We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamar Gilbert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamar, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
‘This too shall pass’ has been a quote on my bedroom wall for years. Earlier in life, it was a comfort during hard times—a reminder that dark times, like everything else, eventually fades. But as I’ve grown, it’s taken on a deeper meaning. It now reminds me that even the moments of peace, joy, and success are fleeting. Nothing lasts forever, so don’t rush past the good stuff. Don’t rush past any of it. Savor every part of the journey, because it all passes—both the storms and the sunshine

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
With over 8 billion people on Earth, each of us carries a unique experience that can never be duplicated. My art is a reflection of everything I’ve lived, observed, and learned—funneled into stories that aim to reveal universal truths we all encounter. It’s not easy work, but it’s deeply rewarding. Excavating deeper layers of truth and humanity is expansive, vulnerable, and humbling. It’s what makes life feel meaningful to me.

Most often, I express that through acting—bringing other people’s words to life. But now, for the first time, I’m stepping into the terrifying and exhilarating space of telling my own story. This year, I’m debuting Black and Blue, a solo show premiering at the LA Fringe Festival.

Black and Blue is an urgent, unflinching performance that dives into the inner battleground of identity, race, and survival. It’s inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and a lifetime of navigating the weight of perception and reality while living in Black skin.

This show scares me—but I’m proud to be doing it. I’m grateful for the growth, the challenge, and the chance to share it.

Catch it at The Actors Company (Other Space Theatre):
• Monday, June 9th @ 7:00 PM
• Thursday, June 12th @ 10:30 PM
• Friday, June 20th @ 7:00 PM
• Monday, June 23rd @ 8:30 PM
• Wednesday, June 25th @ 8:30 PM

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d have to kick things off with a morning hike up Fryman Canyon to soak in the views of Studio City and the Valley. Then it’s out to Point Dume for a chill beach day—watching the dolphins and seals that always seem to show up when I’m there.

We’d keep it casual with some great food and drinks at a few of my favorite spots: Laurel Tavern, Black Market Liquor Bar, and Oy Bar. And of course, we’d need at least one elevated night out at Verse—incredible food, perfectly crafted drinks, and the kind of live jazz that just melts the stress away.

No trip would be complete without at least two visits to Salt & Straw to sample their latest rotating flavors. All my friends have sweet tooth’s so it’s a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shoutout goes to every acting teacher and fellow classmate I’ve had over the years. My story wouldn’t be complete without those who shared their wisdom with me, or those who dared to bare their humanity in the name of artistic growth—whether it was in a black box theater during a freezing Chicago winter at The Theatre School at DePaul University, or in the worn wooden-floored classrooms of the Mississippi School of the Arts in Brookhaven, MS. I continue to learn just as much from watching others wrestle with this craft as I have from practicing it myself. I carry these lessons into every audition, every performance, every class I teach. I never do this alone. I’m backed by a village of artists—across time and space—who are always with me.
8th Co., I love you. TTS, thank you. GSS, I’m forever grateful. To The Prep family and countless others—thank you all.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamargofficial?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jalen.gilbert.5?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
David Muller
Michael Dallatorre
Sifeerah Little

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.