Photo courtesy of Olivia DeJager Great artists have versatility, and Olivia DeJager has it in undeniable abundance. As a multi-hyphenate performer whose talents span singing, acting, dancing, puppeteering, and even circus arts, she has carved out a unique space for herself in American musical theater. Her dynamic presence on stage and her ability to seamlessly transition between roles make her a powerful force that can redefine the stage. Olivia DeJager’s path to the spotlight has been unconventional. While many performers focus on one or two disciplines, she has embraced a more expansive process.  “I’m more than a triple threat,” she asserts. “I have had the privilege of playing multiple roles within a single production, sometimes on the same night. That kind of versatility—transitioning from singing to puppeteering or from acting to stage management—makes theater so alive for me.”  Olivia DeJager embodies the agility that truly successful modern performers possess by mastering multiple disciplines.  As a Rising Talent Olivia DeJager’s passion for performance began early, nurtured by a family that encouraged creative exploration. From local theater to her competitive performances, she quickly distinguished herself as a rising talent.  Notably, she represented Nova Scotia nationally in the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals, where she was named an Emerging Artist in the Musical Theatre category.  Olivia DeJager’s formal education further honed her skills. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from The New School/AMDA, an institution famous for producing Broadway talent.  “The program was intense,” she recalls. “It didn’t just teach us to perform—it taught us about the entire process of creating theatre, from directing to technical design.” She also went through advanced vocal training, reaching Royal Conservatory of Music Level 9, and training in various dance styles, including ballet and jazz funk.  A Multi-Hyphenate Performer Olivia DeJager defies categorization. She has performed a broad spectrum of roles, from onstage swing to vocal captain, with credits that include major national tours such as “Paw Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure” and “Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour.”  “Being a swing in these productions is a unique challenge,” she explains. “You need to know every role in case you must step in at a moment’s notice. It’s not just about memorization; you need to understand the nuances of multiple characters and their relationships.” On “Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour,” and “Paw Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure” DeJager served as both vocal captain and PR representative for Nickelodeon, representing the brand on live television across the U.S. Her ability to wear many hats and excel in each role has made her an invaluable part of the team. Beyond her success in established productions, DeJager’s involvement in original works has further enhanced her repertoire. She has been part of the original casts of two new musicals, allowing her to work closely with show creators and shape characters from the ground up.  “There’s something magical about being part of an original cast,” she reflects. “You are not stepping into a role defined by someone else—creating it in real time, with the writers and directors.” In 2023, Olivia DeJager’s portrayal of Margo in “Bright Star at the Timber Lake Playhouse” garnered critical praise for its emotional depth and vocal power. Her performance was described as that of a “strong, lovely actor with a colossal voice,” demonstrating her ability to captivate audiences. DeJager was also celebrated for her standout performance as Rizzo in the well-loved “Grease” just a month prior. Being a Mentor Beyond her work on stage, Olivia DeJager has proven herself a capable leader. As vocal captain for “Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour,” and “Paw Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure” she took on the critical task of maintaining vocal integrity for the entire cast, making certain that performances met Nickelodeon’s high standards.  She is also committed to mentoring younger performers, believing in the importance of fostering the next generation of talent. “I’ve had incredible mentors throughout my career, and I feel a responsibility to pay that forward,” she says. “Theater is collaborative by nature, and helping younger performers find their voice and confidence is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.” As interactive elements such as puppetry and multimedia become more prominent in modern productions, Olivia DeJager’s proficiency in these areas makes her a versatile and future-focused performer.  “I think we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible in live theater,” she says. “There’s so much potential to incorporate new technologies and forms of storytelling.” With her versatility, leadership qualities, and undeniable talent, Olivia DeJager’s star is set to shine even brighter. Her passion for mentoring younger talents enhances her impact on the industry.  “Achieving my goals as an artist is wonderful,” Olivia DeJager says. “But to inspire others to reach their fullest potential is what makes my craft more fulfilling.” The post How Olivia DeJager Brings a New Dimension to American Musical Theater appeared first on LA Weekly.