hello!
I'm Olivia (she/her), a Filipina American theatre maker, actor, and musician. Since 2004, I've performed on many stages throughout the country, including many of the theaters in Dallas -- Ft. Worth, where I live with my partner, Jeff, and our two dogs. Some of my favorite on-stage memories are playing a two-year long run of Avenue Q (over 250 performances), making my Off-Broadway debut (at PTC Performance Space for NYMF), and being one of 3 puppeteers operating a 15 foot tall abominable snowman (I was the best Right Arm in the show).
While creating and performing has always been my calling, teaching is one of my passions. For more than 10 years, I've taught classes, workshops, and private lessons in music and acting, for adults and children. I also began coaching and teaching from my own studio in 2013.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and/or eating, going on camping adventures, winning board game nights, and watching stand up comedy. I believe in the healing power of karaoke. I was once a professional escape room designer. In my lifetime, I've caused 2 people -- on 2 different occasions -- to literally pass out from laughing. It's fine, they were only unconscious for a few seconds.
photo by the talented Cam Frontain
Im the little tapper on the far right. Obviously, I had not yet developed my laser-focused flair for the dramatic.
news
FALL 2023: Farewell, Dallas. ¡Hola, Miami! In August, I begin my appointment as Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre at FIU. It's my privilege to lead the development of their new BFA degree program in Musical Theatre. Much gratitude to my family, friends, mentors, and colleagues who helped me get here.
JULY 2023: Watering Hole Collective presents Spring Awakening, the coming-of-age rock musical, to ignite community discussion about sexual health education for teens. They are partnering with non-profits Healthy Futures of Texas and Philanthropy Kids. I'm thrilled to work as the Music Director for this show! Performances are at Arts Mission Oak Cliff and tickets are on sale here.
MAY 2023: Dallas Theater Center's Centerstage: Renaissance Gala is a hot ticket in town. An evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and a great after party will celebrate DTC's 22/23 season. I look forward to performing with fellow members of the Brierley Resident Acting Company for the final time this season.
APRIL 2023: This spring, I'm going Into The Woods! Dallas Theater Center presents Sondheim and Lapine's musical theatre masterpiece as the final show of their 2023 season. I'm thrilled to take the journey with an incredible team of creatives. Tickets are on sale here.
FEBRUARY 2023: Neighbors, cultures, and gardens clash in Native Gardens, a contemporary comedy. I'll be working with a funny and brilliant company, serving as Fight Captain, and making my debut in the historic Kalita Humphreys Theater. Tickets are on sale here.
DECEMBER 2022: Based on the novella by Charles Dickens, Dallas Theatre Center's A Christmas Carol is a story of redemption with music, magical spirits, and holiday cheer. I have the privilege of working alongside the incomparable Kieran Michael Connolly as Scrooge. Tickets are on sale here.
OCTOBER 2022: I'm excited to teach masterclasses this month! I'll be at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, for Musical Theatre classes. Then I'll get to work on Realism with acting students at the University of North Texas Department of Theatre. Rehearsals for the next show at DTC are also starting... more info soon.
SEPTEMBER 2022: Dallas Theater Center's Season opens with Clue. Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce meets-murder mystery. Tickets are on sale here.
AUGUST 2022: I've been invited to join the Brierley Resident Acting Company at Dallas Theater Center for their 22/23 Season! DTC is a Tony Award Winning LORT theater in the downtown Arts District. As a core company member, I'll work in several shows in some of the most beautiful spaces and with some of the best artists in the city.
JUNE 2022: Kitchen Dog Theater presents their annual New Works Festival! I'll be in a staged reading of M--Theory: a play told in 11 dimensions by LA-based playwright Jami Brandli. June 25th.
MAY 2022: I was grateful to serve as a panelist for Black Art Matters Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month, presented by Broadway Dallas' Community Partnerships Program. The conversation can be viewed on the Broadway Dallas YouTube channel.
resume
photo by the lovely Jeff Nicholson
production photos
media
commercial voiceover demo:
clips from previous music projects:
clips from previous on-camera projects:
Clip from Hedda Gabler. Dir. Blake Hackler
Clip from Hackers. Dir. Rob McCollum
press
Dallas-Ft. Worth Theatre Critics Forum Awards
Outstanding Design or Creative Contribution
Olivia de Guzman, Original Music
Doom McCoy & The Death Nugget, Ochre House Theater
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Cast
Avenue Q, Theatre Three
teaching
I am an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre in the Department of Theatre at Florida International University in Miami.
Over the past decade, places at which I've worked with students include:
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Southern Methodist University, Meadows School of the Arts: acting
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KD Conservatory, College of Film & Dramatic Arts: musical theatre showcase, acting, voice, singing technique, acting the song, music theory
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Dallas Theater Center: adult acting program, summer stage acting for children, summer stage musical theatre for teens and children
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Public Works Dallas: theatre after--school programs
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The Music Academy: private lessons in voice & piano ages 5 - 65, musical theatre program, garage band program
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and others
contact
That's my dog, Enzo, and me. We'd love to hear from you.
