"FREE YOURSELF. BE YOURSELF. LOVE YOURSELF." - Chatting with the amazing Jade Jones!

It is my biggest honor to introduce you to Jade Jones. Jade is currently starring as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast which opened last week at The Olney Theatre Center directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Broadway Revival of Ragtime). Jade has performed at Olney in Sweeney Todd and a Staged Reading of Anyone Can Whistle as well. She can also be seen in their upcoming production of A.D. 16. In the DC area, Ms. Jones has performed at the Theatre Alliance, Round House Theatre, Keegan Theatre, and Ford's Theatre. On Television, you may recognize her as Stevie in Chicago PD. Jade holds a BFA from Ferrum College.

Jade is truly a versatile force on the stage; she can take on any role that is given to her and will truly flourish in such a flawless fashion. Jade and Olney Theatre Center has opened the door for the amazing and much-needed opportunity for so many kids from different walks of life to see Beauty and the Beast in a brand new way and that is just so amazing! I am so happy and honored to have the chance to feature Jade!

How old were you when you knew you wanted a career in the performing arts?

I always knew I had the gift of entertaining. I grew up singing in my Dad’s church choir, and I did a lot of theatre in high school. I never thought my look was “commericial” enough to actually make it my career though which is why representation is so important. It wasn’t until my first year out of school that I decided to pursue Theatre professionally.

Where did you study? Are there any mentors who helped shape you into the amazing, wonderful, and inspiring performer you are today?

My life teachers are my mom and my Aunt. They are a twin Gospel duo, and they dragged me along to all of their performances as a kid. I got to see the ins and outs of the industry at a very young age as well as learn how to tell a story and engage with your audience. They are definitely my biggest mentors, even to this day.

Congratulations on Beauty and the Beast at Olney Theatre Center! Belle is truly a dream role for so many. How does it feel to take on the role, and how has the experience at Olney been for you?

Belle, in Beauty and the Beast, at Olney Theatre Center, under the direction of Marcia Milgrom Dodge, is truly the opportunity of a lifetime. It is my first lead role, leading a cast of about 21. The trust and faith that the company and the team have in me keep me going. I have my moments of insecurities, of “Am I right for this” or “Why me”, but my team has been extremely encouraging. As a kid, I never identified with Belle because I didn’t feel I was beautiful. I hope that people see this show and feel beautiful no matter what color, size, or abilities they have.

Are there any shows, performances, or moments in your wonderful career that stick out and are near and dear to your heart?

I had the opportunity to perform two iconic Sondheim roles in one season, Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd) and Little Red Ridinghood (Into the Woods). Not only did it challenge traditional musical theatre casting, but it also solidified my love for Sondheim.

What advice would you give any young aspiring artist?

My advice to a young aspiring artist is totally cliche, but it works. FREE YOURSELF. BE YOURSELF. LOVE YOURSELF. Everything else is here today, gone tomorrow.

To learn more about Beauty and the Beast at Olney Theatre Center, make sure you visit - https://www.olneytheatre.org/whats-playing/disneys-beauty-and-beast; and to learn more about Jade, make sure you visit her official website at - www.JadeTheCreative.com