting those little off-path moments bring new ideas and discoveries to my imagination. My father has always impressed on us to wander, explore, be a rolling stone! But I also feel where my arrow points me, and that is a path that I have been on as far back as I can remember. The ambition to never settle for where I am, but to keep looking ahead and pursuing success. I think Ive always been equal measures of free spirit and grounded observer.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Katie Lynn Oliver, I am from the Detroit area and I came to LA to pursue Acting! Shocker. But soon after I arrived I realized I would need to create my own footage to compete. I first started writing and producing my own short films, and then Directing. It was all out of necessity! But I soon learned that the art of storytelling was my passion, and I love to be part of that in front of and behind the camera. And in 2025, that brought me to Directing a play. I never wouldve imagined this would be part of my journey.
I studied Theatre in college, but I was focused on Costume Design and Acting. The journey of Directing a play has been a whole new exciting part of my path that fulfills everything I love about telling a story. Having SO MANY rehearsals with my Actors, (Jenni Chiaramonte, Shaun Bedgood), collaborating with the Playwrite (Matt Morillo), and witnessing the truest form of storytelling feels timeless.
It is a two-hander play called ‘Sweet Air’. A story of two strangers who find themselves waiting for the same train at 3am on Valentines Day night in NYC. While they both had a truly awful Valentines Day, they find this chance meeting helps them work through personal grievances, and maybe find a lasting friendship in the big city. With amazing dialogue, a dance break and some sweet air, it is both entertaining and relatable to anyone who feels lonely while living amongst millions of other people.
I also get to choreograph the dance sequence, which I am SO excitied to do!
Shows are January 25-February 15 at the McCadden Theatre in Hollywood.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I was 7, and I wanted so much to be a cheerleader, which would probably surprise most people! But I knew an older girl who I thought was just so cool, and she was a cheerleader, and they were having tryouts. I would be the mascot. They gave us a cheer to learn, and I practiced that every moment of the day I had available. I was the youngest person trying out, and I thought, this is going to be tough competition.
I made the team, and the coach said I knew that cheer better than anyone else did, even the older girls. That was wild to me, because I took it so seriously, and I thought everyone else must as well.
I look back on that experience so proudly, because I use the same work ethic when it comes to Acting and Directing. I want to know and understand absolutely everything about my character and story. I do the work with an obsessive amount of energy. But it is fun to me, and I enjoy trying my best.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell little Katie Lynn, that you’re outspokenness and determination will take you where you wish to go. You are a leader, and while that seems to cause you a lot of drama right now, it will be what forges the path you go down on this life journey. The strength you are building right now, will help you overcome many obstacles.
Even though it wont be easy for a while, you will be able to use your experiences to help others.
And, you will be given some help along the way. So don’t give up!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That its easy! The entertainment industry is not what it seems from the outside. It requires more than a college degree (and a degree doesn’t actually help as much as it should!) It is a costly endeavor, and if you are really in it to succeed, you will have to face so much rejection it becomes normal; just a part of the process.
I’ve been the lead in 3 feature films, but they didnt go anywhere. It is unbelievable how many films get made and are never seen. And if they dont get seen, they dont really count for much except the experience.
Luck has a lot to do with it, and perseverance is key!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am certainly doing what I was born to do. I have been performing since I could stand up. I was directing my sisters and friends when we played outside. Then moment I started acting I made sense. And I never thought I would be Directing! But in hindsight…I see the traits had always been there. I feel so lucky to be able to pursue what I love! I know so many people that either gave up, or never took the leap at all. So, that means a lot to me.
A starving artist-yes, haha. But, to continue this pursuit, is fulfillment on the soul level.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @katieoliveroriginal
Image Credits
Matt Kamimura
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