We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jaxx Theatricals a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jaxx, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
JD & Jeremy grew up poor and gay. Among having more in common than not, this is their core bond. Both were homeless at certain times in their childhoods and food was sometimes scarce. Nothing came easy for them and they were bullied. Growing up with so much working against you makes you stronger. Resilience was not a choice. Gratefully, they both found their way to the Arts.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Jaxx Theatricals is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization comprised of a professional theatre company currently using the Actors Equity Association 50-seat showcase code for productions at the Jaxx Theatre in Hollywood and Jaxx Educational Theatre School, an in and after-school arts education program. Jaxx has produced more than 400 shows at over 50 schools, camps and theatres throughout LA County in four school districts and the private sector engaging over 10K people throughout its 18 years.
Jeremy & JD are Cultural Arts Envoys to the USA representing American Musical Theatre with US Embassies around the world.
They will share the stage together for the first time in many years. Jeremy will play the Emcee and JD will play Bobby in Jaxx’s upcoming production of CABARET in March 2025 celebrating the company’s 18 year anniversary.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that have been most impactful in our journey are resilience, authenticity and integrity. There is a fine line between policy and humanity and understanding how to navigate that line is crucial for the integrity of your business. Having thick skin and learning how to pivot when needed are important for developing resilience. If you always stay true to yourself, your business and your brand then you will lead with authenticity.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
We are always looking for good stories, story-tellers and people who help bring those stories to life at the Jaxx Theatre. Writers, Producers, Directors, Music Directors, Choreographers, Actors, Designers and any creative with a play, musical, comedy show, concert, special event, etc. are welcome to contact us and/or join our roster. If you are looking for a space to rent for your event or weekly/monthly/quarterly show — the best way to find us is on Peerspace. If you have a script you would like to submit for our monthly reading series, you may submit to [email protected]. If you are a designer looking to be added to our over-hire list, please email [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JaxxTheatricals.org
- Instagram: @JaxxTheatricals
- Facebook: @JaxxTheatre
- Twitter: @JaxxTheatricals
- Youtube: @JaxxTheatricals
- Yelp: @JaxxTheatre
Image Credits
Chess image by Broadway Photo Video
Wild Party & Rent images by Corran Villalobos
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
