Ja'Michael is drawn to characters who defy, resist, or rebel against the status quo, establishment, or authority, especially surrounding stories of race, status, and sexuality.
Think, John Boyega in Star Wars, Giancarlo Esposito in Do The Right Thing, Tye Sheridan in Ready Player One, and Ncuti Gatwa in Sex Education.
Photo: David Noles Photography
Ja’Michael De’Shawn, a multifaceted performer and filmmaker hailing from Hearne, Texas, is making an indelible mark on both the stage and screen.
Now based in New York City, Ja’Michael’s journey began in theatre as he honed his craft during his studies at the University of Texas at Austin. On stage, his presence has captivated audiences in productions like Adrienne Dawes’ Casta, Reina Hardy’s The Afterparty, Jelisa Jay Robinson’s We Both Suck Our Teeth, and notably, contributed to the first workshop production of Tyler English-Beckwith’s TwentyEight.
As a recipient of a Fulbright grant, he continued to enrich his artistic journey by delving into physical theatre at Atelier Teatro Fisico di Philip Radice (ATF) in Turin, Italy. While studying at ATF, he debuted his self-generated plays: Exile Blues, a one act play on the early years of writer, James Baldwin, surviving as an expat in Paris, and his solo play, The Self-Portrait of the Soul as a Young Man, which garnered acclaim, including the 2017 Totó Award for an innovative and original solo show.
Upon moving to New York, Ja’Michael was selected for the Labyrinth Theatre Company’s Summer Intensive Ensemble. He also studied at the Identity School of Acting.
Venturing into cinema, he starred in the Italian horror film You Die, by director trio, T3, lent his voice to Dear Bruh by Ya’Ke Smith, and has recently completed a supporting role in the action-comedy, GIVE ME BACK MY BICYCLE! by Daniel Schlomer.
Ja’Michael has been singing since age 3. He has sung in choirs behind artists: Jonathan McReynolds, Kathy Taylor, Myron Butler, and Troy Anthony. He has also collaborated with Italian artists: Luca Basto, Luca Rossi, Giulia Bocciero in Soulful Strut, and he was also a member of the Covid-19 quarantine boy band The KwarNTeens.
Ja’Michael’s talents extend to dance, where he has collaborated with New York choreographers: Lisa Johnson-Willingham and Maguette Camara. He has performed at prestigious events like the Ailey Spirit Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center, alongside the legendary Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
With each endeavor, Ja’Michael De’Shawn continues to illuminate the world with his artistry and passion for storytelling, captivating audiences across mediums and continents alike.