Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Cinquepalmi.
Hi Olivia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! Thank you for having me. My name is Olivia (“Liv” to my friends, “Lulu” to my family) and I am a Dallas-based stage and screen actor.
I was in my first play at the ripe age of 4. It was a summer camp production of “Jack and the Beanstalk” where I played one of Jack’s cows that he brings to sell at the market. Yep, ONE of Jack’s cows. I’m pretty sure the fairytale clearly states that Jack is forced to sell his ONLY cow at the market…but we will look past that detail in honor of community theatres generously making space for everyone who wants to participate. I wore platform flip-flops with my cow costume, and I had one group line: “Moo”.
I was a star.
Just kidding. I don’t even think I liked it that much? I was just happy to be spending quality time with my super cool big sister who was playing the part of Jack’s mom. My mom enrolled us in these drama camps basically every summer of our childhood, and what started as something fun to do that got us out of the house, soon grew into something I not only had an extreme passion for, but was gifted in. The rest is history.
I’ve always felt that empathy is one of my superpowers, and it wasn’t long before I realized how integral it is to being an artist, too. This innate quality within me laid the foundation for me to be an authentic, impactful storyteller. Acting came naturally to me. And even more than that, it felt like something I needed to share with the world.
I went to Oklahoma City University where I got my BFA in Acting with a minor in Children’s theatre (another big love of mine). After college I hopped around a bit, living on contract in New Jersey for a few months and then living in Chicago for about a year pursuing theatre. Ultimately, though, I ended up back in Dallas where I will happily stay until further notice. I am not ashamed to admit that I missed my family too much to live out of state indefinitely. And honestly how can I complain when I grew up in a city where the arts are everywhere?! I feel incredibly lucky to be able to pursue my craft in a thriving arts community while also living twenty minutes away from my incredibly cute niece. It truly is the best of both worlds.
Right now, I am a freelance regional actor in DFW. I audition my butt off and have been fortunate to work on some amazing projects at many theatres in the metroplex over the last few years. I am also represented by the Kim Dawson Agency for on camera work, and I am having a blast working on commercials, short films, TV/Film, etc. I hope to continue diving deeper into this realm of the industry in the near future.
When I’m not in rehearsals or on set, you can find me working at the St. Anthony School in Carrollton- a therapeutic school for children with social and emotional differences. I am their School Development Coordinator, and I also have the pleasure of teaching theatre to high school students on the Autism spectrum. It’s the most rewarding job on the planet- but that’s a story for another time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey as an artist certainly hasn’t been the easiest, but all things considered, I believe it’s been relatively smooth. I’m one of those lucky actors who has constantly been surrounded by the support and encouragement of loved ones. Sometimes I feel like they believe in me more than I believe in myself. They have kept me going through it all.
As I’m sure lots of actors and artists would agree, one of the toughest things about this industry is believing in yourself. Continuing to bet on yourself time and time again, especially when it seems like you just can’t catch a break. I have found myself doubting my abilities as an actor in direct reflection of how many roles I’m booking. I often have to remind myself that my worth as an artist is not dependent on whether or not I am currently working on a big project. I’m not afraid to admit that I am also not great when it comes to comparison. It’s an internal battle I think I will always fight, but I am learning to embrace the fact that someone else’s success is not my failure.
All that being said, this industry may be full of ups and downs and twists and turns, but I still feel pretty lucky to be on this ride doing what I love.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an actor, an artist, a creative. I specialize in authentic storytelling.
Above all else, though, I hope to be an artist known for always putting her heart into her work.
My empathetic nature paves the way for me to dive deeply into my projects. I love jumping into someone else’s shoes and finding their humanity and authenticity. Becoming someone different whom others can relate to. Bridging gaps and shedding light on other perspectives. Most of all, I like connecting with people, and in turn creating space for others to connect with one another, too.
If I’m being honest, I’m still figuring out what sets me apart from others. Maybe I’m not ready to stand out just yet. I just want to keep doing work that I am proud of. Projects that I feel personally connected to in some way. Projects that inspire me. Projects and stories and plays and films that bring the human experience into the forefront and leave the audience somehow different than they came.
If you’re interested in perusing my past projects, feel free to check out my resumes on my website found below!
How do you define success?
I think success is relative. Not just relative to each person’s personal experience (which I definitely believe is true), but more so relative to where you are and what you’re working towards during that specific season of your life. My definition of success has gone through many ideations over the course of my life, but I think right now the simplest and most authentic definition of success for me is this: Am I proud of who I am and the work that I am doing right now? If the answer is “Yes”, (hopefully it’s a “Hell yeah!”) then that’s more than enough for me.
There have been times in my life and career where I have felt that my worth and success lies with how much money I make on a project, or how many people come to see me perform. But over time I’ve realized that that’s putting my success in the hands of others. Giving them too much power to dictate my next moves, my sense of self-worth, and ultimately my happiness.
I am so over that.
Some of the most powerful and artistically fulfilling projects I have had the pleasure of working on were hardly seen by anyone. Nor did they even come close to paying my rent that month. But I felt a huge sense of pride and joy to be a part of them. I received the ultimate gift of doing what I love with people who love it just as much as I do. And we created something magical in those fleeting moments. That’s success.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a nice paycheck now and then, and I appreciate working on projects that bring me exposure, too, of course. That just isn’t my definition of success anymore. The bottom line is, I get to choose what success means for me. And I’d love to empower other artists to choose what it means for them, too.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oliviacinquepalmi.com
- Instagram: @oliviacinquepalmi
Image Credits
Evan Michael Woods
Brent Webber
Jacob Oderberg
Samantha Sanguino
Jeffrey Schmidt
Kate Voskova
