Shining Star

Olivia Stankovich

For Olivia Stankovich, stepping onto the Theatre Ancaster stage as a child was the beginning of a lasting connection to the performing arts and to a community that would continue to shape her life into adulthood. Her commitment to Theatre Ancaster began at ten years old, when she joined the cast of Fiddler on the Roof. The following year, she returned to perform in The Music Man. Olivia quickly fell in love not only with the theatre environment but also with the people.

“These first on-stage experiences helped me connect with people that made a large impression on my life,” Olivia recalls. Though the years took her in other directions, she never stopped thinking about those early memories. “I thought about the memories I had from this place for the next two decades, hoping to one day end up back with a company and environment that was so meaningful to me.” Fortunately for Theatre Ancaster, she did.

Olivia has worn many hats within Theatre Ancaster since her humble beginnings as “Beggar’s Daughter” in Fiddler. In 2008, she was hired to help teach in the Jitterbugs summer camp, where she shared her passion for performance with our littlest stars. “It was a lot of fun for me,” she says. “Helping kids learn about music and find confidence in themselves was really rewarding.”

After some time away, Olivia rejoined the company in the fall of 2023, playing multiple roles (including one in lederhosen!) in The Sound of Music. That experience reignited her passion for theatre and inspired her to get more involved behind the scenes. “Seeing the magnitude of work that goes into these productions, both onstage and off, made me want to get more involved.” She joined Theatre Ancaster’s Mainstage Production Committee (MPC), eager to contribute in new ways.

Since then, Olivia has taken on roles like backstage dresser in Best of Billboard and is learning the ins and outs of production management. “Each production is a little bit like a puzzle to solve,” she explains. “What combination of resources will be best suited to create a stellar performance each time?” Olivia credits her fellow producers for helping her get up to speed and offering such a warm and collaborative experience.

“Olivia is the perfect addition to our team of mainstage producers at Theatre Ancaster,” says fellow committee member Laura Bottrell. “She brings a lot of skill and experience to our work and does so with a fresh perspective and enthusiasm. The work of the producer in theatre often goes unnoticed by many, but Olivia doesn’t shy away from putting in the quiet effort so that many others have the chance to shine on stage and off!”

Director of Programming and Lighting Designer for Best of Billboard, Sam Frisk, is impressed with Olivia’s composure and work ethic. “It’s wonderful to have somebody like Olivia on your team,” says Sam. “Live theatre and concerts can sometimes feel to the people running the shows like one long sustained car wreck that we’re trying to keep the audience from noticing. Olivia’s calm unflappability and graceful skill under pressure makes her such an outstanding person to have backstage keeping it all together.”

Olivia’s next major project is helping to produce The Vagina Monologues. “Being part of this creative team and getting the opportunity to bring this important show to life for our community means a lot to me,” Olivia says. “The caliber of performers at auditions was incredible, the stories are raw, genuine and brave. I can’t wait to see the outcome of this production.” She’ll also be part of the production team for our big fall musical, Spamalot. “We’re already busy at work putting the creative aspects together […] This one is going to be a lot of fun. How couldn’t it be?”

Director of The Vagina Monologues, Lindsay Jones, is looking forward to working with Olivia on the upcoming production. “Olivia brings such positivity to each day at Theatre Ancaster,” says Lindsay. “Whether in rehearsal, onstage, or helping behind the scenes, she jumped in with both feet, and we are so lucky to have her. She embodies the spirit of community theatre in every way, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her, in and out of this company.”

Throughout it all, what Olivia treasures most are the moments of connection and spontaneity that only live theatre can offer. Whether it’s a castmate pulling off a quick costume change, fixing a malfunctioning mic mid-show, or dealing with an accidental “blizzard” from a snow machine, it’s the collective effort and unspoken teamwork that she finds most magical. An enraptured audience doesn’t hurt either. “You can feel how happy the audience is to be there,” she says. “They’ll even dance in the aisles!”

Outside the theatre, Olivia stays busy with an indoor jungle of over 55 houseplants—two of which are carnivorous. She’s also deeply rooted in Ancaster itself, having grown up attending fairs, markets, and heritage events that connect her to the town’s unique spirit.

When asked why community theatre matters, Olivia puts it simply: “It creates community.” For Olivia, it’s the sense of belonging and teamwork that make places like Theatre Ancaster so special. “Together, we get to build something we love and share it with the world. As volunteers, we are all with the company because we believe in what we get to create and love the experience of contributing to it collectively.”