Meet Jalen Kirkman, a young man destined for stardom | Column
While watching a production of Maine State Music Theatre’s “1776,” I was blown away by Jalen Kirkman’s spellbinding, soul-wrenching, show-stopping rendition of “Momma Look Sharp.” “That young man is going places,” I thought to myself. Who is he? How did he get on this stage? What are his dreams for the future? So I reached out to Jalen through his website, and he graciously agreed to meet. I was not disappointed.
Jalen grew up in Florence, Alabama, blessed with highly educated parents who modeled the importance of being disciplined and maintaining focus. His father is a multitalented musician, playing in a band and leading the church choir. His mother is dean of the nursing school at the University of Northern Alabama.
Jalen Kirkman is a rising star in the musical theater world. (Courtesy of David Treadwell)
Jalen began developing his own musical talents at an early age.
“I started playing piano by ear when I was three or four,” he recalls. “And I sang in the church choir.”
At Florence High School, he sang in the choir and got his first taste of musical theater. He also played trumpet in the high school marching band. And, oh yes, he was a top backstroker on the swim team, and he learned karate. Incidentally, Jalen’s younger brother is currently a star quarterback on the high school football team. Now that’s one talented family.
To succeed in musical theater, a performer must be a “triple threat,” able to sing and dance and act. While Jalen didn’t take formal dancing lessons as a youngster, his initiative proved sufficient — “I learned to dance by watching videos and then copying the dancers.”
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Jalen chose to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham because of the school’s fine reputation in musical theater.
“I thought that would be a great place to study the craft and learn about myself,” he said.
When he was a rising junior in college, he auditioned at the Southeastern Theatre Conference with the hope of landing a summer position at a regional theater program. Several companies expressed interest in him, but he was most impressed with what Curt Dale Clark said about MSMT and Maine. After talking with his advisors, he decided to come to Brunswick and take a position as an MSMT singer.
“Curt had told me about how much the community loved and supported the theater, and he was right.”
Jalen returned to MSMT again the following year to act in “Beautiful.” MSMT (and Brunswick) had already begun to feel like home.
Shortly after graduating in the spring of 2025, Jalen signed on with Hudson Artists Agency in New York City. It’s been a terrific match for this budding star. He’s already landed several roles at top regional theaters, including Asolo Repertory Theater in Sarasota, Florida; Music Theatre Wichita; the Fulton Theater in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Red Mountain Theater in Birmingham, Alabama. Now that’s an impressive track record for a 23-year-old performer.
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When he’s not on stage, Jalen carefully observes other seasoned performers in order to hone his craft. He’s always looking, always studying, always learning. He pays special attention, for example, to MSMT favorite Charis Leos, a consummate professional.
Reflecting on “1776,” Jalen is especially impressed with how the play revealed the humanity of the decision makers.
He looks forward to being in the ensemble for “Frozen,” the next MSMT main stage production.
“The director, Marc Robin, really wants to convey the Disney magic and involve the audience in that magic,” Jalen said.
While Jalen has experienced remarkable success, he knows he’s pursuing an intensely competitive profession.
“Everyone in this field is going to face a lot of rejection. I can’t just define myself as an actor. That’s not all I am.”
In his not-so-spare time, Jalen loves reading, going to movies and spending time with his friends in New York City, many of whom are fellow actors.
We don’t know where your future path will lead, Jalen Kirkman, but we’re so grateful that you’ve shared your immense talent with us along the way. We’re delighted that you’ve felt at home here in Brunswick. If, not when, you hit the big time, we’ll be proud to say, “We knew him when.”
David Treadwell, a Brunswick writer, welcomes commentary and suggestions for future “Just a Little Old” columns at [email protected].
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