Hi, my name is Katie.

I am 13 years old and go to school in Lake Forest, Illinois. I have one brother, Matt, a collie named Banjo, and a bunny named Misty and, of course, my mom and dad. At school I participate in musical theater, talent shows, choir and dramatic productions. Outside of school I love to study voice, which I have been doing for about six years. I study piano, too, to help me with my voice lessons. I also love studying and performing improvisational theater because I enjoy the challenge and I like making people laugh. When I found out that I was cast for Into The Outdoors I was thrilled! My goal is to be a professional actress and singer!

Into The Outdoors is a wonderful television show that makes learning easy and fun. The hosts always ask the questions that you would have asked if you were there with them. I love that it gives kids an opportunity to learn from other kids who are truly interested in the various topics, such as the outdoors, science and Wisconsin!

Q: What do you do for fun when you’re not shooting Into the Outdoors?

A: I spend time with friends, sing, act, read, watch TV and movies, and shop.

Q: How do your friends and family feel about you being a host on Into the Outdoors?

A: They are very happy for me because they know how much it means to me.

Q: What is the best part about being on Into the Outdoors? And the coolest thing you’ve ever gotten to do on a shoot?

A: The best part for me was the experience of filming a television show and working with the professional staff. I have to say my favorite part was the baby cows nibbling at my boots. They were so cute! I had never been on a dairy farm before.

Q: Did you learn anything interesting on your shoot that you didn’t know before?

A: Yes! I learned a lot of interesting facts about cows and cheese making. One of the interesting facts was that in Wisconsin you need to become a Certified Cheese Maker to be able to make cheese.

Q: What did you learn about the shooting process of Into the Outdoors that you didn’t know before?

A: I learned the importance of all aspects of the project. The script has to be very accurate to deliver the right information, the lighting and sound and camera have to be just right, and you have to be flexible. I also learned that I loved it!

Q: What is a normal shoot for you like? Do you stay in a hotel the night before or after? Do you have to wear make-up or special clothes? Who decides these things? Do you hang out with the crew? I have so many questions I don’t know where to start… tell me everything!

A: I have only done one show so far – though I can’t wait to do another! My experience was that I stayed in a hotel overnight before the shoot and on the nights in between shoots. I chose my own outfits, with some coaching from the director, Amy, and I did my own makeup and hair. Because I was playing myself and the show is focused on being real, I didn’t go overboard on fashion or makeup. I also had to dress for being with cows and walking around a cheese-making facility, which, by the way, has very wet floors! I did get to hang out with the crew during lunch breaks, and we all had dinner together at a restaurant, which was interesting and gave me a chance to ask questions I couldn’t ask during work. I did the shoot with a co-host and we got along great – he was really easy to talk to and just a very nice person.

Q: Is it hard to make up schoolwork when you have to miss class for an Into the Outdoors shoot? When do you make up the work? And would your parents still let you be a part of the ITO cast if your grades started to go down?

A: I missed three days, and I also happened to break my collarbone at a sleepover between shoots, so I missed more than most kids might have missed. But I did make up the work and my teachers were supportive. If my grades were to suffer I am sure my parents would make me take a break from performing until I proved I could manage both successfully.

Q: Of all the Into the Outdoors episodes you’ve done, which one is your favorite? Why? Was the segment’s topic really interesting, or did you just have fun with the crew?

A: I have only done one so far but it was a great one. The topic was interesting, and seeing the farm, the cows, the cheese plant and the cheese store were all really interesting. Tasting the different cheeses and the fondue was also a lot of fun. I also had fun with the crew – they were very encouraging and really open to letting us ask whatever questions we had, and they were super nice to work with.

Q: What kind of music do you listen to? And do you listen to it between shots or locations on a shoot?

A: I mostly listen to pop music but I enjoy singing everything from pop to jazz to opera to classical to show tunes.

Q: What is your favorite movie… and your favorite part, of course?

A: My favorite movie is Titanic – and my favorite actor, who just so happened to be in the movie, is Leonardo DiCaprio.

Q: What kinds of activities do you participate in at school and in your community?

A: I participate in voice lessons and recitals, musicals, dramatic theater, an improvisation troupe, piano lessons, and my school choir.

Q: If you could be ANYTHING in the world when you grow up, what would it be? What’s so cool about it? And have you always wanted to be one?

A: I plan on being a professional actress and singer. I have always loved performing solos as a singer, and I find joy in music. I have had the chance to play the lead in some musicals and in a dramatic play, and it was wonderful. I simply know in my heart that performing is right for me.