Olivia DeJager Reinvigorates American Musical Theater with Unmatched Versatility – The Village Voice

There are only a few multi-hyphenate performers in musical theater: those who did not limit themselves to traditional industry tropes. Olivia DeJager has a shining career that ranges from national tours to serving as a vocal captain for Nickelodeon productions. 

She is a remarkable performer who fully embraced every aspect of the theater performance. Her repertoire spans disciplines, including singing, acting, dancing, puppetry, circus arts, and even piano.

Olivia DeJager’s professional portfolio is one that many in the performing arts might only dream of. “I’m more than a triple threat,” she says. “I’ve worked as a puppeteer, a circus artist, and even played the piano in productions. It’s allowed me to tell stories in ways few performers can.” 

A Multi-Hyphenate Wonder

A graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and The New School, Olivia DeJager has a formidable foundation in traditional theater training. Her formal education and high academic achievements have prepared her well. They laid the foundation for the multi-faceted career that now defines her. 

Her time in educational theater helped her refine the versatility that would later become a key feature of her professional work. Early on, she began distinguishing roles that demanded more than performance prowess. As a swing in national tours such as “Paw Patrol Live!” and “Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour,” DeJager honed her adaptability skills. She learned multiple roles in a single production and was always prepared to step in immediately.

“I’ve been a swing and understudy several times,” Olivia DeJager explains. “You must be ready to go on at any moment, even if you’ve never rehearsed that specific version.” Because of her flexibility, she could take on diverse projects and thrive in complex performance environments.

The Vocal Captain

Olivia DeJager excels not only in her performances but also in her behind-the-scenes roles. Her role as vocal captain for “Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour” and “Paw Patrol Live1 A Mighty Adventure” highlights her ability beyond the spotlight, mentoring and coordinating an entire cast’s vocal performances. 

“Being a vocal captain…it’s not just about making sure the music sounds good,” she says. “It’s about leading, mentoring, and making sure the entire ensemble works as a cohesive unit.”

As a PR representative for Nickelodeon, Olivia DeJager stood for the company on live television, appearing across multiple media platforms while maintaining the integrity of Nickelodeon’s brand. 

“I represented Nickelodeon on live TV across the U.S. for the Baby Shark Tour, and while we have rules about what we can share, it was an exciting experience to represent such a beloved brand,” she explains. 

Her ability to move seamlessly between being a performer, leader, and brand ambassador has further enhanced her worth as an artist. This versatility is increasingly essential in today’s performing arts industry.

While musical theater has been dominated by revivals of classic works, Olivia DeJager has embraced the challenge of creating something new. She has been part of two entirely new musicals, working with creatives to shape productions from the ground up. 

“Being part of an original cast is special,” she notes. “You’re not just stepping into a role that someone else has defined—you’re helping to create that role. It’s about being part of the next generation of theatre.”

One of her most notable performances was in “Bright Star,” in which she portrayed Margo at the Timber Lake Playhouse. Her performance was praised for its strength and depth, particularly her commanding vocal presence. 

A Promising Future

Olivia DeJager has become one of the most promising contributors to the future of theater by bringing an extensive arsenal of talents onstage, including puppetry and circus arts. Her adaptability includes blending the old with the new. She is excited about the possibilities, particularly the technological advancements in theater.  

“Theater is evolving,” she says. “We’re seeing more productions incorporating elements like projection mapping, virtual sets, and audience interaction. It’s exciting to be part of this new wave of storytelling.”

Olivia DeJager‘s impact in the industry is set to grow with her continuous exploration of disciplines in ways that reflect the art form’s future. “There’s something extraordinary about this moment in theater,” she reflects. “It’s a time for new voices and new stories. I’m just excited to be a part of it.”