By Eva Trieger
SAN DIEGO — According to Backstage, an online magazine, the “golden age” for stepping into the limelight is from 8 to 12 years old. Obviously, we all know actors, singers and dancers who found their passion later into adulthood, but aside from a handful of well-known performers, most child actors outgrow their 15 minutes of fame before they hit puberty.
On Friday afternoon, I interviewed a multifaceted phenom, who began her acting career at 6 months of age, continued to perform, create and entertain continuously through her teens and 20s while attending college and honing her craft. Jailyn Osborne, the Artistic Director of Point Loma Playhouse and director/choreographer of their current production, Little Shop of Horrors shared her very remarkable life story with me.
At two years old, Ms. Osborne discovered her love of dance. She told me that “I could barely walk, but I was dancing.” She took dance lessons of every kind: tap, jazz, acro, hula, and ballet. As a small child she was a Tap Dancing Doll in Babes in Toyland, on payroll for the run. In addition to the stage, Jailyn appeared on television, in film, on modeling spots and in magazines and billboards.
The San Diego native is known for her role in Annie which toured. I was curious to know what that experience was like. I was told that as a child, the focus was on the moment–the tour bus, the hotel rooms. “I remember collecting a lot of small bars of soap. I didn’t really see the world. It was an experience I’m glad I had, but it’s not sustainable.” Later, Osborne, who was instrumental in actress Vanessa Hudgens career, went on Disney’s High School Musical tour with Hudgens. Remaining close with the Hudgens family, Vanessa’s mom Gina Hudgens, “Mama G” as she’s known, is Osborne’s film producing partner and is making her performing debut in this current production of Little Shop of Horrors.
Was this life disruptive to her education? As with so much else in her life, this young woman’s can-do attitude was evident in her commitment to her education. Osborne did very well in school, both because she is a self-starter and because she was threatened by her agent and team that if she earned anything less than an A+ she’d lose her work permit! Jailyn actually skipped two grades and began college at age 15, at the University of San Diego.
Osborne also told me that she studied with people all over the world. She trained at Steps on Broadway in New York City, took lessons while in France and Japan and took advantage of learning opportunities in Los Angeles. Her training in acting, voice and dance prepared her well for her future dreams of channeling that creativity towards writing and directing.
In keeping with her precocious nature, Osborne opened her own dance studio at the age of 17. A space had become available in an Orange County strip mall. While plans were in the works for a car dealership to take it over and remodel it, the storefront sat empty. Osborne shrewdly negotiated to rent the space for half of the amount, telling the leasing agent that half the rent was preferable to nothing. She prevailed and found that she enjoyed the behind-the-scenes aspects of performance as well. Just a few years later, at 22 Osborne opened her own theatre. The 100-seat facility was not only wonderful to produce live theatre in, but also a great space for this tour de force to promote her stories, through film, dance and the written word.
Returning to San Diego, Osborne joined the Board of Directors at Point Loma Playhouse. Here she met like-minded folks including director, actor, producer Kara Tuckfield. Kara is currently performing in Pippin at Coronado Playhouse. Point Loma Playhouse has been a small gem for the community with recently reviewed shows including First Date. However, with the vast talent of our theatre scene, the needs now exceed the space. What to do?
Osborne began the hunt for a space that would accommodate larger casts, crews, sets and audiences, and one that could be used as needed. Typically theatres are not in constant use. They are busy during rehearsals and productions, but then dark for a few weeks at a time. Hence, Point Loma Playhouse Pop Up was conceived. And better yet, a new, 9,200 square foot former auto repair shop was vacant. In just 13 days, Osborne, along with two other dreamers with huge ambition, Kara Tuckfield and Thomas Kramer, built a nearly 200-seat theatre from scratch – stage, tiered seating, lights, and even a lounge area. The space is next door to the landmark Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Cafe. The restaurant owned by James Brennan Carter opened in 1991 and became a staple of the Hillcrest-Banker’s Hill neighborhoods. Unfortunately, this past August, Jimmy Carter passed away. There is talk of a Celebration of Life at the new Point Loma Playhouse Pop Up to honor the San Diego native.
I was curious to know if Orange County audiences differed from San Diego theatregoers and fully expected the answer to be “no.” I was wrong! Osborne’s answer was inspiring and exciting. “Audiences in San Diego are hungry for the arts. They want it all. They live for this. San Diego audiences are willing to take messy, gritty, experimental theatre.” Orange County audiences want “excellence” or polished productions. “San Diego is a theatre town! Directors and choreographers can explore new directions.”
Osborne declined to name a favorite genre, telling me that she loves all theatre. She is most excited by artists who have changed theatre. Shows that pushed boundaries like Oklahoma, West Side Story, Rent, Hamilton. She also loves the classics. To this end, her role models and mentors span the realm from Ann Reinking to George C. Wolfe to Susan Stroman to Bob Fosse. She told me she is especially drawn to individuals who have an incredible work ethic and “did the impossible,“ like Michael Jackson.
So, what does it take to be a great director? “A very clear vision of how you see your project. You have to be able to articulate that to other creators and actors or the project becomes misaligned. All of the pieces are there, and you’re just putting them in their spots. Also, you need to be able to listen to the performers and support them on that path.”
While Jailyn Osborne is covering choreography and direction of the cast, the incredible Leigh Scarritt is in charge of the musical direction. Tuckfield is producing this fabulous show that boasts a dynamic ensemble of 21 gifted San Diego artists.
I wanted to know if Little Shop of Horrors was simply intended to entertain, or did it have a bigger message. Here is what I was told. “It has a huge message. It tells people that no matter where they are in life, they have the opportunity to still get what they want.” She then explained to me that Audrey is simply looking for love. Eventually, she finds it. Seymour doesn’t really know what he wants; he’s lost. The director firmly pointed out that sometimes getting what we think we want isn’t to our benefit. And for this reason, it’s all the more important to be grateful for your current life. “Look in your own yard first…what you actually want may be right there.” Then, Osborne offers some advice from Skid Row. Even though today may be filled with struggles and pain, we keep on going, because tomorrow is a new day!
Little Shop of Horrors runs through October 26th. Tickets may be purchased via this link.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the coverage of the arts.