Today we’d like to introduce you to Raja Jalernpan.
Hi Raja, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for theater and the performing arts ignited during my childhood summers in Hawaii. Growing up in a small town on the Big Island, there were limited activities to engage in. When I was four, my older sister auditioned for and landed the title role in a community theater production of Annie. As her younger sibling, I accompanied her to every rehearsal, spending countless evenings immersed in the world of theater.
My earliest and fondest memories involve sitting on an old blanket in the darkened theater, singing along to the familiar score and keenly observing the actors. My attention to detail didn’t go unnoticed by the production team. Before opening night, I was unexpectedly cast as an orphan boy, a small walk-on role that lasted just five minutes on stage. Despite its brevity, this experience was transformative.
I will never forget the overwhelming sense of exhilaration during the curtain call of our first performance. In that moment, under the warm glow of the stage lights, I realized I had discovered my true passion. The theater bug had bitten, and from that point on, I knew I had found my calling. This early introduction to the performing arts set the stage for a lifelong journey in theater, a journey I continue to embrace with unwavering dedication and enthusiasm.
My artistic journey flourished in college, where I pursued a double major in Information Technology and Technical Theater at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. During my four years there, I had the privilege of contributing to over 15 productions, participating in student-led cabarets, working on short films, and engaging in professional tour work. Despite my deep passion for the arts, I made the difficult decision to not pursue them full-time professionally.
Today, my theatrical pursuits have brought me to Horizon West, Florida, where I continue to immerse myself in the vibrant world of theater.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The path to a career in the arts is fraught with challenges, and my journey has been no exception. Pursuing a professional life in the theater is notoriously difficult, and the decision to transition to the IT field was a particularly tough one for me. After graduating from college and moving to Florida, I joined the Disney College Program and subsequently embarked on a career in IT and Computer Science. There was a period when I believed my theater journey had come to an end, and I worried that I had missed my chance to perform or work in theater again.
However, my passion for the arts never truly faded. As I have always said, the performing arts finds you when you need it most, and through a series of happenstantial events, my passion for theater return me to my roots. In my current role as president of Horizon West Theater Company, I encounter obstacles daily. Operating as a community theater without a permanent space presents significant challenges, especially when it comes to finding a stage for our productions. These difficulties force us to be innovative and resourceful, but they do not deter us from our mission. Despite the hurdles, we remain steadfast in our commitment to bringing the arts to Horizon West. Our creative solutions and unwavering dedication ensure that we continue to thrive and share the magic of theater with our community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
Horizon West Theater Company is a non-profit 501(c)(3) community theater organization funded by donors and sponsors. Our mission is to encourage performing artists and volunteers to create quality theater arts participation in all aspects of theatrical production and education to enhance and connect our community.
We offer a wide array of programs for kids, adults, and families to immerse themselves in the arts. From our MainStage production season to diverse classes and workshops, we have something for everyone. Our classes cover a range of topics, including directing, improv, dialect coaching, and stage management, all for a nominal fee. Additionally, we provide several open house classes at no cost, inviting our community to explore their theatrical interests.
I am immensely proud of how we have continued our mission to deliver productions and programs to our community of artists despite the significant challenge of not having a permanent space. This year, we are making a concerted effort to secure a dedicated venue in Horizon West, although the logistics and financial aspects are challenging. Nevertheless, our resilience has enabled us to produce over 20 shows during the course of our five year span, including several virtual productions during the pandemic, and host numerous community events.
Our determination and creativity ensure that we remain a vibrant part of the Horizon West community, continually bringing the magic of theater to life.
At Horizon West Theater Company, we are more than just a theater. We are a family. From the moment you step foot in any of our activities, you are embraced by our warm and welcoming community. We take the time to get to know each and every person involved, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Our focus is not just on performances but on building a community where everyone is welcome, has the opportunity to learn and grow, and feels safe. This is what sets us apart and makes us proud.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Horizon West is where we call home, a vibrant and growing community that inspires us every day. The support we receive for community events and the collective enthusiasm to bring people together around shared passions is truly remarkable.
However, one significant challenge we face is the lack of community space and affordable rental options for the arts. As a non-profit, a substantial portion of our funding is directed toward the high costs of renting venues. I wish we had more accessible options available.
Despite this, we are determined to be pioneers in our community by creating a dedicated space for the arts. This vision is a cornerstone of our mission, and while it may take time, we are committed to achieving it. Our intentional efforts are driven by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of the arts, and we are steadfast in our goal to establish a permanent home for Horizon West’s creative community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.horizonwesttheatercompany.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/horizonwesttheatercompany
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/HorizonWestTheaterCompany
