Senior of the Week: Oliver Hess

By Kaylee Chen, Tina Huang and Anya Tang

Oliver Hess, born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, felt that the schooling system there was not sufficiently challenging. “I knew that Exeter would afford me with significantly more academic challenges and more diversity in clubs, in a better culture than the school I used to go to,” he said. “That was the primary reason driving me. I did very well at my old school, but I just didn’t think it was enough.” Hess decided to transfer into the Academy as a new lower. 

“A big fish in a little pond,” described Maggie Wainwright, now one of Hess’s close friends. 

As Wainwright recalled, Hess, “in his own words, wanted to relocate to a much roomier pond… [in] recognition of his own abilities and the desire to both challenge himself and spend time with brilliant people to be able to learn from his peers and teachers.” Hess’ penchant for self-exploration, Wainwright said, is always evident in their interactions. It is a quality she observes with admiration as Hess continues his journey of discovery.

Looking back today, Hess believes he “adjusted pretty well.” “A lot of cliques were already formed and people had already settled themselves into their dorms,” Hess said “I went in knowing only one person–Adam [Tuchler]–but in the end, it turned out great.”

Quickly, Hess found himself immersed in Exeter’s theater program. A Midsummer Night’s Dream was Hess’ first theatre show at the Academy. Unlike theatre at his previous school, Hess felt that “competition immediately went out the window at Exeter.” “I didn’t feel like I was competing for the role; the whole cast was there because they truly enjoyed theatre,” he recalled. 

The final showing coincided with the grand opening of Goel Theatre, and the event “was a real blast,” Hess said. “It brought the whole cast and crew together.”

While his integration in the theatre community went seeming well, Hess’ first DRAMAT experience went embarrassingly. Wainwright cast him in a “risqué” play, as an unsuspecting husband sharing dinner with his wife and high school sweetheart. “The show was really naughty, but we performed it on parent’s weekend. The audience was entirely grandparents,” Wainwright said. “It was so beautifully painful because none of the sex jokes landed, and it was crickets for half an hour.” 

“Oliver is an exceptional actor and performer. His obvious talents are only equaled by his humility and modesty,” Theatre Instructor Rob Richards said. “It is never easy to find a young actor who can pull off playing someone considerably older, but Oliver did it with remarkable and authentic grace. His maturity and willingness to apply himself and take considerable risks is inspiring. Thankfully, and perhaps most impressive, is his natural ability to collaborate.” 

In the upper year of the theatre experience, Hess took on two productions, allowing him to assume a leadership position and “show newer students the ropes.” “The community did not change; the people are what make theatre what it is,” he said. 

Indeed, though Hess’ experience with The Secret Garden was “the most chaotic possible,” he loved his role of Archibald Craven—not only for the depth and dimensionality of his character but the cast, “a group of people who I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

“I was privileged to share the stage with the genuine, soulful, and elegant actor and singer that Oliver is,” senior Yona Kruger, an actress in The Secret Garden, said. “Whether it be drinking tea in the music building, running around the theater, or talking about our weird English teachers Oliver is always someone I can depend on.”

Acting allowed Hess to take the weights of Exeter off his shoulders for a while. “Whenever I walked into the black box, I was either memorizing my lines, or I was being a different character. I didn’t think about anything else except for what was going on onstage,” he said. “It was nothing but a cathartic experience.”

“He can commit to his character and make a weird alcoholic, mid-forties, hunchback dad relatable to the average Exonian,” Wainwright said, admiring Hess’ exploration of characters. 

Hess’ love of theatre extends into his Harkness experience as well. “I think a little bit of every Harkness discussion is like acting. You could be pretending like you’ve done the reading, or you might articulate your point in a kind of overly dramatic way that you know your teacher will eat up and write your name down,” he said. “I guess theatre influences how I conduct myself elsewhere.”

“Oliver is an amazing actor, singer, classmate and friend,” senior Addie Luce, who met Hess in her lower fall English class, said. “I could feel his warmth radiate to all of those around him. He truly brightens up any space he is in with his laugh and sarcastic remarks.”

Hess’ affinity for the arts extends beyond theater into a cappella, Concert Choir and Gli Scalatori. Exeteras serenades, a highlight of Hess’ many a cappella endeavors, are memories he will cherish long after graduation. “For people in the dorms, it’s just kind of a fun, spontaneous thing that they might not think about afterwards,” he said. “But for me, it’s just fun walking around in the freezing cold singing the same song 18 times a night and doing the same the next night.”

Senior Stephen McNulty, fellow singer and actor, held Hess’ presence during Exeteras rehearsals dear. “Oliver (and company!) would turn off the lights and blast out music really loudly in Powell Hall,” he said. “It’s those spontaneous moments he creates that drive communities together, and I think everyone recognizes the role he plays in that.”

“Oliver and I have worked together in two a capella groups for three years now,” senior and a cappella singer Emilio Abelmann said. “He always manages to put a smile on my face, and now, as a co-head, his leadership is incredible.”

Wainwright found that during Hess’ time at Exeter, he grew to “let go of expectations that aren’t useful to him.” In his upper year, he decided to act in the winter musical rather than continuing his career in Varsity Swimming. “It was a big choice for him and one I think he’s really happy to have made,” Wainwright said.

“This year, he’s taking a load of interesting history and philosophy courses that he is really passionate about and wants to pursue as an adult,” Wainwright added. “I think that he has always known what he loves and that’s wonderful. More and more, he’s prioritizing what he loves and not buying into the toxic expectations at Exeter that exist, instead forging his own path.”

Orion Bloomfield ‘20 highlighted Hess’ “incredible protagonist vibes.” “He is a charisma magnet, and he masters the dichotomy of humble and accomplished,” Bloomfield said. “I hope I can stay close with Oliver Papa for a long while.”

Richards had similarly high praise. “He will remain a standout for me in my 27 years of directing plays here at the Academy.”

“There are some fish that cannot be caught. It’s not that they are faster or stronger than other fish, they’re just touched by something extra.” - Ed Bloom, young, from Big Fish