The Wizard of Oz
2025 was jam-packed with travel as Jesse performed in The Wizard of Oz and The Effectors III aboard the largest ship in the world—Royal Caribbean’s Icon of The Seas. He made many memories in many wonderful places, and even stepped into aerial work for the first time as the head flying monkey, Nikko! He also stepped into the role of the Tinman for 18 performances, and cherished every one. This show is such a classic and will always hold a special place in his heart—something the Tinman would appreciate!
​​
Director: Jason Capewell
Choreographer: Stuart Rogers
A Christmas Story
In November 2024, Jesse made his professional choreographic debut as Assistant Choreographer of A Christmas Story at The Lexington Theatre Company! Jesse was Lyndy Franklin Smith’s right hand, and created the choreography of the show with her, as well as staged all of the advanced tap numbers and cleaned the numbers of the show. Moving into a professional creative position has been a goal of Jesse’s for a while, and there was no better company and person to learn from than Lyndy at The Lex.
​​
Director/Choreographer: Lyndy Franklin Smith
​
Fiddler on the Roof / Jersey Boys
In Summer 2024, Jesse was a part of his first post-college contract in Fiddler on the Roof and Jersey Boys at The Lexington Theatre Company. He was the Dance Captain for Jersey Boys, and a featured dancer in Fiddler. The Lex is such an incredible company that truly values each and every person in their productions, and Jesse is so grateful that this was his first professional credit after college.
​
​
​Fiddler on the Roof
Director: Lyndy Franklin Smith
Choreographer: Colby Q. Lindeman
Jersey Boys
Director/Choreographer: Patrick O'Neil
Graduation
On May 11, 2024, Jesse graduated from the University of Oklahoma summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. He is deeply grateful for his time in Norman—the invaluable training, the professional guidance, and the relationships he formed there, all of which he will cherish for the rest of his life.
​
Horns Down, and Boomer Sooner!!
Crazy for You
In his final semester of college, Jesse had the incredible opportunity of playing a dream role of his—Bobby Child in the iconic Gershwin musical Crazy for You. This role immediately became a favorite, perfectly capturing everything he loves about performing: comedy, tap dance, golden-age singing, and the kind of palpable joy from an audience that makes live theatre magical. ​
Director: Lyn Cramer
Original Broadway Choreography by: Susan Stroman
Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
In summer 2023, Jesse made his professional theatric debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma in their productions of The Sound of Music and The Prom. Jesse was a part of the ensemble in both productions.
​
​
The Sound of Music
Director: Jerome Stevenson
Choreographer: Hui Cha Poos
The Prom
Director: Michael Baron
Choreographer: Amy Reynolds-Reed
The Wild Party
In college, Jesse had the opportunity to step onto the other side of the table as the Assistant Director of OU’s production of The Wild Party. Under the guidance of Director Lyn Cramer, he took and gave notes, assisted with staging, and helped shape the show from the ground up. It quickly became one of the most artistically fulfilling experiences of his career. The Wild Party showed Jesse that his love for theatre extended beyond performing and sparked a deep passion for creative decision-making.​​
Director: Lyn Cramer
Choreographer: Amy Reynolds-Reed
