A rising stand-up comic and actress working in different mediums and projects, Olivia Stadler has won plenty of acclaim and awards over her career as she works her way into the genre. Now, in honor of the release of her latest Film "Stalkers," we talk about her work on the film and other factors about filming.
Me: What drew you to the role of Kate in Stalkers?
Olivia Stadler: I was immediately pulled in by how raw and contradictory Kate is. She’s not just someone with a messy past—she’s someone who’s trying to change, but doesn’t really believe she deserves redemption. That tension between survival and shame, motherhood and avoidance, made her feel human in a way that I was compelled by and excited to work on.
Me: Kate has a complicated past and is thrown into a terrifying present. How did you prepare to play someone with such emotional weight?
OS: I spent time journaling in character before shooting began, and then on set before scenes, channeling that reality... making what was happening feel like it actually was, which was definitely heavy and I’ve heard an unhealthy way to approach acting but... it’s what I did
Me: Was there a specific scene or moment in Stalkers that you found particularly challenging—or especially satisfying—to perform?
OS: The fight sequence was my favourite. As a former dancer and gymnast, I loved getting to do my own stunts and to learn fight choreography.
Me: Stalkers has been described as “a dark twist on a Hallmark story.” As a comedian, how did you approach the horror/thriller genre?
OS: As a comic, I’m used to finding humor in pain—so turning that lens toward horror made a strange kind of sense. Both comedy and horror rely on tension and release. Just in this case, the release isn’t laughter, it’s screaming.
Me: You’re known for your sharp wit and comedy. How did it feel stepping into such a serious, suspenseful story? Was it ever hard to resist throwing in a punchline?
OS: I mean... yes. But I saved all that for behind the scenes clowning around. Because the thing is that Kate isn’t funny, I didn’t want her to be. She's funny the way trauma is funny—where you’re laughing so you don’t shatter. It was interesting to not chase laughs and instead to just sit in the tension and let it burn.
Me: Do you think comedy gave you any tools that helped you handle the emotionally intense or frightening moments?
OS: Absolutely. Comedy sharpens your instincts for timing and truth. If something doesn’t feel honest, people tune out—whether it’s a joke or a scream. Also, being a comic helps you stay loose on set. You can dip into dark emotions without drowning in them.
Me: The film touches on shame and public judgment, especially for women. Did that aspect of Kate’s experience resonate with you?
OS: Deeply. We love a woman with a past... until we find out what that past actually is. Then it becomes, “how dare she?” As a public person myself who frequently overshares and is publicly vulnerable, I never know how much people know about me, or what they think. I try not to fear judgement or feel too much shame but it’s only natural
Me: You spent a long time in Kate’s shoes over a multi-year shoot. How did your relationship with the character evolve over time?
OS: I definitely felt like I knew her more over time, and therefore sympathized with and liked her more over time. By the end, I felt like I was letting go of someone I knew intimately.
Me: Any off-camera memories with the cast or crew that stand out?
OS: So many. But mostly it was laughing and being silly with Scarlett.
Me: What was it like filming with Scarlett DiCaro, who plays your daughter Charlotte?
OS: Incredible. She is so talented, and we worked well together, having so many laughs between takes.
Me: How does Stalkers fit into your broader creative journey as a performer and writer?
OS: It cracked something open for me. I never saw myself as an actor, and taking this project on changed that for me. I hadn’t realized, after mostly auditioning for fast food commercials, how fun acting could be. I love being on set and playing on camera and Becoming Someone Else. It changed the way I approached stand up. I will definitely star in something that I create at some point and am open to new exciting acting opportunities.
Me: What would you say to someone who knows you from Roast Battle Canada and is now seeing you in this very different role?
OS: I’d say: surprise! I hope you like it! Kate is pretty different from me. She’s not light or silly. But she’s strong and vulnerable and she does look a lot like me.
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