“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 Broad Cast Theatre co-founder and performer Beth Olsen.

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

Although it was a very small role, playing Mrs. Dubois in To Kill a Mockingbird in 2013 was pivotal for me because it marked my return to theater after decades. I also got to share the stage with my daughter, Ella, who played Scout. I considered auditioning for years before finally working up the courage to do so. I just couldn’t pass up the chance to perform in a play based on one of my favorite books. And once the bug bit again, I was hooked.

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

The elementary school I attended had a speech contest every year. Participation was mandatory. In first grade I memorized and performed a poem called Mice (I still know it by heart). I won a purple ribbon! I was a shy kid who had never excelled at anything, so I was hooked.

Olsen (center) performs as part of the cast of Broad Cast Theatre’s original show, *Broadly Speaking... and Other B.S.*

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

I love camping. I recently bought a new camper van, and I am enjoying it at all of the nearby state parks. Usually just me and my dogs.

4. What’s your dream role in theater?

I think playing Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream would be a blast.

5. Highlight three of your proudest theatre résumé moments.

Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie
Performer in Love, Loss & What I Wore
Performer/Writer in Broadly Speaking… and Other B.S.

6. Describe the inception of Broad Cast Theatre.

Forming a new theater company, Broad Cast Theatre, with a group of insanely talented, creative women all over the age of 50, has been a wild ride! We debuted our little group with a Nora and Delia Ephron piece called Love, Loss and What I Wore, which, to our delight, was very well received, selling out several shows and even winning a Sioux Falls Stage Award.

7. Whom do you consider your biggest acting influences?

I love several British actors, especially Helen Mirren, Emma Thompson and Judi Dench. Locally, I think Terry Zerfas is amazing.

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

West Side Story, Arthur Laurents
Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare
…and one more TBD drama — it’s too hard to choose!

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

I hope that theater gets more attention at the high school level. I was struck by the fact that I’ve never once seen the High School State One Act competition featured in our local paper or on the news. Hundreds of kids come from all over the state to compete. Imagine if that were a sporting event. The arts in general need to be as valued as athletics. Kids should be celebrated for their achievements.

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

Sometimes work behind the scenes.

10 Things with Beth Olsen