Bio
Growing up singing, Jaylan's first live performance was singing at his 4th-grade talent show when he was 10 years old and, where he quickly fell in love with the stage. In junior high, Jaylan was cast in his first musical, 13, the musical, which is credited as the seed of Jaylan's love for acting.
Cognizant of his passion and seeking a head start in training, Jaylan attended Weaver Academy for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he was an acting major. Here, Jaylan built the foundation of his acting training, which was enhanced as he went on to study Drama at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, apart of their High School program. During these years, Jaylan trained at The Performing Arts Project and was apart of the Inaugural Muny/Webster EYA summer intensive program.
Following four years as an acting major, Jaylan pursued his BFA in Music Theatre from Elon University, where he graduated cum-laude at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in May of 2020. During university, Jaylan studied Classical Acting at Theatre Academy London, a study-abroad program founded by Florida State University. While abroad, Jaylan earned his stage combat certification in armed and unarmed combat from the British Academy of Dramatic Combat, achieving the highest honor during his adjudication: distinguished. Jaylan commenced his professional acting career throughout college, working at the Pacific Conservatory Theatre, Flatrock Playhouse, and Playhouse on Park.
Shortly after graduation, Jaylan began to establish traction both on stage and screen. He was cast on the new Netflix Animation, Spirit Rangers, voicing several characters in the historic series - created, produced, and performed by Native American artists. Shortly after, he made his live-action television debut on Power Book III: Raising Kanan (Starz). Jaylan then originated the role of Skull in the world premiere of Punk Rock Girl! by Joe Iconis (Broadway’s Be More Chill) and Rob Rokicki (Broadway’s The Lightning Thief). Most recently, Jaylan has been tapped to portray 'Skylar Summerhill' on the new romantic-drama YA series: My Life With The Walter Boys, produced by Sony Television International and distributed by Netflix.
Jaylan lives to inspire, understanding he has a voice that needs to be heard. He wishes to be the person he needed when growing up. He is aware that he is the blueprint, representing people like himself, who have not always been given the spotlight on the Great White Way, or in Hollywood. Jaylan states, “If I can connect with one person, share my story so that one person can relate, be the shoulder to lean on, causing just one person to feel less alone... then, I’ve done my job.” Jaylan believes it is crucial to make his voice heard, sharing stories from his unique experience and point of view on Earth.
Writing, directing, and producing the next generation’s stories has always been a dream of Jaylan's. He is passionate about increasing the amount of opportunities for marginalized people, such as himself. “They say to write what you know,” says Jaylan, “How can I expect my distinct stories and personal perspective to be shared if I do not create them myself?” Jaylan is a creative, seeking to express himself through several outlets: from theatre to stage, and music to fashion.
A mama’s boy, being one of five siblings, Jaylan believes family is first. He enjoys traveling and trying new eateries. He is excited by animation, from cartoons to video-games, seeing it as an interactive escape from reality. He is passionate about fashion and styling, understanding the expressive potential clothes possess, as well as the joy and self-love it brings himself and so many others.