Noel Olken, a remarkably gifted and enthusiastic individual, took his initial steps into the captivating world of theatrical arts at the tender age of seven, thus inaugurating a lifelong fascination with the performing arts.
Noel's odyssey commenced with a deliberate divergence from the conventional collegiate trajectory, electing to invest a crucial two-year period in refining his skills as a taxi driver and guitarist, concurrently nurturing his ardor for music within the context of a band, thereby fostering a profound sense of artistic expression and creativity.
As the years unfolded, Noel's irrepressible desire for exploration and thirst for knowledge propelled him to embark on a globe-trotting escapade at a remarkably tender age of twenty. With an unbridled sense of freedom and a trusty backpack brimming with lofty aspirations, he set forth on a hitchhiking odyssey that would traverse the vast expanse of the United States, punctuated by a series of unconventional occupations that would afford him a profound and nuanced understanding of the intricate complexities of the human condition.
As the alluring siren song of the City of Light resonated in his heart, Noel found himself inexorably drawn to the enchanting streets of Paris, France, a destination that would ultimately become his adopted home. It was within this picturesque backdrop that he embarked upon a remarkable journey, embracing the carefree essence of a busker, his melodic talents captivating and delighting the crowds that gathered to listen in the bustling streets and the Parisian Metro, a stint that would ultimately span an impressive eighteen months.
Noel's life took a temporary turn, as he briefly returned to his hometown of Chicago, only to be irresistibly drawn back to the City of Light, Paris, which held a profound allure for him. In Paris, he embarked on a three-year odyssey of artistic discovery, immersing himself in the world of mime and theatre.
Under the guidance of the renowned masters Etienne Decroux, Theatre De L'Ange Fou, and Daniel Stein, Noel delved deeply into the world of mime and theatre, honing his skills and broadening his artistic horizons. This period of intense artistic exploration and development played a significant role in shaping Noel's future as a master of his craft.
Through his training with these esteemed masters, Noel gained a deeper understanding of the art of mime and theatre, as well as the technical and creative skills necessary to excel in these fields. His journey in Paris was a pivotal moment in his life, setting him on a path of artistic growth and evolution that would continue to unfold in the years to come.
Noel bid farewell to the City of Light, Paris, and embarked on a year-long sojourn in the vibrant metropolis of New York City, specifically setting up residence in the bustling neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, where the energy was palpable and the opportunities were endless.
As he settled into his new surroundings, Noel was extended a coveted role in a brand new theatrical production in the Windy City of Chicago, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and thriving arts scene.
Concurrently, Noel co-founded the esteemed Sliced Bread Productions alongside the accomplished Wm. Bullion, a partnership that would go on to produce some of the most innovative and groundbreaking works in the industry.
One of their earliest and most notable productions was their innovative adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's masterpiece, "BAAL", with Noel taking on the titular role and bringing the complex and multifaceted character to life in a way that captivated audiences and critics alike.
It was during this pivotal period in Noel's career that he crossed paths with and ultimately wed the talented artist and entrepreneur Kris Cahill, with whom he has maintained a lifelong union, a partnership that has been built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared passion for the arts.
Noel's unwavering desire to break into the captivating world of filmmaking propelled him to stake his claim in the thriving Chicago film industry, where he initially embarked on his professional journey as a production assistant, gradually climbing the career ladder to assume the esteemed role of a location scout, and ultimately, a location manager, where he would utilize his exceptional organizational skills to meticulously oversee the logistical aspects of film production.
Noel, a multifaceted and gifted individual, found himself growing increasingly disenchanted with the film industry, a sentiment that ultimately led him to rediscover his long-standing passion for theatre. He joined forces with the esteemed Black Forest Theatre, a renowned theatrical organization, to collaborate on an original production, a creative endeavour that would soon culminate in its highly anticipated premiere at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This groundbreaking production, titled "Henry Goodbar, Telepath", showcased Noel's remarkable talent and served as a pivotal moment in his career, as he and his partner, Kris, made the bold and life-changing decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, a move that would undoubtedly have a profound impact on his artistic trajectory.
Noel dedicated the next 16 years of his life to a rigorous pursuit of artistic perfection, channeling every ounce of his being into the creation of his second feature film, "Explode". This endeavour was marked by an intense focus on writing, producing, and directing, as he poured his heart and soul into every aspect of the project.
In tandem with his work on "Explode", Noel continued to nurture his acting talents, taking on a diverse array of roles in film and television productions, while simultaneously maintaining a strong and consistent presence in the theatre world.
Not content to rest on his laurels, Noel invested a further two years in honing his craft, studying the art of acting at the prestigious Ivana Chubbuck Studio. This commitment to self-improvement and artistic growth served as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft, a dedication that has remained a constant thread throughout his career.
As the global pandemic's devastating impact was felt across the world, Noel and Kris were thrust into a reality that was both unprecedented and transformative, their lives undergoing a profound and far-reaching metamorphosis that would forever alter their trajectory.
The seismic shift in their circumstances precipitated a series of arduous and life-altering cross-country relocations, the first of which saw them leave behind the sun-kissed streets of Los Angeles, with its perpetual warmth and laid-back vibe, to embark on a new chapter in the verdant landscape of Portland, Oregon, a city renowned for its lush greenery, quirky culture, and small-town charm.
However, it was not long before the allure of a new adventure beckoned, and Noel and Kris found themselves making another bold move, this time to the vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia, a city that embodies the perfect blend of Southern hospitality, rich history, and urban sophistication.
Through it all, Noel and Kris's resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to one another proved to be the guiding forces that helped them navigate the uncharted territory of their new reality, ultimately emerging stronger, wiser, and more deeply connected than ever before.
Atlanta's dynamic production landscape has served as a fertile ground for Noel's artistic growth, providing a platform for him to refine his skills and discover a renewed sense of direction. Outside of his acting pursuits, Noel has surprisingly found solace in the world of handyman work, showcasing an impressive versatility and natural talent for the trade.
