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Oltjen Carries Charism friend and cinematographer of “Trust Fund,” Isaac Alongi, was in search of a look-alike younger version of the main character of the movie. “I think she has the personality and the right look,” Alongi said. “She’s a fun girl that doesn’t take herself too seriously, and that’s exactly what we were looking for.” When he thought of Oltjen, she was more than happy to be a part of the experience. “Knowing that I was getting to be in a real-life movie was unbelievable,” Oltjen said. “I’d say now the best part is really getting to see myself on screen.” She acted as the childhood Reese Donahue, who would grow up to steal family money and run away to Italy, only to later realize the importance of the love she had at home. Recently, Oltjen and a group of friends went to see the movie together.
people’s lives by fixing their teeth is mesmerizing,” she said. “I want to make people smile, which is why I feel that being an orthodontist is a great fit for me.” For now, though, Oltjen spends BY ALEX D’ALESIO her time involved in cheerleading, WEB MANAGING EDITOR Campus Ministry, REbeL and Girl Up. peaking with freshman Liz She is enjoying the life of a teenager Oltjen feels like chatting with - hanging out with friends, going to an old friend. Her easygoing the movies and, of course, indulging personality draws you in, and in Netflix. She reminisces about an her enthusiasm is contagious. Her blue all-time favorite movie of hers - the eyes fill with excitement, and a warm “Wizard of Oz.” smile spreads across her face as she “I’ve been watching it my whole gushes about an experience few could life. I watched it every day, over and only imagine - hitting the big screen. over, when I was a kid,” she said. “It’s Riding bikes through downtown very whimsical, and I think it has a with co-star Sophia Self who plays the good message that ‘no matter where childhood Audrey Donahue, Oltjen you go, there’s no place like home.’” transformed into the young Reese Both the “Wizard of Oz” and Donahue, engaging in sisterly banter “Trust Fund” share this underlying in the midst of autumn trees in the theme - both main characters, Dorothy new movie, “Trust Fund.” and Reese, have a strong A first time actress, Oltjen to return home, “Knowing that I was getting to be in desire eased into the world of show because home means family, business with a small part in a real-life movie was unbelievable. something that resonates the film shot almost entirely with Oltjen. I’d say now the best part is really deeplyAnd in Kansas City. home means “I didn’t have a lot of getting to see myself on screen.” friends. experience being in any “Liz is really friendly, — Liz Oltjen movies, so just not getting outgoing, open and easy nervous while we were to talk to,” Koppers said. “I shooting was pretty hard, because “I loved seeing her in it,” freshman feel like we are such good friends even while acting you have to act normal,” Melissa Koppers said. “It was very though I haven’t known her for that she said. “Because we did so many surreal to see her in one of the opening long.” takes, after the first couple times, we scenes of the movie.” You may see Oltjen on the got comfortable.” Yet, Oltjen does not aspire to be big screen again, or you may see Oltjen pursued a short stint an actress in the future. Though she her donning a white coat in the in acting at age 10, as her middle says she would definitely act in another orthodontist’s office. Either way, her school friend encouraged her to join film given the chance, her heart is set charisma will not fail to captivate you. classes. For one year, Danceworks on orthodontics. Since the first time As for her ambition, Oltjen continues Conservatory became the home of she walked into her father’s office at to follow the advice she gives others. her acting career. Though she had three years old, she knew she loved “Just go for it,” Oltjen said. not acted since, her break for the big every second of his job. “Because that’s what I did, and I had a screen was set in motion when a family “The way that he gets to change great time with it.”
After acting in a Kansas City-based film, a freshman seeks her passions with excitement.
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LE JOURNAL February 2016
