Meet ITO Gretchen Olah

Hi, all! My name is Gretchen Olah, and I am an ITO from Orlando, Florida. I am currently President and a senior in Thespian Troupe 1983 at West Orange High School. I have worked onstage as well as backstage, because at my school, every actor is also a technician. Even we  long-term actors get to develop a huge appreciation for everything the technicians do. 

Gretchen Olah
Troupe 1983
West Orange High School

THE IMPACT OF THE ARTS

During my time as an ITO, I hope to bring more awareness of the International Thespian Society (ITS) and the Educational Theatre Association (#EdTA) to people. I also want to establish the importance of the arts because it is proven that participating in the arts  helps students develop key life skills. For example, understanding and creating a strong work ethic.  Learning management skills that work beyond the stage. Collaborating efficiently with a team.

WORKING TOGETHER

The most powerful lesson I’ve learned during my time in ITS has been that there are so many elements in the theatre, and you can’t do it alone. So working together and striving for excellence (which are two out of four of the core values) are very important to the success of a group. I have also had lots of experience with public speaking. I have developed a desire to take care of my fellow troupe members in their failures and despairs, and celebrate them in their successes and happiness.

TELLING STORIES MUSICALLY

When COVID-19 hit, I had a lot of free time on my hands just like everyone else. So I picked up my instruments again and just started playing. I began songwriting, mostly with my guitar, but also sometimes on the piano. This lets me tell stories that maybe I don’t always get to tell when I am “Gretchen as an actor” or “Gretchen as a leader.”

My Instagram is @gretchenolah and my Facebook is @Gretchen Olah. Let’s connect!