Olivia Padfield on Small Moments and Big Courage

cgoucher
Feb 23
2 min read

Olivia is learning some of her biggest lessons on stage, at a very young age. As an understudy in Annie, she has stepped into moments that are exciting, nerve racking, and deeply rewarding, often in front of a live audience. In this conversation, Olivia reflects on learning to keep going when things don’t go perfectly, the small rituals that help her feel grounded, and the friendships backstage that make performing feel safe and joyful.

What’s been your favourite part of Annie?
Definitely playing the role of Annie as her understudy. It’s really fun and exciting to go on as a role I don’t usually play. It’s nerve wracking in a good way.
What moment in the show that made you feel really proud?
When I played the role of Annie, and something went wrong, I could still continue and be ok!
What do you like most about your castmates?
They are all so supportive, and if you are having an off day, they are always there for you and always make you feel loved.
Before you go on stage, what helps you feel ready?
I check my checklist and make sure I am all checked off. For example, do I have all my under stuff on, or do I have all my jewellery off? It makes me feel grounded.
What’s a backstage moment that still makes you laugh?
When one of the dogs (Clue) ate Rooster’s moustache on stage and spit it out. It was really funny! Clue would literally eat anything.
What dream role would you love to play?
Glinda, of course! She is my dream role because she's so funny and cute.

Bonus Question: What is one little moment in the show that makes you smile every single time?

During bows when we look up at the band, I make eye contact with Harper and we don’t get to see each other often so that’s our moment to say good show with our eyes. It just makes me happy because she’s on stage so often and we are not usually on stage at the same time so that’s our moment to give each other a smile.

Credits

Photography: Ann Baggley

Book: Thomas Meehan

Lyrics: Martin Charnin

Music: Charles Strouse

Director, Choreographer: Donna Feore

Music Director: Laura Burton

Set and Costume Designer: Michael Gianfrancesco

Lighting Designer: Kimberly Purtell

Additional Dance Arrangement and Orchestration: David Dabbon

Projection Designer: Sean Nieuwenhuis

Sound Designer: Haley Parcher

What I loved about Olivia’s answers is how clearly they show confidence being built in real time. Not through perfection, but through trust, routine, and connection. Through her experience performing in Annie, Olivia Padfield reminds us that courage often shows up in small moments, especially in live performance. Her story is a reminder that performing is not just about talent. It is about learning that you can stay steady, even when the unexpected happens.

This series grows through word of mouth and the creative people who point me toward the next great conversation. If someone has been inspiring you lately, I’d love to hear about them.

Until next week, Christine