Greensboro native and actor Jaylan Evans, known for his role in “My Life with the Walter Boys,” reminisces about attending plays and musicals at Elon University during high school. While applying to music theatre programs nationwide, Evans felt a strong connection to Elon, describing the university selection process as a mutual choice where both parties met halfway.
After graduating from Elon in 2020 amidst the global pandemic, Evans relocated to New York a year later. His early projects included a guest appearance in “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” and a voice acting role in a Netflix animated children’s series called “Spirit Rangers.” This experience allowed him to express his Native American heritage on screen, a significant opportunity considering the limited representation of Native Americans in the media.
In 2021, Evans embraced the fast-paced lifestyle of New York, balancing work at a men’s clothing store and catering gigs while originating a role in the punk rock musical “Punk Rock Girl” by Joe Iconis. His training in rock singing at Elon, particularly through performances like “American Idiot,” prepared him well for such roles.
During his time at Elon, Evans participated in various main stage productions, including his portrayal of Papa Ge in “Once on This Island” during Winter Term of his junior year. This experience, where the entire cast consisted of people of color, was particularly meaningful to Evans, highlighting Elon’s commitment to embracing diversity within its performing arts program.
Evans continued to bring his energy and embrace his multiracial identity in his role as Skylar in Netflix’s “My Life with the Walter Boys.” The series, which centers around a teenage girl living with nine boys in a small Colorado town, allowed Evans to portray a character that resonated with his personal qualities and background.
One of the standout moments for Evans was filming a heart-to-heart scene in the series where Skylar shares his aspirations of becoming a political journalist, aiming to advocate for underrepresented communities. This storyline reflects Evans’ own desire to use his platform as an actor to inspire positive change and representation.
“My Life with the Walter Boys” premiered in 2023, receiving positive reception and acclaim for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ and multiracial identities. Evans, touched by the audience’s response, hopes that his work brings joy and positivity to viewers, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and relatability in storytelling.
Reflecting on his journey post-Elon, Evans expressed gratitude for the support he received and now gives back to the university as a donor. He fondly recalls the vibrant creative community and memorable experiences from his time at Elon, highlighting the impact of scholarships and the connections he made on campus.