The Juilliard Journey of Jonny-James Kajoba, A Journey to Broadway
Jonny-James Kajoba’s journey to become a successful actor was paved with determination and perseverance. Born in Ipswich, England, Kajoba’s passion for the performing arts began at a young age. He would spend hours learning to play various musical instruments, including the piano, violin, and harp, while also participating in drama clubs and shows.
Early Beginnings and Inspiration
- At the age of five, Kajoba became a chorister at St Mary le Tower, where he would spend his days learning and developing his musical skills.
- During his A-levels, Kajoba was accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School for drama in New York, USA.
- Before attending Juilliard, Kajoba would spend his free time learning monologues and looking up drama school requirements, showcasing his dedication to becoming an actor.
One pivotal moment in Kajoba’s journey was when he attended a show at the Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, which sparked his interest in acting. He was mesmerized by the beauty of the production and realized that acting was not just about performing, but about being part of a larger creative process.
A Long and Challenging Application Process
- During his A-levels, Kajoba started the application process for Juilliard, submitting videos of himself reciting monologues and participating in online auditions.
- Kajoba nearly gave up on the application until he found out the admissions deadline had been extended, giving him a second chance to prove himself.
- He was invited for in-person auditions in New York in January 2020, where he faced countless rounds of auditions.
- Despite the challenges, Kajoba persevered and eventually received the news that he had been accepted into Juilliard’s class of 2020, made up of just 18 students.
Kajoba’s acceptance into Juilliard was a significant milestone, but he knew that the journey was far from over. He continued his studies online before moving to New York in October for his final year, where he would face new challenges and opportunities.
Life at Juilliard and Beyond
| **First Year:** | Online classes and interior work |
| **Second Year:** | Continued online classes and interior work |
| **Third Year:** | Public performances and exterior work |
| **Fourth Year:** | Final year of studies, signed to a New York talent agency, and received the John Houseman Award for acting. |
“Juilliard really allowed me to meet myself, meet the version of myself I was always meant to be,” Kajoba said. “Of course, that changes every day, but I’m grateful for the gift and the fact that I get to honor that in every play, film, or whatever I do.”
Awards and Accolades
Kajoba received the John Houseman Award for acting, which is given to the actor who displays exceptional ability in classic theatre.
The Future of an Aspiring Actor
As Kajoba looks to the future, he is excited to continue working on various projects, including a Broadway show next year. With his determination and perseverance, he is sure to achieve great things in the world of acting.
“I’m just so grateful for that gift and the fact that I get to honor that in every play, film, or whatever I do,” Kajoba said.
