Fans of The Diary of Anne Frank may remember Mrs. Auguste van Pels, the equally dramatic and comedic character, perfectly brought to life by one of Choate’s most talented actresses. This week we bring to you insight into the life and times of Harley Kirchhoff ’16.
Kirchhoff’s passion and dedication on and off the stage distinguish her as a leader in the Choate community. A theater Arts Concentration student from Darien, CT, Kirchhoff has played a part in every fall play and every spring musical since her arrival at Choate her freshman year. She also stage-managed this year’s winter play, directed in Student Directed Scenes, and is a Co-President of Dance Company.
Kirchhoff’s enthusiasm for her art was evident as her face lit up while talking about her experience with the Choate theater program. Some of her favorite experiences in theater include performing in Pippin and Hairspray.
“The energy in these productions was tangible; I just felt like I was vibrating for the rest of the night because everything was so overwhelming in the best way,” Kirchhoff described. In theater, she said, “you have to give it your all. If you aren’t, everybody can tell and you are not acting to the best of your ability. You have to be giving it 100 percent of your energy. You have to be giving yourself over to it, and I think that there are few things where you can’t be thinking about anything else. You just have to be completely in the moment.”
Kirchhoff’s theatrical career began when her mother enrolled her in acting classes to outgrow her shyness. Remembering her first musical in third grade, Kirchhoff reminisced, “It was the first time I wasn’t scared to be talking in front of a large group of people. It definitely brought me out of my shell and taught me a lot about myself.” The reason she eventually stared dance was as an aid for theater because “you have to be able to move and understand how your body works. That was when I knew it would be a helpful experience if I wanted to continue in theater.”
Zemia Edmondson ’16, Co-President of Dance Company and one of Harley’s closest friends, said, “Harley creates a friendly atmosphere. She has inspired me with her hard work and the success she has gained from it. She is not afraid to say ‘Yeah, I’m majoring in theater!’ I love that she is around me to remind me that you can do what you want and succeed at it.”
Ms. Tracy Ginder-Delventhal, who has worked with Kirchhoff extensively, looked back on her performance in Alice in Wonderland last fall, explaining, “She was literally on stage for every single moment of that play, which meant she worked and rehearsed every single moment of a nine week process, but there was not a single moment were she gave up or gave in.”
Kirchhoff is also a role model to those younger to her. As Graysen Airth ’18, another theater Arts Concentration Student, gushed, “She has the show completely memorized by the first rehearsal and has the ability to forget about everything else and be in the moment.” About Kirchhoff’s leadership, Ms. Ginder-Delventhal said, “Some people lead dictating what to do, but not Harley — she opens her arms and says let’s all walk together.’”
Upon this June’s graduation, Kirchhoff will continue to study theater at Northwestern University. Ms. Emily Lutin, Harley’s dance teacher, said that “it has been a pleasure to watch her grow since freshmen year. Harley can do anything with her determination, positivity, and grace.” Over the past four years, Kirchhoff has truly created a lasting footprint that will remain at Choate long after she graduates.
