We were lucky to catch up with Javon Young recently and have shared our conversation below.

Javon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I have been training in an ongoing acting course at Studio 24 for 3 years now. Prior to this, I had no acting experience. No theatre, no talent shows, I never really considered acting when I was a kid. So to be doing it now as an adult, it’s a funny thing to learn and pursue. With acting you have to really give into your emotions and be vulnerable. It isn’t an easy process. In class, we are taught not to judge the character or the scene. Instead try to understand and relate. You have line memorization and personalization. How are you connecting to your character and the scene and its circumstances. You have to be present and actively listening. Rehearsing can be a great tool especially if you are working with a big cast. In theatre, we rehearsed daily for lengthy periods of time. And in rehearsal there is still so much to work on. We’re talking about rehearsing the show, walking out the blocking, lighting, sound and dressing in full wardrobe. But I think the most important thing that I try to take with me to every set or production that I’m apart of is that I always pay attention and ask questions to others that are also working on set. Trying to learn about more than just acting but what also goes on behind the camera. All of these things are pieces of the craft that I have been learning and it has been such an experience. My only regret is that I didn’t pursue it sooner, but I am doing it now and I’m only getting started.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into acting and modeling at first just to try it and see if I liked them and it turns out that I love doing them both. Both crafts have been a great tool for me to use to be able to get out of my shell and shed some of my more introverted tendencies. I am grateful for the connections that I’ve been able to make in such a short time. I’ve been fortunate enough to walk in various fashion shows for some really creative and talented designers and I’ve gotten the chance to be apart of some film projects that were amazing to learn from.
Something that I am very proud of is that just this past year, 2024. I completed a lot of goals that I set for myself and to be able to look back at a short period of time and recognize the growth and success that I earned. I was cast in my first theatre play, I became SAG eligible for having my first speaking role in a feature film titled, “Understand The Lights” directed by Miles Levin. I’m so grateful to him and the entire production. I also signed with a new agency and it’s such an exciting feeling because my agent and I are both so eager to work. I can’t wait to see what we do together.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Whenever I’m on set, I am always roaming around trying to learn how things work and get to know every single person there. I like to know why the DP chose to use the certain lens that he did, I like to be able to understand what the PAs are doing, even when I’m sitting in the hair and make up chair I like to ask questions about their job. I’m also really fascinated by the writers and learning about their creative processes. I do these things because one day, I would like to own my own production company. And I think a successful production company is the one that understands all areas and aspects of production. Even while I’m working on set, I’m learning and building connections.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I think as a kid, we have all the imagination and creativity in the world. But as you get older you become more realistic, or grounded, maybe even more tense. As an actor, you rely heavily on your imagination, on your personalization and improv skills. For me, someone starting off with no acting experience. It was hard to tap into that kid like emotion and imagination. I had to unlearn the unlearning of my imagination. The more freedom you give yourself to imagine, the better equipped you are to deliver a great scene performance.

Contact Info:

• Website: javonyoungportfolio.my.canva.site/dagsau9yxcq
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/cinematic_.jay

Image Credits

Photographer credits are in order of imagines listed:

Angie Umali
Nicole Puckette
Natalie Vell
Natalie Vell
Carl Simmons
Carl Simmons
Carl Simmons
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