Today we’d like to introduce you to Olson Kelly.
Olson, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was always a theatre kid growing up. I come from a family of business people and athletes, so I was always the odd one out. My parents had a great appreciation for theatre, so I was fortunate enough to grow up seeing shows regularly.
I wanted to be an actor growing up, specifically on Broadway. I did shows with local theatres and eventually went on to study acting in school, at the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. While I was in college, I the opportunity to produce and direct shows outside of school with friends, and really realized I had an affinity for something outside of performance. I had always loved acting, however, I was quickly taken with the idea that there was so much more to creating a show.
I did some internships during my undergrad and ended up graduating early from school. I worked in Pittsburgh for a bit before getting the job at TUTS. It was a big move for me, but it’s still the best decision I’ve ever made.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. There have been some struggles, but ultimately, I’m lucky to be where I am doing what I love.
My favorite story from coming here for this job is that I actually arrived in Houston four days before Hurricane Harvey — I hadn’t even finished unpacking! That presented its own set of challenges, but thankfully my apartment was left undamaged. It was quite the first week of work!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Theatre Under the Stars – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Our tagline is Houston’s Home for Musical Theatre. We’re the largest producer of musical theatre in Houston, and one of the largest in the country. Our mission is all about creating quality musical theatre for the local community and beyond.
I am the Artistic Associate at TUTS, which means my job encompasses a lot of different elements. Basically, it’s my job to act as another extension of the Artistic Department. So, I work on anything from helping to cast the season, to helping produce our main stage shows, to helping to develop upcoming seasons. I also am the Company Manager, which means it’s my job to be mainline of communication between the institution and guest artists that come here. This can include anything from procuring transportation and housing to being apart of artist contract negotiations. My job is truly different every day, which keeps things so exciting!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
I love the food scene here!! With Houston being such a diverse city, there are endless food options. Every time I go out to eat, I’m usually somewhere new. There are so many options and so many delicious kinds of cuisine.
Houston is such an amazing city, and it’s been so exciting to live here and see more and more of it. There’s an incredible sense of what it means to be a Houstonian, and I am proud to be able to call myself one.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tuts.com
- Phone: 713-558-8887
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutshouston/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheatreUnderTheStars/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tutshouston?lang=en
Image Credit:
Olson Scott Kelly (Photo: Karla Ent), Olson speaking with Associate Artistic Director Megan Larche Dominick and General Manager Dan Krohne, Olson with the cast of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade, Olson with Tony Award Winner Priscilla Lopez at the opening night of OKLAHOMA!, Olson with the kids of JEROME ROBBINS BROADWAY, Olson at the TUTS 50th Gala with Choreographer Jess Hartman, Associate Artistic Director Megan Larche Domnick, and Artistic Director Dan Knechtges
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
