Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Well, hello everyone, and welcome to another edition of the Pulse.
Ladies and gentlemen, I've got some special guests in the
studio today. I know I say that every week, but
it's true. It's true. Every week we have special guest
in the studio for the Pulse. I am Stormy with you,
keeping our fingertips on the pulse of our community. And
(00:20):
I'm joined by none other Mss Christy Chandler.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Hey, Christy, Hey, Stormy, how are you. I'm doing good good?
Speaker 1 (00:29):
Oh, thank you for being here.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Christy.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Tell everybody what it is that you do and can
you introduce to everybody our special other special guests.
Speaker 4 (00:38):
So I'm Christy Chandler. I am the founder of Young
Actors Guild, and I have been in insistence with the
Memphis community over thirty four years, a long time, long time,
long time. And we bring arts back to the community,
performing arts, music, theater, dance. We have students from all
over Memphis, from North Memphis, South Memphis, East Memphis, Germantown, yeah, everywhere.
(01:02):
And today I brought one of my former students at
Who's Now. I would call him my alumni, and he
had some exciting news to share with his experience.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
His name is Jalen Hunter.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Jalen Hunter. Y'all doing up for Jalen.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Welcome Jayleen, thank you, thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
And this isn't your first time on Iheartradios. You've been
in our studios before, ma'am, but thank you. Welcome back.
Let me say that you and uh tell us how
old you are? Do you mind sharing that I'm fifteen? Okay,
fifteen because you know, when you get a little older,
you know you ain't gonna be willing.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
To tell.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
Fifteen years of age. But you're doing great things. Tell
me how you met Ms Christy? How did that happen?
Speaker 3 (01:46):
When I was about seven years old?
Speaker 2 (01:49):
Seven?
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Yep, seven years old, just turned seven, actually, I think so.
It was like a little fresh really six, but it's
been a while. My mom brought me to she's worked
for employee Memphysi Youth Services and she brought me to
a YG performance. It was at Hope Church, I want
(02:10):
to say. I think it was at Hope Church when
I seen YG perform for the first time. And then
when it's seven, yeah, it's seven years seven, and shout
out to mom. She is in the studio as well. Yes, yes,
And when the performance was done, I told her I
wanted to be on the big stage like that. What yep.
So she enrolled me into Young Actors Guilt and I
(02:34):
first joined at the summer camp. Yeah, and that's why
I did my first like show ever was Jungle Book
and I did a little diraft and I was a
little monkey doing stuff like that. And yeah, me and
Schrispy knowing on each other for about eight years now,
and she's been coaching me until I She coached me
until I was about eleven, until I started touring with
(02:56):
The Lion King in MJ the musical, and I did
the movie and that was all until fifteen. So I've
been moving until I was yeah about fifteen. Wow.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Yeah, yeah, So most people haven't done as much as
you've done, especially as far as a professional career is concerned.
You've just been doing it for four or five years.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Yep. Wow.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
So you've done The Lion.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
King, yes, ma'am. And you were young symbols Young six
came to the Orpheum in twenty twenty three. I remember one.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
I remember that. I remember Christy talking about that. Yeah, okay,
so you did that, and so how did the movie?
Because the movie is the Michael Jackson story, the biopic
that's supposed it was supposed to come out this year,
but it's coming out next year, yes, ma'am. So how
did that come out?
Speaker 5 (03:49):
Mama?
Speaker 3 (03:50):
How did you get there? Actually, while I was with
The Lion King, I actually auditioned for a little Michael. Yeah,
and you know it, the connections and everything is so
crazy because Giuliano Coravaldi, he's the Michael. Now.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
When I when I finished with Lion King, I moved
to MJ. The Musical. And you know, John Brenker's manager,
he's over everything that involves Michael Jackson. So he saw me.
He was like he saw me performing. He was like, wow,
we got to worry that. He said he needs me
to audition for the movie. So the director Antoine Fuquad
(04:30):
could see me. Uh you know. And after Seattle, I
want to say MJ the Musical, we were in Seattle,
they flew me out to LA for an audition. For
one day I auditioned and that's when the musical. So
when I left to go to LA, the musical is
actually coming to La. So it worked out so the musical. Meanwhile,
(04:50):
I while I was on the musical, I got the
call that was going to be a young Marlin in
the Michael Jackson biopic on early morning. You know it
was crazy, But.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
You auditioned for Michael, young Michael.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
Yes, audition for young Michael. But I played Marlin with
MJ the musical.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
But did you grow up a little bit?
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Is that what it was?
Speaker 2 (05:07):
Okay?
Speaker 1 (05:07):
So you played Marlin with music in the musical, yes,
But you auditioned for Michael in the in the movie, yes,
and and so they just kept you with Marlin.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Okay, okay, okay. How was it playing Marlin in the musical?
Speaker 3 (05:21):
It was fun? It wasn't my typical like schedule. Yes,
with Lion King, I had to alternate shows with another symbol.
But with Marlin, you had to do a show every night.
And I was the only Marlin. There was two Michaels
and I was the only Marlin. So yeah, I had
to do the show every night for about six months.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
How was that?
Speaker 2 (05:42):
You know?
Speaker 3 (05:42):
I had to get used to it fast, because you know,
the whole tour is not gonna slow down, right, You're
gonna just keep up with it, right Yeah?
Speaker 1 (05:50):
Yeah, okay, bless your heart. Yeah, you know what you're
doing all of that, and you did all of that
at a young age, so you must have been really
good for them to want you to, you know, audition
for the movie because that's a big deal because when
that joker come out, I'm will be right there. I've
(06:10):
been waiting for it, you know what I'm saying, And
I think a lot of people have been and so man,
Memphis connection there it is to this movie.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
It's you.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Are you the only Memphis player in this movie.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
That you know of?
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (06:27):
M h wow? Okay, how does that feel?
Speaker 3 (06:31):
You know, like sometimes it doesn't feel real.
Speaker 5 (06:35):
You know.
Speaker 3 (06:35):
I'm just so blessed that I got to do this opportunity.
You know, I'm just representing for my city, you know,
bring my city with me wherever I go, and it
feels good.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Tell me, if it were not for your introduction and
your desire to be a part of Y A. G.
Yagg Young Actors, Gil, if it wasn't for that, do
you think you would be where.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
You are now?
Speaker 3 (07:00):
Honestly, I don't think so. Because Ms Christy everybody, they
got me out my comfort zone. I used to be
really shy, you know, and it humbled me, you know,
showed me. It showed me that it's not about what
you do, it's about how you do it. And it
(07:21):
showed one of the famous sayings we said, YG is
only the strongest survive. So it showed me that I
had to keep going just to do what I love
and what I really wanted to do. So yeah, I
really think YG brought me that humbleness and the dedication
and the love for the theater and stuff like that.
Speaker 4 (07:40):
Yeah, okay, Christie, so that's what you're doing over there,
giving him that hunger, the love, the passions.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
Me and real humble because he has some more stuff
he's doing.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
He does, yes, ma'am. Okay, do you want to can
you share?
Speaker 3 (07:54):
Yes? I can. I'm actually gonna direct a new my.
I'm going to debut a new musical. It's called Cold Rhythm.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Oh.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
He's going to be performed at the Crosstown Theater. Okay,
and yeah, I'll actually have a description that I can
read to you, right, okay?
Speaker 1 (08:14):
And what date is it going to be performed?
Speaker 2 (08:16):
December thirteenth?
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Oh, so in December we got to get ready, gotta
get our points together.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Is that what we need to do?
Speaker 4 (08:21):
So he's actually on our faculty staff for young actors Gill,
so he would be teaching, so we'll be the first
to do his play. He's an original.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Wow.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
And so it's for the students, and then after us,
he's going to be traveling with it, so hopefully other
people in the industry will come see it, pick it up.
Why you be traveling be the new Spike Lee?
Speaker 1 (08:45):
I love that. That is amazing.
Speaker 4 (08:47):
So we want to open doors and gates for all
the students, you know, the home all their talents, not
just on the stage but also behind the scenes.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
And so he's doing it early at a young yes, I.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Mean moving into big shoes places in space. Is that
people older, way older than him don't even get to
see you know what I'm saying people, you know, So
don't let anybody despise your age, Okay, okay, because I
know they're probably like, oh, well he's so young.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
So yeah, I knew he could do it. Yeah, he's ready.
Speaker 1 (09:24):
Yeah, yeah, And he is doing it.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
He's already got the script and everything. You working on
the music.
Speaker 3 (09:30):
He's in it.
Speaker 4 (09:31):
He's dancing. He's a Chris Brown r.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Wow. So do you have any aspirations of singing recording music?
One day. I'm sure you could do it all. But
because recording music is a part of movies and plays
and all that kind of stuff, it all kind of
goes hand to hand. But do you want to do
something in that space?
Speaker 3 (09:53):
I would definitely like to record songs in albums someday,
Like I really have a passion for that. I really
that's really a hidden gym for me that a lot
of people don't know about me. I do make songs,
but it's like for fun with friends.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
Yeah, in school.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
Yeah, but yeah, that's definitely one of the aspirations that
I have.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
Okay, now tell me about the play. You said you
have something written. Tell us about the play.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
Okay. So Cold Rhythm is a two ax holiday musical
that blends hip hop, gospel, and soul into heartwarming story
about family, faith, and finding one's voice. It follows Darius,
a sixteen year old African American boy from a tight
knit neighborhood, as he navigates the day's leading up to Christmas.
Longing for something bigger than his surroundings, Darius dreams of
(10:39):
using his lyrical talents to inspire change. Along the way.
He is encouraged by his loving family, a wise grandmother,
a supportive pastor, playful hip hop els, and friends who
challenge him to rise above self doubt. Act one introduces
Darius world high school, home, neighborhood, and church commune, relating,
(11:01):
humilating in a spark of inspiration to pursue his dreams.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
Okay, oh that there's more. But yeah, we get the
gist and I like it. What part you want me
to play? Where you want, where you need me anyway,
I'm just anywhere about that later, think about that later.
But no, this is great. It's it's great to see
(11:27):
you know. We know that there is a lot of
talent in this, but to have that talent in the
room is amazing. It is now this play because it
doesn't sound like from what you read that it's just
a play. It sounds like something you might have lived through.
Speaker 3 (11:42):
This is this is definitely inspired by my story.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
What yes, ma'am okay okay.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
And I'll be playing Darius, so I'll really be able
to tell it through my original Okay.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
And so the wise grandma is that really your grandma?
Speaker 3 (11:58):
That's really my grandmother?
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Wow?
Speaker 1 (12:00):
Okay, and Mama of course, yes, yeah, just I know
she's playing an amazing role. In your life and has
since your birth. Yeah, yes, so is she her character
a part of this as well?
Speaker 4 (12:15):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Okay, Mama, how you.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
Feel about dad feel?
Speaker 1 (12:20):
She says she feels good. I mean to hear that
your son is doing all this is fabulous. Yes you yeah,
I know you feel good. And he's gonna be bringing
you to stage a life.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
You know what I'm saying.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
You're nervous about it? She's yeah, okay, okay, she says,
only the good parts. Yeah, wow, Christy. So how many
Jalen's have come through young actors?
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Guil Okay, we.
Speaker 4 (12:50):
Have one Jalen and then we have about I would
say about thirty maybe close to thirty. And I say
want Jalen because you know this is an original, original
and all that. But we have had some that have
come through. You know you have interviewed some of them.
(13:10):
It goes on and on. Yes, yes, yes, Jalen Harris
who was also in Lion King And we just had
one and his name is King Henry.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
He just finished the Elvis movie. What.
Speaker 4 (13:25):
Yes, yeah, he played Little Sam, his best friend. So
I cast that for is this like in London? It's
a bipop as well?
Speaker 1 (13:33):
So you had something to do with that.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
Yeah, I did the casting for Little Sam. They came
to young actors skill and that's the cast.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (13:42):
Yes, So Christy you you you are very humble and
you fly under the radar. Why do you do that?
I mean, I guess I kind of get it because
it's not it's calling. That's what I was getting to say.
Speaker 3 (13:56):
You.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
Yeah, it's more than a just about you, and that's
probably how you are able to pour into these young
folks lives.
Speaker 4 (14:04):
Right. I just read what Denzel. I don't know if
you saw his something just came out. He said, people
give awards, but God gives rewards. Come on here, So
that I look at it like that? Yeah yeah, but
did I just love spilling you know, just watching Jalen
and the rest of them, you know, so young, so
many things they have to do.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
Yeah, life, yeah finished, yeah?
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Yeah. So the first play you were in, uh with Christy,
what did you say the name of it? Did you
mention the name of Jungle Boo? Jungle Book? And then
there I'm sure there were more?
Speaker 3 (14:37):
Right, Yes, After I did jungle Book, I did we
did a Michael Jackson tribute. I played Michael Jackson and
Billy Jean scene. After that, I actually play young Simba
in the Lion Disney's Lion King Junior Yang version, and
I played Young Simba till I was nine, I want
to say eight through nine. Yeah, yeah, and then and
(15:00):
yeah that was the last place because after that, that's
when people started telling my mom, did I shot audition
for raahway? And you know it was a long shot
but you.
Speaker 2 (15:08):
Know, dum and it was during the pandemic.
Speaker 1 (15:12):
What cod But but a long shot.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
Oh, I knew, we knew.
Speaker 1 (15:19):
And evidently your mother didn't believe that, because if she did,
she wouldn't have taken you to do it. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (15:26):
I thought it was a long shot after hearing the
number of kids that were doing it, but you.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Know how many kids were doing the audition?
Speaker 3 (15:33):
Three thousand about the thousand. Yeah, he got the role.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
Wow, Okay, so that was Simba. So what did you
have to do in Simba?
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Can you?
Speaker 1 (15:45):
Can you tell us a little bit or maybe do
one of your role parts and sym before.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
Us and Symbol, you know, Symbol was a very I
want to say, outgoing person. I want to say he
found hisself. He really had to start growing up at
a young age because he lost his father if he
were a young age. So I really feel like that
(16:11):
he's more it's more of a story than just you know, animation,
because people don't realize that so many people, like so
many kids don't really have their father, you know, they
have to find theirself at a young age. You know,
he found some friends, you know, found his courage to
(16:32):
come back and save his city, to save his you know,
his pride lane stuff like that. But yeah, I feel
like it's deeper than, you know, than people's just watching it.
You have to understand it too.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
I do too, and I think a lot of people
over the years, at least I've heard people explain that
character and even you know, his dad and even that
story of the Lion King. A lot of people have
talked about use it in sermons and all that. Oh yeah, yeah,
So it is definitely one of those stories. That's probably
why it was so and still is. I mean, people
are still doing the play. It's so relatable. Sow it
(17:06):
to a lot of people. And and the first time
I saw Lion King, I don't know about y'all, but
I cried like a bath. I did not know that
was going to happen to me. So when you did
the play were people crying?
Speaker 3 (17:19):
Yes, we were, Yeah, a lot of people.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
Yeah, I can imagine even if they saw it already,
they probably touched them.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
There was different watching him on.
Speaker 4 (17:30):
Yeah, Memphis was so supportive. Yes, yeah, because Memphis is supportive. Yeah,
that's how Memphis is. Once they know they go.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
Yeah, I can never go anywhere without representing my city.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
I know that's right. I know that's right.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
At your young age, do you have any favorite artists, singers, rappers,
any of that.
Speaker 3 (17:51):
Yes, Michael Jackson, Okay, okay, yes, ma'am.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
Yeah, you know what.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
So many kids today, my grandkids love Michael Jackson. I'm
talking about from the three year old up. Yes, they
love it. How does that happen? Is that you just
when you just heard his music, you just fell in?
So did you love him before the play and before
the movie?
Speaker 3 (18:15):
Yes, I've I've been loving Michael Jackson since I was
about four or five. I think dance moves.
Speaker 1 (18:22):
I believe he does.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
I believe it.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
You know how to do him now?
Speaker 4 (18:26):
Yeah? Yeah, a little bit, I bet you got it.
Speaker 2 (18:34):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (18:35):
So the play that you're doing, is there an audition
for that or for young for young actors gill. Are
you looking for talent to come and be a part
of what you guys do.
Speaker 4 (18:47):
Yes, well, we're gonna offer it for the academy. We
have Academy coming up September sixth, We have open house
August thirtieth, so we want to invite people out to
the Academy so they can be a part of Jalen's play.
Oh okay, Jalen has allowed me to cast.
Speaker 2 (19:05):
It's wonderful. Wow, I had you are.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
The student has become the teachers and the teacher has
become a student. So how hard was it? Because I
know you've done what he's doing all Did you learn
that from her? From Christy? How to write plays and
do things like that?
Speaker 3 (19:29):
Did you learn it from her? I definitely, I've definitely
Miss Chrissie definitely plays a big part of my creativity
on how she you know, doesn't have to always stick
to script. You know, she can do her own thing
and still make it, you know, ten times better. So
you know, I feel like my creativity definitely, Miss Chrissie
definitely plays a part in that.
Speaker 1 (19:47):
Okay, okay, but how difficult is it writing a play?
Speaker 3 (19:53):
You know, like since it's based off of you know
my story. I feel like it was kind of easy,
you know, with the words started to flow out. You know,
have you read it yet?
Speaker 4 (20:06):
He's saying what he does, He's he'll send me, he'll
text me, like some of the script. So I've read
the gist of it. Okay, definitely, I'm there. I'm there
with the I'm guiding them.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
Through it, okay.
Speaker 3 (20:20):
Myself.
Speaker 2 (20:22):
But you know what, he really doesn't need me. He
thinks that.
Speaker 4 (20:24):
But I'm like in the background because he's real creative,
more than you know. But I'm not going to just
let him go out there. But yeah, I promise you,
Jalen is very creative. I believe that.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
I believe that just from listening to him and and
all the stuff that you've done. I mean, you can
kind of tell just.
Speaker 4 (20:42):
But you know, I gonna put my little two cents in, Jayleen,
but I'm definitely not. I don't want to read diirect.
I just want to, you know, say, put the salt
and pepper in it. Yeah, so I'm more of a
salt and pepper I think.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
You know, is that kind of how you are with
the kids over at young actors guilt? Is are you
like and I guess the conduit for them to become
creative and find their wings, spread their wings like in
his play when he's talking about finding your voice.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
That's the goal.
Speaker 4 (21:15):
But the easy part when you have parents like Jalen's mom,
Chris Delle, who I tell parents all the time, they say, Hey,
I want my child to go to Hollywood.
Speaker 2 (21:23):
I want my child to go to Broadway. He say,
you got to be there.
Speaker 4 (21:26):
So if I get them that audition, you got to
be ready to pack up. Like she stayed on the
road with him. I believe it six months.
Speaker 2 (21:33):
How long did you stay on the road.
Speaker 1 (21:37):
Twenty months?
Speaker 2 (21:38):
Twenty six months? So that means you have to leave
your job.
Speaker 1 (21:41):
That's commitment.
Speaker 2 (21:41):
You got to leave your family.
Speaker 4 (21:43):
And because at that time, Jaylen was eleven at that time,
so he had to have a guardian with them. So
my point is, so when you have parents who are supportive, yeah,
it works. And then of course James, you see how
humble he is. This is really him, how he is now.
I mean he never given me any kind of slack
or anything. He's always ready and willing.
Speaker 3 (22:04):
Wow.
Speaker 4 (22:04):
So that's why he is where he is today because
of his humble heart.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
Jalen would you say that mom has a lot to
do with that, Yes, ma'am and Grandma you're watching Grandma.
Speaker 2 (22:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Family makes a big difference when it comes to, you know,
where our children go. I think sometimes we don't think that,
but especially for people that are on the outside looking in,
they think, oh, well, you know, maybe his parents. Really
you know what I'm saying, But you couldn't have done
all of this without the support of your parents and
your family. And you know, it truly does take a villages,
(22:41):
you know, it takes that. And so yeah, the support
that you've received is just it's beautiful. And the fact
that your mother was able to be there for you,
that's a gift that is you know that right?
Speaker 2 (22:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (22:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (22:54):
When I first met him, with both of them, so Christale,
that's his mom, I say, he has it.
Speaker 2 (23:01):
He was like six.
Speaker 4 (23:01):
Then then I gave her this book Lion King later
and told her told her to tell him to read
the little part of Symbol so when we do have
auditions for it. Yeah, and he auditioned for it. He
knew it everything. And one day when he came back
from Hollywood, No Broadway, he was upstairs. I went to
(23:22):
their house. He said look, miss Christy. He still had
that book, so we bought tears Tobies. He still has
he still cherishes that book. That still have it? Oh wow,
what do you do with it?
Speaker 3 (23:33):
You put it away? Those are the top of my clause.
It's right, it's right there. I look at it every
time I pick out it outfit.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
Wow, that is beautiful. Yeah, changing lives, that's what it's about.
I feel like when you allow your child the opportunity
to spread their wings and grow and become a part
of something that they've expressed they want to be a
part of. You know what I'm saying that, Yeah, you
give them other options in life basically yeah, yeah, then
(24:03):
the typical you know, because a lot of people want
to be you know, singers or rappers, right or this
or that or whatever. But when they're offered the opportunity.
I believe that's why the arts are so important, When
they're offered the opportunity, yes, yes, to do something that
is different right than I guess the status quo what
(24:25):
everybody else is doing. Did you feel like were you
that you were different or or anything like that. And
I don't mean different and I'm better than anybody, but
just different.
Speaker 3 (24:36):
I feel one thing about me. I feel like I really,
you know, have a passion for it, like a lot
of people say they have a passion for but I
feel like I really loved it, Like I was in
love with everything that I did musically, acting and dancing.
You know, I just it just was my therapy. You know.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
Wow, Yes it is fifteen year old say that it
was my therapy. How many Yeah.
Speaker 4 (25:08):
I was gonna say, come to yg we all just
say yeah, because he actually is a mentor for some
of the boys as well. So he worked this summer too,
and he performed with us on stage this summer.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (25:20):
And now he's doing the play. He's part of your.
Speaker 4 (25:23):
Staff, right, Yeah, So the opportunities are endless for kids
that come to y A g Right. But let me
tell you the crazy part. So we were going to
do Hairspray this semester O. His mom and I we
were talking and well, Jalen said, you know, of course
I want to be in the play. I want to
direct or whatever. So I told his mom, I said,
(25:45):
guess what, Jayleen's going to be in the play Hairspray.
He's going to direct. And so his mom was telling
me that he was thinking about writing. I was like,
why did he say anything? I said, tell Jaylen, write
that play. We're gonna do that one. We're gonna move
hair Spray next semester. So that's how that came about. Okay,
put the video game down, and that's awesome.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
Yeah you don't make do you make money with video games?
Speaker 3 (26:11):
Okay?
Speaker 1 (26:11):
Okay, because I know some people do, and there's a
lot of money. So yeah, okay, so dedicated. Yeah, that's awesome.
It is so awesome to see you still doing what
you do, Christy, because you are just a bright light
in this city.
Speaker 2 (26:26):
It's a long time man, thirty four years.
Speaker 3 (26:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (26:28):
Look, I'm resting. Look, I said, Jaylen, go on for it.
Speaker 1 (26:32):
Yeah, I mean, but you yeah, humble, and it seems
like you pass it down to people that are around you,
and that's part of what you do.
Speaker 4 (26:40):
No, we're not gonna be all ves. Yeah right, you know,
and let the yawn bring it up.
Speaker 3 (26:46):
Mm hm beautiful.
Speaker 4 (26:49):
Jalen, Well, what's after that? After the play? I mean,
then what's after that?
Speaker 2 (26:55):
Hopefully he traveled with it.
Speaker 4 (26:56):
Hopefully somebody be in the audience because some of it,
some of some of your cast coming to the play.
Speaker 1 (27:03):
Yes, what Yeah, yep, that's gonna be so awesome. Oh
wow here in Memphis. Yeah, you're gonna bring Okay, all right.
Speaker 4 (27:14):
So we definitely want students to come to the YEG.
Yeah they want to be in this play. Yes, okay,
So when is the audition again? Well, Academy starts September
sixth Okay. We have open house on Saturday, August thirtieth
from eleven to one okay for people that want to
get in touch with you to find out more about YAG.
(27:34):
How can they do that? They can reach us at
nine oh one two four zero two one zero three.
Give us that again, area code nine oh one two
four zero two one zero three.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Okay. And I know you on that website.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
Yeah, we're on social media. We're all over social media.
But is it y agyg dot com? Okay, okay, but
a g Memphis dot com?
Speaker 1 (27:56):
Okay, YAG Memphis dot Com.
Speaker 3 (27:58):
Is there YG in other cities?
Speaker 2 (28:00):
Well?
Speaker 1 (28:00):
Or is this you?
Speaker 4 (28:01):
You?
Speaker 2 (28:01):
Did I know that?
Speaker 4 (28:03):
Well, recently I've been putting YG on and I see
it pop up. But yeah, I started it thirty four
years ago, so yeah, I think they probably do have some.
Speaker 1 (28:13):
Mm yeah, copy in after you the original I know
that's right, Chris. I'm on now.
Speaker 4 (28:21):
Look, we're definitely the original, definitely the original young actor skill.
Speaker 1 (28:25):
Yeah, yeah, that is fabulous.
Speaker 4 (28:27):
We offer acting, singing, dancing, We have vocal coaches, we
have choreographers, and the team is gonna be working with Jalen.
He's going to give them the vision and they're gonna
carry it through.
Speaker 1 (28:38):
Yeah, Okay, give us the number one more time.
Speaker 4 (28:42):
Nine oh one two four zero two one zero three
and again nine O one two four zero two one
zero three. Y AG Memphis dot.
Speaker 1 (28:55):
Com dot com. Okay, YAG Memphis dot com. Got it, Jalen.
Speaker 4 (29:00):
So, do you want people to follow you on social
media to keep up with what you got going on?
Speaker 3 (29:05):
Yes, you can follow me a Jalen Linden Hunter's j
y l e n l y n d O n
h U n t e.
Speaker 1 (29:14):
R so your whole name on Instagram, yes, ma'am. Okay,
Jalen Linden Hunter on Instagram. And then what else?
Speaker 4 (29:23):
Facebook? Oh no, ma'am, Just Instagram. That's all on, okay,
and that's all we need.
Speaker 1 (29:31):
Okay, So we can follow your career and see what
you're up to next, and we do want to encourage
other boys to come out too.
Speaker 4 (29:38):
Jalen is also an athlete, so we want boys and
the arts and athletes. They all go together, hand in hand,
hand in hand. Thank you Christy for coming by, and Jalen,
thank you so much. Yes, we look forward to seeing you.
Jalen and Michael Jackson. The movie is that?
Speaker 2 (29:56):
What is that?
Speaker 3 (29:56):
What's called? Michael?
Speaker 1 (29:58):
Michael?
Speaker 4 (30:00):
I'll be there. Okay, I'll be there. You didn't catch that.
I'll be there.
Speaker 1 (30:09):
Go ahead, Jayleen, give me a little bit of it.
Speaker 5 (30:13):
You should ever find someone I know, he better be
good to you, cause if he does, I'll be there,
don't you know.
Speaker 1 (30:31):
Baby, Yeah, I'll be there. Hey, I'll be there.
Speaker 2 (30:40):
East.
Speaker 5 (30:41):
We will.
Speaker 3 (30:43):
Just call my name man and I'll be there.
Speaker 2 (30:49):
See.
Speaker 1 (30:50):
That's how he got those rolls.
Speaker 2 (30:51):
That's yeah, why he just did it.
Speaker 1 (30:54):
He just said amazing. Thank you Tube for coming. I
appreciate yourself on the prayer list.
Speaker 2 (31:04):
Believe in God.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
The good things are coming and that they will be
here for a very very very very very very long time.
Speaker 3 (31:10):
All right.
Speaker 1 (31:10):
It is the pulse, ladies and gentlemen. I am stormy
keeping our fingertips on the pulse of our community. Young
Actors Guild Christy Chandler on the show, go ahead and
holler at them, and Jalen here with us. Thank you
so much for coming because you didn't have to, but
you didn't shout out to Briar Christian School.
Speaker 3 (31:30):
Okay, there you go.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
Thank you all for coming again.
Speaker 4 (31:33):
Thank you all right, everybody, God bless you. We'll see
you next week, same time, same station.
Speaker 1 (31:38):
Have a great week.
Well, hello everyone, and welcome to another edition of the Pulse.
Ladies and gentlemen, I've got some special guests in the
studio today. I know I say that every week, but
it's true. It's true. Every week we have special guest
in the studio for the Pulse. I am Stormy with you,
keeping our fingertips on the pulse of our community. And
(00:20):
I'm joined by none other Mss Christy Chandler.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Hey, Christy, Hey, Stormy, how are you. I'm doing good good?
Speaker 1 (00:29):
Oh, thank you for being here.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Christy.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Tell everybody what it is that you do and can
you introduce to everybody our special other special guests.
Speaker 4 (00:38):
So I'm Christy Chandler. I am the founder of Young
Actors Guild, and I have been in insistence with the
Memphis community over thirty four years, a long time, long time,
long time. And we bring arts back to the community,
performing arts, music, theater, dance. We have students from all
over Memphis, from North Memphis, South Memphis, East Memphis, Germantown, yeah, everywhere.
(01:02):
And today I brought one of my former students at
Who's Now. I would call him my alumni, and he
had some exciting news to share with his experience.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
His name is Jalen Hunter.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Jalen Hunter. Y'all doing up for Jalen.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Welcome Jayleen, thank you, thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
And this isn't your first time on Iheartradios. You've been
in our studios before, ma'am, but thank you. Welcome back.
Let me say that you and uh tell us how
old you are? Do you mind sharing that I'm fifteen? Okay,
fifteen because you know, when you get a little older,
you know you ain't gonna be willing.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
To tell.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
Fifteen years of age. But you're doing great things. Tell
me how you met Ms Christy? How did that happen?
Speaker 3 (01:46):
When I was about seven years old?
Speaker 2 (01:49):
Seven?
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Yep, seven years old, just turned seven, actually, I think so.
It was like a little fresh really six, but it's
been a while. My mom brought me to she's worked
for employee Memphysi Youth Services and she brought me to
a YG performance. It was at Hope Church, I want
(02:10):
to say. I think it was at Hope Church when
I seen YG perform for the first time. And then
when it's seven, yeah, it's seven years seven, and shout
out to mom. She is in the studio as well. Yes, yes,
And when the performance was done, I told her I
wanted to be on the big stage like that. What yep.
So she enrolled me into Young Actors Guilt and I
(02:34):
first joined at the summer camp. Yeah, and that's why
I did my first like show ever was Jungle Book
and I did a little diraft and I was a
little monkey doing stuff like that. And yeah, me and
Schrispy knowing on each other for about eight years now,
and she's been coaching me until I She coached me
until I was about eleven, until I started touring with
(02:56):
The Lion King in MJ the musical, and I did
the movie and that was all until fifteen. So I've
been moving until I was yeah about fifteen. Wow.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Yeah, yeah, So most people haven't done as much as
you've done, especially as far as a professional career is concerned.
You've just been doing it for four or five years.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Yep. Wow.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
So you've done The Lion.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
King, yes, ma'am. And you were young symbols Young six
came to the Orpheum in twenty twenty three. I remember one.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
I remember that. I remember Christy talking about that. Yeah, okay,
so you did that, and so how did the movie?
Because the movie is the Michael Jackson story, the biopic
that's supposed it was supposed to come out this year,
but it's coming out next year, yes, ma'am. So how
did that come out?
Speaker 5 (03:49):
Mama?
Speaker 3 (03:50):
How did you get there? Actually, while I was with
The Lion King, I actually auditioned for a little Michael. Yeah,
and you know it, the connections and everything is so
crazy because Giuliano Coravaldi, he's the Michael. Now.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
When I when I finished with Lion King, I moved
to MJ. The Musical. And you know, John Brenker's manager,
he's over everything that involves Michael Jackson. So he saw me.
He was like he saw me performing. He was like, wow,
we got to worry that. He said he needs me
to audition for the movie. So the director Antoine Fuquad
(04:30):
could see me. Uh you know. And after Seattle, I
want to say MJ the Musical, we were in Seattle,
they flew me out to LA for an audition. For
one day I auditioned and that's when the musical. So
when I left to go to LA, the musical is
actually coming to La. So it worked out so the musical. Meanwhile,
(04:50):
I while I was on the musical, I got the
call that was going to be a young Marlin in
the Michael Jackson biopic on early morning. You know it
was crazy, But.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
You auditioned for Michael, young Michael.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
Yes, audition for young Michael. But I played Marlin with
MJ the musical.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
But did you grow up a little bit?
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Is that what it was?
Speaker 2 (05:07):
Okay?
Speaker 1 (05:07):
So you played Marlin with music in the musical, yes,
But you auditioned for Michael in the in the movie, yes,
and and so they just kept you with Marlin.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Okay, okay, okay. How was it playing Marlin in the musical?
Speaker 3 (05:21):
It was fun? It wasn't my typical like schedule. Yes,
with Lion King, I had to alternate shows with another symbol.
But with Marlin, you had to do a show every night.
And I was the only Marlin. There was two Michaels
and I was the only Marlin. So yeah, I had
to do the show every night for about six months.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
How was that?
Speaker 2 (05:42):
You know?
Speaker 3 (05:42):
I had to get used to it fast, because you know,
the whole tour is not gonna slow down, right, You're
gonna just keep up with it, right Yeah?
Speaker 1 (05:50):
Yeah, okay, bless your heart. Yeah, you know what you're
doing all of that, and you did all of that
at a young age, so you must have been really
good for them to want you to, you know, audition
for the movie because that's a big deal because when
that joker come out, I'm will be right there. I've
(06:10):
been waiting for it, you know what I'm saying, And
I think a lot of people have been and so man,
Memphis connection there it is to this movie.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
It's you.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Are you the only Memphis player in this movie.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
That you know of?
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (06:27):
M h wow? Okay, how does that feel?
Speaker 3 (06:31):
You know, like sometimes it doesn't feel real.
Speaker 5 (06:35):
You know.
Speaker 3 (06:35):
I'm just so blessed that I got to do this opportunity.
You know, I'm just representing for my city, you know,
bring my city with me wherever I go, and it
feels good.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Tell me, if it were not for your introduction and
your desire to be a part of Y A. G.
Yagg Young Actors, Gil, if it wasn't for that, do
you think you would be where.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
You are now?
Speaker 3 (07:00):
Honestly, I don't think so. Because Ms Christy everybody, they
got me out my comfort zone. I used to be
really shy, you know, and it humbled me, you know,
showed me. It showed me that it's not about what
you do, it's about how you do it. And it
(07:21):
showed one of the famous sayings we said, YG is
only the strongest survive. So it showed me that I
had to keep going just to do what I love
and what I really wanted to do. So yeah, I
really think YG brought me that humbleness and the dedication
and the love for the theater and stuff like that.
Speaker 4 (07:40):
Yeah, okay, Christie, so that's what you're doing over there,
giving him that hunger, the love, the passions.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
Me and real humble because he has some more stuff
he's doing.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
He does, yes, ma'am. Okay, do you want to can
you share?
Speaker 3 (07:54):
Yes? I can. I'm actually gonna direct a new my.
I'm going to debut a new musical. It's called Cold Rhythm.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Oh.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
He's going to be performed at the Crosstown Theater. Okay,
and yeah, I'll actually have a description that I can
read to you, right, okay?
Speaker 1 (08:14):
And what date is it going to be performed?
Speaker 2 (08:16):
December thirteenth?
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Oh, so in December we got to get ready, gotta
get our points together.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Is that what we need to do?
Speaker 4 (08:21):
So he's actually on our faculty staff for young actors Gill,
so he would be teaching, so we'll be the first
to do his play. He's an original.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Wow.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
And so it's for the students, and then after us,
he's going to be traveling with it, so hopefully other
people in the industry will come see it, pick it up.
Why you be traveling be the new Spike Lee?
Speaker 1 (08:45):
I love that. That is amazing.
Speaker 4 (08:47):
So we want to open doors and gates for all
the students, you know, the home all their talents, not
just on the stage but also behind the scenes.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
And so he's doing it early at a young yes, I.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Mean moving into big shoes places in space. Is that
people older, way older than him don't even get to
see you know what I'm saying people, you know, So
don't let anybody despise your age, Okay, okay, because I
know they're probably like, oh, well he's so young.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
So yeah, I knew he could do it. Yeah, he's ready.
Speaker 1 (09:24):
Yeah, yeah, And he is doing it.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
He's already got the script and everything. You working on
the music.
Speaker 3 (09:30):
He's in it.
Speaker 4 (09:31):
He's dancing. He's a Chris Brown r.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Wow. So do you have any aspirations of singing recording music?
One day. I'm sure you could do it all. But
because recording music is a part of movies and plays
and all that kind of stuff, it all kind of
goes hand to hand. But do you want to do
something in that space?
Speaker 3 (09:53):
I would definitely like to record songs in albums someday,
Like I really have a passion for that. I really
that's really a hidden gym for me that a lot
of people don't know about me. I do make songs,
but it's like for fun with friends.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
Yeah, in school.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
Yeah, but yeah, that's definitely one of the aspirations that
I have.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
Okay, now tell me about the play. You said you
have something written. Tell us about the play.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
Okay. So Cold Rhythm is a two ax holiday musical
that blends hip hop, gospel, and soul into heartwarming story
about family, faith, and finding one's voice. It follows Darius,
a sixteen year old African American boy from a tight
knit neighborhood, as he navigates the day's leading up to Christmas.
Longing for something bigger than his surroundings, Darius dreams of
(10:39):
using his lyrical talents to inspire change. Along the way.
He is encouraged by his loving family, a wise grandmother,
a supportive pastor, playful hip hop els, and friends who
challenge him to rise above self doubt. Act one introduces
Darius world high school, home, neighborhood, and church commune, relating,
(11:01):
humilating in a spark of inspiration to pursue his dreams.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
Okay, oh that there's more. But yeah, we get the
gist and I like it. What part you want me
to play? Where you want, where you need me anyway,
I'm just anywhere about that later, think about that later.
But no, this is great. It's it's great to see
(11:27):
you know. We know that there is a lot of
talent in this, but to have that talent in the
room is amazing. It is now this play because it
doesn't sound like from what you read that it's just
a play. It sounds like something you might have lived through.
Speaker 3 (11:42):
This is this is definitely inspired by my story.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
What yes, ma'am okay okay.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
And I'll be playing Darius, so I'll really be able
to tell it through my original Okay.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
And so the wise grandma is that really your grandma?
Speaker 3 (11:58):
That's really my grandmother?
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Wow?
Speaker 1 (12:00):
Okay, and Mama of course, yes, yeah, just I know
she's playing an amazing role. In your life and has
since your birth. Yeah, yes, so is she her character
a part of this as well?
Speaker 4 (12:15):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Okay, Mama, how you.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
Feel about dad feel?
Speaker 1 (12:20):
She says she feels good. I mean to hear that
your son is doing all this is fabulous. Yes you yeah,
I know you feel good. And he's gonna be bringing
you to stage a life.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
You know what I'm saying.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
You're nervous about it? She's yeah, okay, okay, she says,
only the good parts. Yeah, wow, Christy. So how many
Jalen's have come through young actors?
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Guil Okay, we.
Speaker 4 (12:50):
Have one Jalen and then we have about I would
say about thirty maybe close to thirty. And I say
want Jalen because you know this is an original, original
and all that. But we have had some that have
come through. You know you have interviewed some of them.
(13:10):
It goes on and on. Yes, yes, yes, Jalen Harris
who was also in Lion King And we just had
one and his name is King Henry.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
He just finished the Elvis movie. What.
Speaker 4 (13:25):
Yes, yeah, he played Little Sam, his best friend. So
I cast that for is this like in London? It's
a bipop as well?
Speaker 1 (13:33):
So you had something to do with that.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
Yeah, I did the casting for Little Sam. They came
to young actors skill and that's the cast.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (13:42):
Yes, So Christy you you you are very humble and
you fly under the radar. Why do you do that?
I mean, I guess I kind of get it because
it's not it's calling. That's what I was getting to say.
Speaker 3 (13:56):
You.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
Yeah, it's more than a just about you, and that's
probably how you are able to pour into these young
folks lives.
Speaker 4 (14:04):
Right. I just read what Denzel. I don't know if
you saw his something just came out. He said, people
give awards, but God gives rewards. Come on here, So
that I look at it like that? Yeah yeah, but
did I just love spilling you know, just watching Jalen
and the rest of them, you know, so young, so
many things they have to do.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
Yeah, life, yeah finished, yeah?
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Yeah. So the first play you were in, uh with Christy,
what did you say the name of it? Did you
mention the name of Jungle Boo? Jungle Book? And then
there I'm sure there were more?
Speaker 3 (14:37):
Right, Yes, After I did jungle Book, I did we
did a Michael Jackson tribute. I played Michael Jackson and
Billy Jean scene. After that, I actually play young Simba
in the Lion Disney's Lion King Junior Yang version, and
I played Young Simba till I was nine, I want
to say eight through nine. Yeah, yeah, and then and
(15:00):
yeah that was the last place because after that, that's
when people started telling my mom, did I shot audition
for raahway? And you know it was a long shot
but you.
Speaker 2 (15:08):
Know, dum and it was during the pandemic.
Speaker 1 (15:12):
What cod But but a long shot.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
Oh, I knew, we knew.
Speaker 1 (15:19):
And evidently your mother didn't believe that, because if she did,
she wouldn't have taken you to do it. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (15:26):
I thought it was a long shot after hearing the
number of kids that were doing it, but you.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Know how many kids were doing the audition?
Speaker 3 (15:33):
Three thousand about the thousand. Yeah, he got the role.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
Wow, Okay, so that was Simba. So what did you
have to do in Simba?
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Can you?
Speaker 1 (15:45):
Can you tell us a little bit or maybe do
one of your role parts and sym before.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
Us and Symbol, you know, Symbol was a very I
want to say, outgoing person. I want to say he
found hisself. He really had to start growing up at
a young age because he lost his father if he
were a young age. So I really feel like that
(16:11):
he's more it's more of a story than just you know, animation,
because people don't realize that so many people, like so
many kids don't really have their father, you know, they
have to find theirself at a young age. You know,
he found some friends, you know, found his courage to
(16:32):
come back and save his city, to save his you know,
his pride lane stuff like that. But yeah, I feel
like it's deeper than, you know, than people's just watching it.
You have to understand it too.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
I do too, and I think a lot of people
over the years, at least I've heard people explain that
character and even you know, his dad and even that
story of the Lion King. A lot of people have
talked about use it in sermons and all that. Oh yeah, yeah,
So it is definitely one of those stories. That's probably
why it was so and still is. I mean, people
are still doing the play. It's so relatable. Sow it
(17:06):
to a lot of people. And and the first time
I saw Lion King, I don't know about y'all, but
I cried like a bath. I did not know that
was going to happen to me. So when you did
the play were people crying?
Speaker 3 (17:19):
Yes, we were, Yeah, a lot of people.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
Yeah, I can imagine even if they saw it already,
they probably touched them.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
There was different watching him on.
Speaker 4 (17:30):
Yeah, Memphis was so supportive. Yes, yeah, because Memphis is supportive. Yeah,
that's how Memphis is. Once they know they go.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
Yeah, I can never go anywhere without representing my city.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
I know that's right. I know that's right.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
At your young age, do you have any favorite artists, singers, rappers,
any of that.
Speaker 3 (17:51):
Yes, Michael Jackson, Okay, okay, yes, ma'am.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
Yeah, you know what.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
So many kids today, my grandkids love Michael Jackson. I'm
talking about from the three year old up. Yes, they
love it. How does that happen? Is that you just
when you just heard his music, you just fell in?
So did you love him before the play and before
the movie?
Speaker 3 (18:15):
Yes, I've I've been loving Michael Jackson since I was
about four or five. I think dance moves.
Speaker 1 (18:22):
I believe he does.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
I believe it.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
You know how to do him now?
Speaker 4 (18:26):
Yeah? Yeah, a little bit, I bet you got it.
Speaker 2 (18:34):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (18:35):
So the play that you're doing, is there an audition
for that or for young for young actors gill. Are
you looking for talent to come and be a part
of what you guys do.
Speaker 4 (18:47):
Yes, well, we're gonna offer it for the academy. We
have Academy coming up September sixth, We have open house
August thirtieth, so we want to invite people out to
the Academy so they can be a part of Jalen's play.
Oh okay, Jalen has allowed me to cast.
Speaker 2 (19:05):
It's wonderful. Wow, I had you are.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
The student has become the teachers and the teacher has
become a student. So how hard was it? Because I
know you've done what he's doing all Did you learn
that from her? From Christy? How to write plays and
do things like that?
Speaker 3 (19:29):
Did you learn it from her? I definitely, I've definitely
Miss Chrissie definitely plays a big part of my creativity
on how she you know, doesn't have to always stick
to script. You know, she can do her own thing
and still make it, you know, ten times better. So
you know, I feel like my creativity definitely, Miss Chrissie
definitely plays a part in that.
Speaker 1 (19:47):
Okay, okay, but how difficult is it writing a play?
Speaker 3 (19:53):
You know, like since it's based off of you know
my story. I feel like it was kind of easy,
you know, with the words started to flow out. You know,
have you read it yet?
Speaker 4 (20:06):
He's saying what he does, He's he'll send me, he'll
text me, like some of the script. So I've read
the gist of it. Okay, definitely, I'm there. I'm there
with the I'm guiding them.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
Through it, okay.
Speaker 3 (20:20):
Myself.
Speaker 2 (20:22):
But you know what, he really doesn't need me. He
thinks that.
Speaker 4 (20:24):
But I'm like in the background because he's real creative,
more than you know. But I'm not going to just
let him go out there. But yeah, I promise you,
Jalen is very creative. I believe that.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
I believe that just from listening to him and and
all the stuff that you've done. I mean, you can
kind of tell just.
Speaker 4 (20:42):
But you know, I gonna put my little two cents in, Jayleen,
but I'm definitely not. I don't want to read diirect.
I just want to, you know, say, put the salt
and pepper in it. Yeah, so I'm more of a
salt and pepper I think.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
You know, is that kind of how you are with
the kids over at young actors guilt? Is are you
like and I guess the conduit for them to become
creative and find their wings, spread their wings like in
his play when he's talking about finding your voice.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
That's the goal.
Speaker 4 (21:15):
But the easy part when you have parents like Jalen's mom,
Chris Delle, who I tell parents all the time, they say, Hey,
I want my child to go to Hollywood.
Speaker 2 (21:23):
I want my child to go to Broadway. He say,
you got to be there.
Speaker 4 (21:26):
So if I get them that audition, you got to
be ready to pack up. Like she stayed on the
road with him. I believe it six months.
Speaker 2 (21:33):
How long did you stay on the road.
Speaker 1 (21:37):
Twenty months?
Speaker 2 (21:38):
Twenty six months? So that means you have to leave
your job.
Speaker 1 (21:41):
That's commitment.
Speaker 2 (21:41):
You got to leave your family.
Speaker 4 (21:43):
And because at that time, Jaylen was eleven at that time,
so he had to have a guardian with them. So
my point is, so when you have parents who are supportive, yeah,
it works. And then of course James, you see how
humble he is. This is really him, how he is now.
I mean he never given me any kind of slack
or anything. He's always ready and willing.
Speaker 3 (22:04):
Wow.
Speaker 4 (22:04):
So that's why he is where he is today because
of his humble heart.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
Jalen would you say that mom has a lot to
do with that, Yes, ma'am and Grandma you're watching Grandma.
Speaker 2 (22:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Family makes a big difference when it comes to, you know,
where our children go. I think sometimes we don't think that,
but especially for people that are on the outside looking in,
they think, oh, well, you know, maybe his parents. Really
you know what I'm saying, But you couldn't have done
all of this without the support of your parents and
your family. And you know, it truly does take a villages,
(22:41):
you know, it takes that. And so yeah, the support
that you've received is just it's beautiful. And the fact
that your mother was able to be there for you,
that's a gift that is you know that right?
Speaker 2 (22:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (22:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (22:54):
When I first met him, with both of them, so Christale,
that's his mom, I say, he has it.
Speaker 2 (23:01):
He was like six.
Speaker 4 (23:01):
Then then I gave her this book Lion King later
and told her told her to tell him to read
the little part of Symbol so when we do have
auditions for it. Yeah, and he auditioned for it. He
knew it everything. And one day when he came back
from Hollywood, No Broadway, he was upstairs. I went to
(23:22):
their house. He said look, miss Christy. He still had
that book, so we bought tears Tobies. He still has
he still cherishes that book. That still have it? Oh wow,
what do you do with it?
Speaker 3 (23:33):
You put it away? Those are the top of my clause.
It's right, it's right there. I look at it every
time I pick out it outfit.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
Wow, that is beautiful. Yeah, changing lives, that's what it's about.
I feel like when you allow your child the opportunity
to spread their wings and grow and become a part
of something that they've expressed they want to be a
part of. You know what I'm saying that, Yeah, you
give them other options in life basically yeah, yeah, then
(24:03):
the typical you know, because a lot of people want
to be you know, singers or rappers, right or this
or that or whatever. But when they're offered the opportunity.
I believe that's why the arts are so important, When
they're offered the opportunity, yes, yes, to do something that
is different right than I guess the status quo what
(24:25):
everybody else is doing. Did you feel like were you
that you were different or or anything like that. And
I don't mean different and I'm better than anybody, but
just different.
Speaker 3 (24:36):
I feel one thing about me. I feel like I really,
you know, have a passion for it, like a lot
of people say they have a passion for but I
feel like I really loved it, Like I was in
love with everything that I did musically, acting and dancing.
You know, I just it just was my therapy. You know.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
Wow, Yes it is fifteen year old say that it
was my therapy. How many Yeah.
Speaker 4 (25:08):
I was gonna say, come to yg we all just
say yeah, because he actually is a mentor for some
of the boys as well. So he worked this summer too,
and he performed with us on stage this summer.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (25:20):
And now he's doing the play. He's part of your.
Speaker 4 (25:23):
Staff, right, Yeah, So the opportunities are endless for kids
that come to y A g Right. But let me
tell you the crazy part. So we were going to
do Hairspray this semester O. His mom and I we
were talking and well, Jalen said, you know, of course
I want to be in the play. I want to
direct or whatever. So I told his mom, I said,
(25:45):
guess what, Jayleen's going to be in the play Hairspray.
He's going to direct. And so his mom was telling
me that he was thinking about writing. I was like,
why did he say anything? I said, tell Jaylen, write
that play. We're gonna do that one. We're gonna move
hair Spray next semester. So that's how that came about. Okay,
put the video game down, and that's awesome.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
Yeah you don't make do you make money with video games?
Speaker 3 (26:11):
Okay?
Speaker 1 (26:11):
Okay, because I know some people do, and there's a
lot of money. So yeah, okay, so dedicated. Yeah, that's awesome.
It is so awesome to see you still doing what
you do, Christy, because you are just a bright light
in this city.
Speaker 2 (26:26):
It's a long time man, thirty four years.
Speaker 3 (26:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (26:28):
Look, I'm resting. Look, I said, Jaylen, go on for it.
Speaker 1 (26:32):
Yeah, I mean, but you yeah, humble, and it seems
like you pass it down to people that are around you,
and that's part of what you do.
Speaker 4 (26:40):
No, we're not gonna be all ves. Yeah right, you know,
and let the yawn bring it up.
Speaker 3 (26:46):
Mm hm beautiful.
Speaker 4 (26:49):
Jalen, Well, what's after that? After the play? I mean,
then what's after that?
Speaker 2 (26:55):
Hopefully he traveled with it.
Speaker 4 (26:56):
Hopefully somebody be in the audience because some of it,
some of some of your cast coming to the play.
Speaker 1 (27:03):
Yes, what Yeah, yep, that's gonna be so awesome. Oh
wow here in Memphis. Yeah, you're gonna bring Okay, all right.
Speaker 4 (27:14):
So we definitely want students to come to the YEG.
Yeah they want to be in this play. Yes, okay,
So when is the audition again? Well, Academy starts September
sixth Okay. We have open house on Saturday, August thirtieth
from eleven to one okay for people that want to
get in touch with you to find out more about YAG.
(27:34):
How can they do that? They can reach us at
nine oh one two four zero two one zero three.
Give us that again, area code nine oh one two
four zero two one zero three.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Okay. And I know you on that website.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
Yeah, we're on social media. We're all over social media.
But is it y agyg dot com? Okay, okay, but
a g Memphis dot com?
Speaker 1 (27:56):
Okay, YAG Memphis dot Com.
Speaker 3 (27:58):
Is there YG in other cities?
Speaker 2 (28:00):
Well?
Speaker 1 (28:00):
Or is this you?
Speaker 4 (28:01):
You?
Speaker 2 (28:01):
Did I know that?
Speaker 4 (28:03):
Well, recently I've been putting YG on and I see
it pop up. But yeah, I started it thirty four
years ago, so yeah, I think they probably do have some.
Speaker 1 (28:13):
Mm yeah, copy in after you the original I know
that's right, Chris. I'm on now.
Speaker 4 (28:21):
Look, we're definitely the original, definitely the original young actor skill.
Speaker 1 (28:25):
Yeah, yeah, that is fabulous.
Speaker 4 (28:27):
We offer acting, singing, dancing, We have vocal coaches, we
have choreographers, and the team is gonna be working with Jalen.
He's going to give them the vision and they're gonna
carry it through.
Speaker 1 (28:38):
Yeah, Okay, give us the number one more time.
Speaker 4 (28:42):
Nine oh one two four zero two one zero three
and again nine O one two four zero two one
zero three. Y AG Memphis dot.
Speaker 1 (28:55):
Com dot com. Okay, YAG Memphis dot com. Got it, Jalen.
Speaker 4 (29:00):
So, do you want people to follow you on social
media to keep up with what you got going on?
Speaker 3 (29:05):
Yes, you can follow me a Jalen Linden Hunter's j
y l e n l y n d O n
h U n t e.
Speaker 1 (29:14):
R so your whole name on Instagram, yes, ma'am. Okay,
Jalen Linden Hunter on Instagram. And then what else?
Speaker 4 (29:23):
Facebook? Oh no, ma'am, Just Instagram. That's all on, okay,
and that's all we need.
Speaker 1 (29:31):
Okay, So we can follow your career and see what
you're up to next, and we do want to encourage
other boys to come out too.
Speaker 4 (29:38):
Jalen is also an athlete, so we want boys and
the arts and athletes. They all go together, hand in hand,
hand in hand. Thank you Christy for coming by, and Jalen,
thank you so much. Yes, we look forward to seeing you.
Jalen and Michael Jackson. The movie is that?
Speaker 2 (29:56):
What is that?
Speaker 3 (29:56):
What's called? Michael?
Speaker 1 (29:58):
Michael?
Speaker 4 (30:00):
I'll be there. Okay, I'll be there. You didn't catch that.
I'll be there.
Speaker 1 (30:09):
Go ahead, Jayleen, give me a little bit of it.
Speaker 5 (30:13):
You should ever find someone I know, he better be
good to you, cause if he does, I'll be there,
don't you know.
Speaker 1 (30:31):
Baby, Yeah, I'll be there. Hey, I'll be there.
Speaker 2 (30:40):
East.
Speaker 5 (30:41):
We will.
Speaker 3 (30:43):
Just call my name man and I'll be there.
Speaker 2 (30:49):
See.
Speaker 1 (30:50):
That's how he got those rolls.
Speaker 2 (30:51):
That's yeah, why he just did it.
Speaker 1 (30:54):
He just said amazing. Thank you Tube for coming. I
appreciate yourself on the prayer list.
Speaker 2 (31:04):
Believe in God.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
The good things are coming and that they will be
here for a very very very very very very long time.
Speaker 3 (31:10):
All right.
Speaker 1 (31:10):
It is the pulse, ladies and gentlemen. I am stormy
keeping our fingertips on the pulse of our community. Young
Actors Guild Christy Chandler on the show, go ahead and
holler at them, and Jalen here with us. Thank you
so much for coming because you didn't have to, but
you didn't shout out to Briar Christian School.
Speaker 3 (31:30):
Okay, there you go.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
Thank you all for coming again.
Speaker 4 (31:33):
Thank you all right, everybody, God bless you. We'll see
you next week, same time, same station.
Speaker 1 (31:38):
Have a great week.
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