Kaylah Nicole Janssen

Kaylah Nicole Janssen Headshot

Currently a Chicago-based actor, vocalist, and dancer, Kaylah is known for her grounded presence, strong voice, empathy, and collaborative spirit. She brings a deep curiosity for the raw human experience to every project she takes on. Kaylah is currently pursuing her MFA in Acting at The Theatre School at DePaul University and holds a B.A. in Theatre Performance and Psychology from the University of Missouri.

Her favorite recent credits include Jane Doe in Ride The Cyclone (The Theatre School), as well as Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Janelle in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Crane River Theater). Kaylah brings over a decade of vocal training across genres—from opera to R&B—and sings from Soprano 1 to Alto 2.

With training in Meisner technique, voice, improvisation, writing, and movement, she approaches every project with care, curiosity, and a deep love for storytelling. She’s passionate about creating space for others, building artistic community, and (fun fact) can even burp on command.

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  • Kaylah is an incredibly versatile and powerful performer.

    “…Whether she is belting, riffing, or singing a classical aria, her voice soars with beauty and finesse. She brings a strong work ethic and tremendous joy to the rehearsal and performance. I would highly recommend hiring her.”

    -Dr. Michael McBride, Jeff Award-winning Music Director

  • Kaylah is a brave improviser

    “…Kaylah is a smart risk taker. Kaylah is a player, a team player, a game time player, a clocks running out get her the ball player, a leads the league in assists player, slam dunk. Kaylah is deeply intuitive and powerful beyond measure. Kaylah is a generous and playful actor. Kaylah digs deeper. Kaylah leads and follows and sometimes at the same time.”

    -Rob Adler Zenchelsky, Co-Head of BFA Acting at The Theatre School, Award-winning Director and Actor

  • Kaylah Janssen already feels like the sort of talent that should be known by MANY!

    “…I've enjoyed my time coaching her, and I'm thoroughly impressed with her versatility as a vocalist! A truly sensitive artist, Kaylah will move people when they hear her.”

    -Isaac Cates, Award-winning Musician, Singer-Songwriter, Composer, Conductor, Producer, and Recording Academy Member

  • I find Kaylah's performances to be truly authentic, relatable, and creatively expressive.

    “…She brings an embodied quality to her roles that adds significant depth.”

    -Toraniqa Washington, Intimacy Professional & Movement Director

  • The phrase ‘triple threat’ may be overused, but in Kaylah’s case, it couldn’t be more accurate!

    “…Description goes hereAs a classically opera singer, actress, and dancer with a foundation in gymnastics and cheer, her talent knows no bounds. Her presence is magnetic, beauty that shines from the inside out. Her professionalism and preciseness is unmatched. She was born for this! From the moment I met her, I knew that there is no doubt she will be a rising star to watch out for.”

    -Brittany Mayti, Award-winning Actress and Producer

  • Kaylah is one of the hardest-working performers I know.

    “…Whenever I see her work artistically, I see her taking care of all aspects of her health, putting in extra effort to maintain the quality of her performances, and asking questions on how to evolve. Something I’ve always found so inspiring is how she not only makes an impact on the audience watching her, but also on the people working with her. She is such a genuinely kind soul and that makes others remember her for the good energy she leaves in a room, which I’d argue is one of the most important parts of art: community building.”

    -Donio Hinsley, Actor/Singer

  • Kaylah is my cohort, and every time I see her work, I’m struck by the feeling that she’s not standing on stage alone.

    “…I feel as though it’s her soul, the stories shaped by her life experiences, and the souls of the people she has encountered in the world that appear with her on stage. That’s why I often feel she doesn’t perform just for herself—she speaks for humanity in our time. Because of this, I’ve always felt she is a strong, profound, and extraordinary actor.

    As a friend, she’s often easily amused by our little stories. She’s incredibly kind, always ready to open her heart and listen to others. Her presence is a living proof that a woman can live in this world with such beautiful joy and radiant vitality.”

    -Siyi Wang, Actor

  • Kaylah is a beautiful light and wonderful person to work with.

    “…Her light shines so bright but never takes away from anyone else; if anything, she gives to those that may need a little boost!”

    -Reality Hendrix, Actor/Singer

  • Your voice touches the innermost part of my soul!

    “…It literally scratches parts of my brain I didn’t know needed to be scratched. You sing with soul and with such conviction that it allows me to feel everything you’re feeling! You’re amazing and breathtaking!”

    -Georgerinna Farley, Actor

  • You’re a Multifaceted, diversely talented artist.

    “…You pour into every aspect of your talent from a place of love while remaining and creativity while remaining grounded and flexible.”

    -Simmery Branch, Actor