Jada Stumon shared her Lundstrum story recently to attendees of the annual Inspiring Dreams Luncheon. Over the years, Lundstrum has been a second home to her, and its unique integrated curriculum of dance, voice and drama helped her develop technique, discipline and focus as a performer and as a person.
Jada first came to Lundstrum at eight years old with a passion for singing and dancing. “I immediately fell in love with [Lundstrum’s] welcoming environment. I remember it being a busy place, full of music and energy. I felt like I could express myself to the fullest, and truly be seen for who I was.”
Jada played Cinderella in her first Lundstrum performance, which was a thrill since she’d grown up watching Brandy playing Cinderella in the Rodgers and Hammerstein version. Later, Jada had leading roles in additional Lundstrum productions: Annie in Annie Jr. and Jasmine in Aladdin, Jr. Jada recalls, “performing takes courage and confidence – Lundstrum helped me develop those parts of myself on the stage.”

“A very determined and self-directed Jada came to Lundstrum at eight years old; she loved singing with her whole being and it was so loud! Over time, she learned to use other dynamics in her voice, relaxed and began to sing more easily. As her voice matured as a teenager, she was devastated that she couldn’t sing some notes the way she used to. As her voice teacher, I encouraged exercises to strengthen her upper register and stabilize her larynx; reassuring her that her voice was going to become even more beautiful — something everyone can hear today.”

-Susan Casserly-Kosel

           Jada’s hard work and Lundstrum training led to more doors opening for her performing career, including Annie (orphan) and Willy Wonka (Veruca Salt) at Children’s Theatre Company. She landed roles at her high school and at Hampton College, where her dedication and work ethic caught the eye of one of Hampton’s acting teachers. “I had to prove to the theater department that I could carry a leading role as a freshman.” While at Hampton, Jada performed in The Wiz, For Colored Girls, and Ain’t Misbehavin” and she made history as the youngest cast member to be cast as a freshman.
            Jada credits her time at Lundstrum for her focus and discipline to the arts. She progressed through the levels of conservatory training and was exposed to a full range of teachers and musical theater repertoire, from Fosse with Chrissy Fornier, Tap Company with Andy Ausland, and Hip Hop with the late, great Patrick Moore. “I remember being challenged and always learning something new. One of the Casserly sisters, Laurie Coleman, was one of my favorite ballet teachers. She worked us hard, and it might’ve been difficult at the time, however, looking back I’m so thankful to her for seeing the greatness in all of us and bringing it out.”
           Fast forward to today, Jada is starting her own business as an early childhood educator in the daycare industry. She has also come full circle at Lundstrum and currently is teaching some of Lundstrum’s youngest students ages 4-6 in Sing and Dance class, and is participating in community projects like the new musical “Go Down Moses” on the life of Harriet Tubman.

Lundstrum Artistic Director Kerry Casserly Carter notes, “It’s been such a privilege to help develop Jada’s beautiful voice and teach her the craft of acting and dancing. Her acting choices are so unique and authentic. And she always keeps growing – we are thrilled to see her now as a Lundstrum teacher. Jada is such an extraordinary talent and an extraordinary woman.”

In looking back at her years of growth at Lundstrum, Jada reflects, “It has been amazing pass on the craft that I love so much and influencing children with the same light and love that I was able to receive as a little girl and through the years.”

Jada Stumon: Influencing Children with Light and Love