Olivia Tennison (she/her) is an actor, movement director, and comedian originally hailing from the western suburbs of Chicago. She received her BFA in Acting with a Concentration in Dance from the Boston University School of Theatre and studied classical acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA). Olivia has since continued her training at Acting Studio Chicago, where she first met many of her fellow Founding Short Leap Ensemble Members.

Outside of her work with A Short Leap, Olivia can be found writing and performing sketch comedy with her duo, “It’s Hard to be Hot.” She is a big believer that sometimes the most important pills are easier to swallow with a laugh.

Some favorite roles include Lauren in Circle Mirror Transformation at Interlochen Shakespeare Festival, #7 in The Wolves, and more recently understudying Margot in Northlight Theatre’s production of Dial M for Murder. More information about Olivia’s work, including her film and television work, can be found on her website oliviatennison.com.

You can catch Olivia as “Clare” in A Short Leap’s inaugural production of Clearing by Beth Hyland, which she is also set to Assistant Direct.