Spotlight on Olivia de Jager ‘19
Fom the Grammar theatre to big stages across North America, Olivia de Jager ‘19 has built a vibrant career in the performing arts. Today, she is a professional actor, performer, and creative—living proof of how passion, perseverance, and community support can lead to exciting opportunities.
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After graduating from Grammar, Olivia pursued her love of theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and The New School, earning her BFA in Musical Theatre. “The most exciting part of university was being able to hone in on what I loved most,” she shares. “It was amazing to have a schedule full of dance, singing, and acting classes—and of course, being in New York City with so many opportunities to see live theatre.”
Since then, Olivia’s résumé has grown quickly. She has performed in productions of Grease (Rizzo), Bright Star (Margo), and Jersey Boys (Francine & others), toured the U.S. with Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol Live! and Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour!, and is currently performing in Come From Away at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina—where she is also the Canadian Dialect Coach. In 2026, she will take to the road again with Curious George: The Golden Meatball.
Reflecting on her time at Grammar, Olivia credits her teachers with encouraging her creativity and discipline: “Grammar always pushed me in the best way. I became better at time management and a more well-rounded individual. Teachers like Mr. Follini, Ms. Silver, Ms. MacNeil, and Mr. Whynot were champions of the arts and encouraged my love for them.”
Olivia’s journey hasn’t come without challenges, but she has learned to embrace them. Touring as an on-stage swing required her to learn up to five roles at once—a daunting but rewarding test of her skills and resilience. Her advice to current students? “There is no wrong path to getting where you want to be. Seek out community theatre, take a dance class, join the drama club! Hard work matters more than your résumé.”
As for the future, Olivia knows that longevity in the performing arts requires adaptability, but one thing is certain: “I want to be involved in the arts in some way for the rest of my life.”
Her parting message is one she hopes all students carry with them: even if you don’t pursue the arts professionally, being involved in music, drama, dance, or any creative outlet is invaluable. For Olivia, the arts are not just about performance but about self-expression, personal growth, and emotional intelligence—qualities that make us all more well-rounded individuals.
