Lola Hitchcock
An Artist Profile
At just 14 years old, Lola Hitchcock is proving that passion knows no age limit. Bridging the worlds of theater, music, and athletics, Lola demonstrates a rare ability to channel her energy into multiple forms of expression. Her journey is about understanding the connection between creativity, discipline, and personal growth.
Born in Sitka, Lola comes from a family that values hard work and community. Her mother Bridget is a physical therapist from Buffalo, New York. Her father Randy is a carpenter, originally from Fairbanks but raised in Anchorage. The two met and built their life in this small Alaskan town.
“Lola is a joy to work with. It is unusual to encounter a student at her age who demonstrates such a high level of focus
and dedication.”
Lola’s 18-year-old brother, a dedicated runner preparing to attend St. Olaf College in Minnesota, has been an inspiration in pursuing athletic and academic goals.
The Hitchcock support system is rounded out by Luka, their beloved dog. He was adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, is Lola's only pet and has been her constant companion ever since.
Together, this family provides the kind of environment that nurtures Lola's diverse talents and passionate approach to life.
At Blatchley Middle School, Lola thrives academically. “Math is my favorite subject. A lot of people think this is odd, but I like having an exact answer and knowing what’s coming next.”
Her musical interests include playing alto saxophone in band and singing in choir. She balances school life with extracurricular activities such as jump rope, track, and cross country.
"I've done a lot of shows," she says with a mix of pride and humility, “15 productions to date!”
Lola has become a versatile performer. During the school year, she does plays and musicals with Young Performers Theater, under the direction of Zeke Blackwell. In those early years, she was a student in Wayside School, a wall in Midsummer Night's Dream, a princess in Once Upon a Mattress, and a baby lamb in Charlotte’s Web.
When she was younger, Lola dreamed of playing the character Annie. That day came in 7th Grade. “I was begging Zeke to do Annie. It was timed perfectly. That was my favorite show by far!”
Lola enhances her skill set by taking private voice lessons with Rhiannon Guevin. "Lola is a joy to work with. It is unusual to encounter a student at her age who demonstrates such a high level of focus and dedication."
If I’m stressed, I can
just walk on a trail that’s basically in my backyard.”
That dedication paid off when Rhiannon advocated for Lola to attend the Sitka Fine Arts Camp’s (SFAC) Musical Theater session. Normally reserved for 8th
graders through first-year college students, this intensive camp mounts an entire production in just three weeks. “In 2023, as a rising 7th grader, I was part of the ensemble for Cinderella.”
Lola’s dance chops were challenged the following summer during SFAC’s production of Newsies. “The songs are really upbeat and there was a lot of choreography to learn. Dancing is the hardest part for me.”
When asked what she likes about living in Sitka, Lola describes how easy it is to access nature. “If I’m stressed, I can just walk on a trail that’s basically in my backyard.”
The upcoming high school session at SFAC represents an exciting new chapter. "My parents were originally just going to let me do Musical Theater Camp," she shares, "but my voice teacher got permission from the camp director for me to attend High School Camp a year early." Her excitement is palpable - a mix of nervousness and anticipation about the new experience.
What sets Lola apart is her genuine love for her craft. Whether singing, acting, or playing saxophone, she approaches each art form with curiosity and dedication. "I feel so grateful that I get all these wonderful opportunities."
As Sitka continues to foster her talents, Lola represents the best of a small-town arts community and is unafraid to explore her potential.
With each performance, each note, and each creative pursuit, Lola is composing her own unique symphony of discovery. The stage is set, the curtain is rising, and her story is just beginning.
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