A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Ft. Michell’s Jack Walz shines in local theater productions, including at Beechwood; going to USC


Special to NKyTribune

Jack Walz, a senior at Beechwood High School, is a talented performer who sings and dances his way through productions at Beechwood and the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

Walz was in the seventh grade when his mom pushed him to perform. She had done theater in high school and took time to explain what a great time she had and how much she would recommend it for Walz.

Jack Walz as Jaxx Stacee in the school’s production of Rock of Ages (Photo provided)

“My favorite thing is how rewarding it is on opening night,” said Walz of his favorite part of performing.

“When you’ve put a lot of work into it and people get to see it for the first time, it’s really satisfying.”

This year, Walz was John Darling in Peter Pan and ensemble in Mary Poppins for the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and Stacee Jaxx in Beechwood’s production of Rock of Ages.

In Rock of Ages, his character Jaxx speaks his favorite line, “What do you say we go into the men’s bathroom and talk about our dreams and stuff.”

The directors of Rock of Ages, Kelley Brady and Taylor Ross, are supportive and encourage students to pursue their dreams. The other Beechwood teachers are also supportive and helped Walz when he had to miss a week of school to perform. Between his teachers and Google Classroom, he was able to make up his missed assignments and stay caught up.

After he graduates in May, Walz will be moving to Los Angeles, California to attend school at the University of Southern California where he will study theatre.

Where does he see himself in five years?

“I would like to be an entertainer: theater, film, anything I can get into.”

Keep your eyes peeled on the big screen for Jack Walz in the future.


Related Posts

Leave a Comment