Hi there! My name is Kara Jean (KJ), and I am originally from Asheville, North Carolina. I graduated last May with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Dance from Western Carolina University. Go Cats!

Shortly after graduating, I moved just outside of Orlando, Florida, to fulfill a year-long contract at Titusville Playhouse for their 60th season! While spending time at the playhouse, I got the opportunity to work on and offstage in 12 different shows in their Mainstage and Stage 2 productions. While performing in six shows over the year, I also spent my time as a paint charge, working on set construction, running spot, and more! I am eternally grateful for the time I spent in Titusville and all the things I learned while there :)   

Post internship, Kara Jean will be working in Entertainment at Universal Studios Orlando! She will be dancing alongside Gru as a “Minion Elf Dancer” in the Universal Holiday Parade. More updates and silly photos to come! Bananaaa!!!

I began taking dance classes at three years old, adding genres and building my skillset over the years. I remember quickly falling in love with the freedom and expression I gained from moving my body. At age seven, I enrolled in my first theatre class and quickly found a passion there as well. When I was eleven, I was cast as Gavroche in WCU’s production of Les Misérables directed by Terrance Mann. I did not quite grasp the magnitude of the opportunity at the time, but it turned out to be a life-altering experience for me. I fell in love with it all… the stage, the lights, the sounds, the process. I knew that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. A special shoutout to my mother, who was nothing short of supportive and encouraging in all my crazy endeavors.

Off the stage, you can find me: working at Forema Boutique in Park Avenue, spending time outdoors, exploring the Orlando area, surrounding myself with friends, and talking intensely about my love of frogs! :)