OLIVIA KNIGHT
Actor. Storyteller. Teacher.
OLIVIA
(she/they)
is a queer performer and creator, driven by work that challenges, connects, and explores the complexities of humanity. Whether on the stage, guiding movement-driven storytelling, or sharing their love of theatre, Olivia brings a fearless curiosity and grounded presence to every project.
A Virginia native and mountain lover turned Houston-based artist, they hold an MFA from from the University of Houston’s PATP and BFA in Theatre & English from Virginia Commonwealth University.
They are an Actor Combatant and proud member of the SAFD. When not onstage or in the rehearsal room, they’re likely hiking with their pup, adding to their ever-growing reading list, or laughing (often loudly).
PRESS
Una in Blackbird with Dirt Dogs Theatre Co.
“Knight is a master of expressions: she can convey the greatest pain and vulnerability, and the most effective defense mechanism in the same scene. She knows when to shut her eyes, quiver her lips. As disturbing as the subject matter is, her performance is a marvel to watch.”
– Doni Wilson for Houston Chronicle
“She’s unpredictable and it’s riveting, keeping Ray and the audience on their toes…Knight’s staggering delivery of a behemoth of a monologue, where the specter of her 12-year-old self manifests before our eyes and her 27-year-old self wavers (in which we) feel the unbearable weight of the trauma she’s carried into the room.”
– Natalie De La Garza for Houston Press
“The acting here is top-notch. The intensity ripples off the stage and into the audience for the entire run from entrance to final exit.”
– Brett Cullum for Broadway World
Ash in Wolf Play with Rec Room Arts
“Watching Knight slowly become a parent is a treat to watch. From the coy smiles and subtle eyebrow raises of intrigue, Knight’s journey of loving Wolf is a welcomed alternative to the typical narrative…”
– Ada Alozie for Houston Press
Julia in The Birds with Dirt Dogs Theatre Co.
“Olivia Knight’s Julia, on the other hand, comes off as honest but secretive, scheming and needy, with a palpable (and unknown) intention behind every word and every action. As Julia, she also perfectly captures the same angry face teenagers everywhere seem to wear with ease.”
– Natalie De La Garza for Houston Press
Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Houston Shakespeare Fest.
“Olivia Knight perfectly serves desperation, distress, and disbelief as Helena…once the Athenian interlopers get a bit more dishevled, they all get going and deliver physical comedy gold.”
– Natalie De La Garza for Houston Press
AWARDS
Best Supporting Actress Finalist for Ash (Wolf Play)
Houston Press Theater Awards 2023
Best Play Finalist for Wolf Play (Rec Room Arts)
Houston Press Theater Awards 2023
Best Play Finalist for King Lear (Houston Shakespeare Festival)
Houston Press Theater Awards 2022
Multidisciplinary Research Grant Recipient for The Penelopiad
VCUArts 2021
Best Actor in a Play for Ada Byron Lovelace (Ada and the Engine)
SALT Theatre Awards 2020
Creativity Award in Concept and Direction for The Crucible
Cappies Awards 2016
Actor
As an actor, Olivia has taken on bold roles like Una in Blackbird with Dirt Dog’s Theatre Co., Ash in Wolf Play with Rec Room Arts, the iconic Hedda Tesman in Hedda Gabler with SALT and Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Houston Shakespeare Festival. From delving into the fierce complexity of modern narratives or the timeless resonance of classical texts, Olivia’s work is marked by empathy and an embrace of the messiness and beauty of humanity.
Storyteller
A dedicated storyteller with specialties in movement, stage combat, and theatrical intimacy, Olivia has worked with the Houston Grand Opera as Intimacy Director for their productions of Il Trovatore, Cinderella, and La Bohème. They also served the Fight & Intimacy Director for La Alcina and Ghosts of Versailles with the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University.
Teacher
In the classroom, Olivia channels her passion for acting, movement, and stage combat as a teacher at Kinder HSPVA and Duchesne Academy. She also teaches workshops on intimacy, movement, and stage combat in the Houston area. She has previously taught Intro to Acting and Stage Combat at the University of Houston.
© 2024 Olivia Knight. All Rights Reserved. Photos by Natasha Nivan Photography, Forest Photography, and Gary Griffin.