Member Spotlight:  Jayce LaCanne

Jayce has been part of Center Stage Jackson since he was 11 years old. His performance life started then with the musical Twinderella. Since then, he’s been in shows like The Wizard of Oz, Fun Home, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

This year, he’s also taken on a few new things – ushering for shows and performing in his first cabaret. “It was a great new experience,” he said.

He still talks about Twinderella, especially now that it came back this season. He went to see it with a close friend who had been in the show with him years ago. “Watching a show I was once in with the same company… it was really nostalgic,” he said. “It draws very close to my heart.”

His favorite role so far? The Lion in The Wizard of Oz. “Who doesn’t love The Wizard of Oz?” he said.

Outside of theatre, he’s usually planning his next trip. “From a day trip 30 minutes away to a flight and a five-day getaway – I’m always looking to get out of the house and do new things.”

If he had his pick of what to do next, it’s SpongeBob the Musical. No hesitation. “If anyone knows me, they know I’m obsessed,” he said. “I always have some form of SpongeBob attire on, or I’m quoting it at the most unnecessary times.” Playing SpongeBob? “A dream come true.”

When you ask him what community theatre means to him, he keeps it pretty simple: “It gives me a chance to step away from reality, even if only for a moment. On stage, I can become someone completely different while still being myself.”

And beyond that, it’s the people. “Theatre has brought so many friendships into my life – connections that I still carry with me today.” He also says, “There’s something special about being part of a group that works together toward a shared goal.”

For him, that’s what it comes down to – “connecting with people, telling stories, and spreading happiness.”