River DeJong

River DeJong is a Seattle and Los Angeles-based actor currently pursuing a B.F.A. in Screen Acting at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. With over a decade of performance experience across professional theatre, film, and conservatory training, River has built a body of work rooted in physical and disciplined physical storytelling with strong stage presence.

His professional theatre work is anchored in Seattle’s leading regional companies, including The 5th Avenue Theatre, Village Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, and ACT Theatre. One of his most notable performances was as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof at Village Theatre. He also performed as Flint in the 2024 Rising Star Project production of Something’s Afoot at The 5th Avenue Theatre, and Jeremy in 2022 Rising Star Project MIXTAPE with The 5th. Additional credits include Dr. Astrov in Uncle Vanya, Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors, Sir Guy of Gisborne in Robin Hood, Teen Ensemble in Bye Bye Birdie, and multiple featured roles in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, including Ares, Gabe Ugliano, and the Minotaur with Village Theatre.

On screen, River has continued expanding his range through film work at Chapman’s Dodge College, with credits including The Sister, Rock N’ Mutiny, Rager, Always You, Under My Bed, and Picnic Panic. His experience in both stage and screen acting allows him to shift comfortably between heightened theatrical storytelling and the subtle realism required for film performance. He is particularly drawn to character-driven work that demands emotional honesty and transformation.

Beyond acting, River’s background in athletics and music heavily informs his work. A longtime athlete, he has extensive experience in football, wrestling, motorcycling, snowboarding, mountain biking, and surfing, bringing strong physical awareness and discipline into performance and stunt work. He is also a trained violinist and guitarist, with years of musical experience that support his work in musical theatre and rhythm-based performance. His training includes private mentorship in acting and voice with Anne Allgood, as well as advanced acting study through Seattle Children's Theatre.

River approaches acting with the belief that performance isn’t lying or pretending, it's believing something is true so fervently that your fictitious visualization becomes reality. Whether on stage or on camera, his goal is always the same: to create work that feels real, human, and impossible to ignore.