OLIVIA DANIELS
Performer | Director | Educator
ABOUT OLIVIA
Olivia Daniels is a Canadian performer, director, educator, and theatre artist. Growing up in Toronto, Olivia studied dance and musical theatre at Canada's National Ballet School, The Randolph Academy, and the Stratford Shakespeare School. Enthusiastic and curious about all aspects of the theatre world, she began experimenting with creating original work, and discovered her passion for directing and artistic collaboration.
Olivia earned a BFA in Drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she trained at Playwrights Horizons Theatre School and The New Studio on Broadway. She also holds a minor in Philosophy. After seven years studying and working in NYC, Olivia recently returned to her hometown of Toronto where she currently resides.
Olivia is committed to using her artistic voice to speak truth to power, and seeks to create and support opportunities for artists of marginalized communities. She is interested in theatre that encourages important discussion and acts as a meaningful tool towards social justice. In all her endeavors, Olivia strives to embody a spirit of openness, discovery, and joy!
RECENT PROJECTS
UNRAVEL
A collaboration between Artists in Residence and The Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company, Olivia co-produced Unravel: A Virtual Monologue Slam Competition. The event featured young artists from across Canada, and included special guests Rachel Dratch (SNL), Jamie Elman (YidLife) and Ari Weinberg (WJT).
PORTRAIT OF A HEART
Olivia played the role of Mona in a virtual workshop of the new play Portrait of a Heart, written by Ashley Griffin and based on an original concept by Brian Spector. Also starring were Bruce Dow, Christine Donato, and Danny Gardner.
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
Olivia is the co-creator and artistic director of Artists in Residence, a new platform which supports artists' mental health and well-being, by providing opportunities for community, collaboration, and creativity.
CHILDREN'S ARTS THEATRE SCHOOL
Olivia started a job as a dance teacher and choreographer at Children's Arts Theatre School in Toronto, working with kids ages 4-15. In addition to regular classes, Olivia arranged special guest seminars with Broadway performers from Beautiful and Mean Girls.
THE INCIDENT
In March 2020, Olivia directed the world premier of The Incident, written by Annalise Layfield and produced by Oakham Community Theatre.