“10 Things” is a regular feature in which the Sioux Falls Stage staff answers 10 burning questions with a local performing artist—this quarter we feature frequent local performer with the Premiere Playhouse, Dick Koch.

1. What is the single-most defining moment of your performing career?

In high school I played the bed salesman in You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water’s Running. We took the show to the South Dakota State One Act competition, and I got a top trophy for supporting actor. It went right to my head, of course, and that event gave me the confidence to continue doing something I had learned to love.

2. Describe the moment you knew you wanted to be an actor?

Second grade I was an elf named Ditte, and I had one line. “Hi Witte, I’m Ditte.” My parents applauded, and that was it! (Sort of like the title song from Applause!)

**Koch (right) alongside Michael Kutter in the Sioux Empire Community Theatre’s *Tuesdays with Morrie* in late 2019.**

3. What is your favorite non-theatre-related pastime?

Two things really (after quality family time)—gardening and playing piano, although the last one I have had the good fortune to use in theater on more than one occasion. Therapeutic is how I would describe both activities. My garden was even featured in the Master Gardeners Annual Tour!

4. What’s your dream role in theater?

In eighth grade I would have said Rex Harrison’s role in Dr. Doolittle. Times change, however. Without any parameters, I think the role of Quasimodo in Disney’s newer musical version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a spectacular role in a superb show.

5. Highlight three of your proudest theatre résumé moments.

Vanya in Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike
Mitch Albom in Tuesdays with Morrie
Al in A Chorus Line

6. What’s your theatre pre-show warm-up routine?

I have a lot of nervous energy before a show. I like to show up somewhat before call, meticulously check props, repeat lines in my head, talk to other actors and then, a few minutes before going on, I clam up, stretch and do relaxation breaths.

7. Whom do you consider your biggest acting influences?

It’s the amazing directors I’ve worked with over the years. The biggest influences who cast me in multiple shows started with the late Nancy Wheeler in high school, then Joseph Brown S.J. at Creighton, and, since then, Lary Etten. All three gave me chances I never thought I would have on more than one occasion and helped me truly form real characters.

8. Deserted island game—pick three scripts to take with you.

Saint Joan, George Bernard Shaw
Sweeney Todd, Stephen Sondheim & Hugh Wheeler
Complete Works, William Shakespeare

9. What’s your hope for the next generation of theatre artists?

That theater, and fine arts in general, keeps thriving and becoming even more important in our culture. Who knows what direction live performance will take down the road? Stay involved and excited.

10. Give advice to fellow theatre artists in just five words.

Learn lines and respect others.

10 Things with Dick Koch