Ruud van Overdijk
Singer - Actor - Director
About me
'My purpose is to move people with my voice. be it in directing, singing, acting, or coaching.'
Ruud van Overdijk is a versatile performer, director, and coach with an international career in musical theatre.
He graduated cum laude from the Fontys Academy of the Arts in Tilburg, where he distinguished himself with a self-written graduation performance. Shortly after, he gained wider recognition as a finalist in the television program Op zoek naar Zorro.
In the years that followed, Ruud performed leading roles in productions including We Will Rock You, Jesus Christ Superstar, Zorro, and RENT. His passion for musical theatre has taken him from stages in the Netherlands to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
On the German stage, his credits include Judas and Jesus (Jesus Christ Superstar), Berger (Hair), Roger (RENT), and Frederick Trumper (Chess), appearing in venues such as Musiktheater im Revier, Landestheater Linz, Staatstheater Regensburg, Staatstheater Oldenburg, and Theater Lüneburg.
Alongside his work as a singer and actor, Ruud is active as a director and regularly teaches masterclasses in vocal technique and song interpretation in both the Netherlands and Germany.
His work is characterized by intensity, musicality, and a strong sense of storytelling.
Previous roles include:
Chess
“As the American chess prodigy Frederick Trumper, Ruud van Overdijk proves more than equal to the task, his soaring rock falsetto providing a striking counterpart to Clear’s lyrical tenor, and opening the second act with a powerful ‘One Night in Bangkok.”
– Kulturfeder.de
RENT
“Musician Roger is portrayed with both strength and vulnerability by Ruud van Overdijk, who is highly convincing in both his singing and acting.” – Musicalnieuws.nl
“Ruud van Overdijk’s voice was perfectly suited to the role.” – Musicaldatabase.nl
“RENT is a natural fit for Ruud van Overdijk.”
– MusicalNieuws.nl
“The duet ‘Another Day’ with Roger (Ruud van Overdijk) was incredible.”– Musicaldatabase.nl
Jesus Christ Superstar
“Ruud van Overdijk takes on the title role and proves a perfect Jesus from the outset.”
– MusicalWorld
“Ruud delivers this role with flair, and his ‘Gethsemane’ not only earns applause mid-song, but also a standing ovation at the end.”
–Musicalnieuws.nl
“Ruud van Overdijk plays a confident and strong Jesus. His rendition of ‘Gethsemane’ is one for the books – goosebump-inducing vocals in general, but this 11 o’clock number is phenomenal.” – BroadwayWorld
Zorro
“Ruud is vocally more than capable of handling the repertoire of this production, and does so brilliantly, with ‘Hoop’ as a standout moment. He is equally convincing as both the ‘ordinary’ and ‘eccentric’ Diego.” –MusicalJournaal
“Ruud van Overdijk, as Diego/Zorro, impresses with his strong stage presence… and handles the vocal parts with ease.” – Musical Today
“I believe in theatre that moves people. My voice and performance style are unapologetically distinct. You might love what I do. Or you might not. That’s exactly the point.”
Past Shows
Jekyll and Hyde
The famous musical about Dr. Jekyll’s experiments and the monstrous Mr. Hyde he unleashes.
In this production, Ruud plays Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde.
24.09.25 / 30.11.25 02.01.26 / 30.01.26
2025/2026
RENT
What do you do with the time you have left? No day but today.
About living, dying, loving — and everything in between.
A tribute to the present moment.
In this production, Ruud plays Roger Davis and also serves as director.