Jayden Russell

I first saw Jayden Russell perform as St. Jimmy in Lakeside Community Theater’s American Idiot. To say that she impressed me is an understatement. Jayden is a petite powerhouse of a performer with incredible presence and stunning vocals. I became a devoted Jayden fan and have since seen her keen comedy skills on display in LCT’s Black Comedy and, most recently, as a singing and dancing nun in Theatre Arlington’s Sister Act. Jayden will soon be back at Theatre Arlington in August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson. If Oncor could tap into Jayden Russell’s energy, Texas would never suffer another blackout.

When was your first time on stage?

My high school let seniors choose and direct a show every year, so I auditioned for a show called America’s Next Top Model Student. All I remember about the show is that I played a British judge and I had bright blue hair at the time.

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

Growing up, “The Pirates of the Caribbean” film series was one of my favorites and Johnny Depp was one of my favorite actors. Seeing him turn into someone so opposite of himself was such a cool thing and it awoke something in me. I like to think I started acting because of Captain Jack Sparrow.

Who is your greatest mentor?

At Dallas College’s Brookhaven Campus in Farmer’s Branch, I met Darise Error and she saw something special in me before I saw anything in myself. I don’t think I’d believe in myself as much as I do if it weren’t for Darise.

What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

Playing St. Jimmy in Green Day’s American Idiot was a euphoric high for me. As a Green Day fan, I loved being able to sing the songs I grew up with. Jimmy also challenged me in ways I had been craving for so long. I love ensemble work so much, and it can be some of the most difficult work to do, but I wanted a challenge. It was my first heavily featured role in a musical and my first time singing that many solos in a musical. Also, it was a role I had wanted to play for years. I dismissed the idea of being Jimmy because I am a five-foot-tall female presenting person in Texas, but I submitted for Jimmy just in case Keegan Arnold, Bruce Biffle, and Christina Hoth wanted to take a risk and thankfully they did.

Do you have a dream role?

My top dream role at the moment is Persephone in Hadestown, because I am heavily influenced by jazz singers (especially Amy Winehouse) and I love Greek mythology. I saw the tour in Dallas a few months ago and it solidified the fact that I am going to be up there, in that show, some day. Another on my list is Sally Bowles in Cabaret and I have dreamed of being the first female presenting Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame since high school.

What person would you like to appear on stage with?

Eva Noblezada 1000%. When I saw her Tony performance of ”I’d Give My Life For You” from Miss Saigon, I fell in love. If we’re talking mainstream celebrities, Michael Bublé. The thought of sharing a microphone with him makes my heart flutter.

What performances have you seen that impressed you?

Unfortunately, I don’t see as many shows as I would like to, but two I’m glad I got to see and couldn’t stop thinking about on the way home are Ally Van Deuren as Sally Bowles in GPAC’s Cabaret and Alexia Jones as Erma in Firehouse’s Anything Goes. Also, listening to Tara Park, Myiesha Duff, and Dwight Taylor sing their guts out every night in Sister Act. Their voices hold so much power, heart, and soul. I will never forget what they did up there every single night.

What are your career goals?

Broadway is the dream, but I really just want to make performing my career and be surrounded by talented people daily, but most importantly I want to be happy.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Some people may be surprised to learn that I am an intermediate tarot card reader, because I don’t often talk about it. I was also a costume character at Six Flags