All the world’s a stage (or at least an improv scene) for this Eau Claire native who inspires theatrical creativity in her kids and students...

name 

Amber Dernbach

family 

Husband: Jon Olstadt. Daughters: Esme (9), Lila (6). Pets: Geiser (the catfish), Ice Cube (the goldfish), Gem and Pita Jane (dogs).

neighborhood

Downtown/Eastside Hill, Eau Claire

background

Amber is never far from the stage. After getting a theater degree at UW-Eau Claire, this Eau Claire native earned her living acting and working as an artist-in-residence in Eau Claire and Minneapolis. Among other things, she worked for a history theater program that was part of the Chippewa Valley Museum and acted at Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre. After getting a master’s degree in theater at the University of New Mexico, Amber returned to Eau Claire, where she married Jon “Jono” Olstadt and had two daughters. She acts in local television commercials (yes, that’s her licking the steering wheel of the yellow hummer) and teaches theater, coaches improv, and directs the school plays at Memorial High School. She also founded the Eau Claire Improv Festival (now in its fourth year) and performs with three improv troupes: XX (an all-female group), Shambles, and The Improv Lab.

We love the Chippewa Valley because of the interface with nature in everyday life. The abundance of trees, the number of times each day I cross a river, and number of times each week that I see an eagle, is what some folks seek out for their summer vacation. We get it here every day.

I couldn’t live without hearing my daughters’ laughter.

My family has taught me to do what you want and make what you want happen. Never once as a kid, or as a young adult, did my parents question my plan to work in theater or suggest a different major.

In the fall you’ll find us at Banbury Place & the Y, since Esme & Lila’s ballet and swimming programs start then. We also like to take day trips to look at the fall leaves and hike. Some of our usual fall places are the Ice Age Trail, Buena Vista Park, and our extensive local trail system.

When our kids are with a sitter we love to go support each other’s shows. My husband plays guitar in a local rock band and has been collaborating with his band mates for over twenty years. A huge part of our commitment to each other is supporting each other’s rehearsal and performance time. Jon not only attends all my shows, but is usually running sound or shooting video. Most of our rehearsal time for both our groups is in our home and it makes our collaborative friends part of the fabric of our home. His music time and my theatre time are mutually respected, and because we work hard to keep it all in balance with our home lives, we are able to keep actively creating. It takes a lot of very direct communication and planning! We’re modeling that for Esme and Lila, and they know their rehearsals and shows are also our priority. It’s also really cool for us that our daughters see how much Jon & I love each other’s creative side - and they understand that’s a big part of who Mom and Dad are. We’re really lucky to have an extensive network of friends and family that help us to keep making it all happen.

I make sure to never miss... How to pick?! There is literally at least one major annual event a month that I must be a part of. There is so much going on in Eau Claire that I always have more than one event on a given night that I want to be at. And because my husband and I each have our own shows, and now our daughters have their own performances, we’re often in rehearsal or supporting each other’s shows. Our whole family is involved in the Eau Claire Improv Festival – the family-friendly component of the weekend increases each year.

My kids will tell you that their mom and dad are fun. After writing that I asked Esme if I was right. She said, “Fun and inspirational, because when I’m older I’ll be in a rock band and an improv team.”

If I could pass on one bit of advice it would be the advice I tell my high school improvisers, verbatim, before they head on stage: Listen with your whole body, say yes to move forward, be physical, love each other, and, most important, have fun.