Meet Jase Alan | Actor, Writer, & Director of Education at ACTnowLA

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

Hi Jase, what’s your definition for success?
Success, to me, is defined by the people that surround me and the impact i’ve made. Did i walk in to that room as the best version of myself in that moment? Did i advocate for myself in an injust situation? Do the people that matter love and respect me? That’s successful to me.

I know when most people hear that word, Success, they think what’s in the bank or what kind of car do they own, etc. At the end of the day none of that matters.

I’ve gotten a late start on this current version of my artistic life, but i know if i hold onto my definition of success everything else will fall into place.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As i alluded to earlier, i’ve gotten a late start on this current road to being a successful actor. Though i’ve been performing & studying in some regard since the 90s, it was only a year ago that i re-committed myself to the carnie-life. Being Queer in this industry already sets you apart, and unfortunately takes some of us completely out of the game Whether by choice or not.
I essentially quit acting years ago i think because i didn’t see myself in the media. There wasn’t always a place for me in classes or in traditional roles. But the desire to tell stories through characters never left me.
What sets me apart now is that i value the very things that maybe weren’t valued by the outside world(and me at the time) when i was coming up. I’m fiercely & unabashedly queer, but i am also a caretaker & community builder. As soon as i stepped foot in the Actnow classes last year, something clicked for me and those around me. people were drawn to me & wanted to work with me. I’ve since done several short films in my first year back, and actually just finished writing my first short film. i premiered at Outfest & LA Shorts Fest in the same month.
So at the end of the day, i had to step away in order to figure out who i was in the world. i knew when to come back and it was perfect timing. As are most of the greatest things in our lives.

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.
I live in Ktown. So Korean BBQ is on the list. i don’t have a fave spot because there are just so many. I also have a list of about 30 restauranta i’ve yet to try. Shopping in Los Feliz. The Broad Musuem. The academy museum, specifically the John Waters exhibit. A drag show downtown or on the east side for sure. A hike literally anywhere. But even just a drive around the city and through the hills. the views on Mullholland are spectacular.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If we start at the beginning i have to recognize my Mom, my Dad, & Grandparents as examples of strength and resilience. My Grandmother Joanne was the first artist i knew. So when i started my artistic journey i looked to her for inspiration. My grandmother, Katherine and Grandfather Myron both showed me unconditional love and taught me the importance of community.

On this journey as an actor & creative there are so many. some i know & some i don’t. My teachers & collaborators, Alexandra Billings, Rain Valdez, Orlando Pabatoy, Petey Gibson, Maria Viera, Kait Schuster, Kacy Boccumini, Sunday Jupiter, Jasmine Pierre, Beck Williams, Chelsea Javier, & Lowam Eyasu. And, of course, The ActnowLA community at large. Y’all have changed my life.

But also, artists like Divine, John Waters John Cameron Mitchell, Alexis Arquette, Issa Rae, Aja.

And then my close friends, who are too many to name, and for fear of missing someone i won’t list out. My chosen family has kept me afloat in this life.

Instagram: @livelaughjase or @theladybearica https://instagram.com/livelaughjase?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Joshua Sterling Bragg Nicolette Jackson-Pownall