The Author
Jaden Chavez
Autobiography
I am 17 years old and have been involved in theatre for my high school career. I've been acting as a hobby since I was eight, but I only started pursuing it seriously in my freshman year. My girlfriend encouraged me to take the class despite being extremely out of my comfort zone, but I'm eternally grateful that I did. Coming out of my shell in a new environment in front of people I didn't know was challenging, but thanks to my excellent theater teacher, Ms. Cortes, it became a lot easier over time. Performing in front of my peers became less and less scary, thanks to her guidance. Over my four years in high school, Ms. Cortes was not only my theater teacher but my mentor. Having absent parents, she was one of the only adults in my life who offered me support. She is one of the few reasons I feel comfortable and confident in my acting, directing, and writing abilities. I look forward to continuing my career and making her proud.
Productions
Major Roles
She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen
December 2020
Role: Chuck the DM
Puffs by Matt Cox
November 2021
Role: Wayne Hopkins
Rehearsal For Murder adapted by D.D. Brooke
January 2023
Role: David Matthews
Grease by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
March 2023
Role: Vince Fontaine
Minor Roles
You're a Good Man Charlie Brown by John Gordon
February 2020
Role: Ensemble
The Audition by Don Zolidis
February 2022
Role(s): Tommy & Carrie's Father
Box by Lindsay Price
February 2022
Role(s): Five, Hugh, Hearsay, Justice, & Tense
All I Really Need to Know I Learned From Being A Zombie by Jason Pizzarello
October 2022
Role(s): Scotty's Father & Jim
Utah Shakespeare Festival 2022
In my senior year of high school, I went to the Utah Shakespeare Festival, where I performed in the ensemble scene with three classmates. We performed a cutting from Shakespeare's Hamlet, act 4, scene 5. I played King Claudius. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before and not only fun but extremely educational.
Thespian Leadership Camp 2022
The Thespian Leadership camp organized by the Arizona Thespians was another memorable experience. I went upstate to camp Shadow Pines in Heber Arizona to learn about how to be a better Officer to my schools drama club. I attended several workshops which went over community bonding, organization skills, and networking.
