Olivia DeJager Teases the Boundaries of Performance Art in the U.S.

Photo courtesy of Olivia DeJager

Multi-hyphenate artists are true gems in the music industry, especially in theater. Olivia DeJager, who excels as a singer, actor, dancer, puppeteer, circus artist, and writer, is a sparkling example. She enriches and expands the traditional framework of musical theater by combining diverse performance styles and, in the process, redefines what it means to be a performer in the U.S.

Her work spans national tours, regional theater, and collaborations with established brands like Nickelodeon. However, her ability to integrate multiple disciplines into cohesive, emotionally resonant performances makes her stand out. As live performance changes to compete with digital entertainment, artists like Olivia DeJager are the sort who revitalize the stage.

A Multi-Hyphenate Wonder

Olivia DeJager’s rising career can be attributed to her adaptability and ability to take on multiple roles. Her involvement with Nickelodeon’s national tours, including “Paw Patrol Live!” and “Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour,” has showcased her versatility in performing diverse characters. 

“I’ve had the privilege of being an onstage swing, which means I need to know multiple roles and be ready to perform them at a moment’s notice,” she explains. This cognitive flexibility has become a critical asset that adds to her worth as a performer.

As a swing, Olivia DeJager mastered several of the well-known and beloved Nickelodeon characters like in “Paw Patrol Live!” and as well in “Baby Shark,” adding to her repertoire of dynamic roles. 

She also served as the vocal captain on both tours, securing high-quality vocal performances from the entire cast. These roles show off her technical skills and ability to take charge and support her fellow performers professionally.

Beyond national tours, Olivia DeJager has gained recognition for her work in regional theater. 

At Timber Lake Playhouse, she played roles such as Rizzo in “Grease,” Francine in “Jersey Boys,” and Margo in “Bright Star.” In “Bright Star,” her portrayal of Margo received critical acclaim. Reviewers praised her emotional depth and “colossal voice.”

These performances prove her range, from portraying vulnerable, emotionally complex characters to embodying the bold and brash.

A Multi-sensory Artist

Olivia DeJager’s talents are not confined to traditional musical theater. Her puppeteer and circus artist work has added unique dimensions to her performances. “I’ve always been drawn to the idea that performance can extend beyond just the body,” she says, reflecting on integrating puppetry and aerial arts into her stage work. 

This perspective allows her to explore storytelling through different physical mediums, giving her performances an immersive quality.

Her work with Nickelodeon productions required Olivia DeJager to master puppetry alongside her singing and acting, further broadening her skill set. She often finds opportunities in regional theater to apply her physical theater training, blending traditional acting with physical and circus arts techniques. 

“The theater world is evolving, and audiences expect more than just a standard musical—they want an experience,” she explains. This mindset is at the heart of her work, where she constantly seeks to bring fresh, unexpected elements into her performances. Whether it’s a traditional musical or an experimental production, she continues to push the limitations of performance art.

Adapting to Theater’s Transformation

The rise of immersive and interactive productions has shifted the focus from traditional staging to more dynamic and engaging forms of live performance. Productions that blend live theater with digital media, puppetry, and circus arts have become increasingly popular, particularly in national tours targeting family audiences.

It comes as no surprise that Olivia DeJager is thriving amidst this change. Her involvement in Nickelodeon tours, which are productions that appeal to both children and adults, shows the growing demand for multi-generational entertainment. 

As the market for live theater continues to expand, particularly in family entertainment, Olivia DeJager’s unique skill set has made her a valuable asset to productions that require versatility and creativity.

A Force to be Reckoned With

While Olivia DeJager’s onstage work has earned her critical acclaim, her contributions offstage are equally important. She has collaborated with creative teams to develop new musicals, providing insights and ideas that shape the final production. 

“Being part of an original cast allows you to collaborate with the show creatives in ways you don’t get with revivals,” she explains. Her ability to bring fresh ideas to the table while respecting the creative team’s vision makes her a sought-after contributor.

A stellar performer, a leader, and a valuable collaborator — Olivia DeJager embodies what it means to be a consummate artist. As she continues adding more skills and experience to her repertoire and mentors other artists to do the same, the future of performance art in the country looks infinitely brighter.