At only 12 years old, Glendale seventh grader Jacquelyn “Jax” Fuchs is an award-winning vocalist and honor roll student and has been in over 20 musical productions around the Valley, including a professional run in Scrooge! at Arizona Theatre Company.
“Performing in Scrooge! was a dream come true," says Fuchs. "I shared the stage with so many incredible actors.” She says she never wanted it to end.
Bobb Cooper, Executive Producer for Valley Youth Theatre, has often worked with Fuchs. "She is a talented artist and always works hard to give her best performance."
Cooper also appreciates Fuchs' feisty sense of humor and says she has an uncanny adorableness.
Fuchs has her sights set on Broadway or the silver screen. “Lydia from Beetlejuice is my dream role," Fuchs muses.
Understanding that big dreams take hard work, Fuchs is a shining example of dedication. She takes weekly singing and acting lessons, multiple dance classes, and piano and tumbling lessons.
Matt August, Kasser Family Artistic Director at Arizona Theatre Company, believes Fuchs has a bright future ahead of her. "She has a ton of talent, a beautiful voice, a generous work ethic, and is adorable onstage," he says. "She is savvy about what it takes to succeed in this very competitive industry, and she is dedicated to learning all the skills it will require, both onstage and off."
Fuchs doesn't seem to mind the hard work. “I want to be the best performer I can be.”
Two years ago, Fuchs was diagnosed with scoliosis. Her mom, Angel Fuchs, explains that performing helps the tween cope with her condition. "She's strong, confident, and disciplined. That's what she needs to endure 14 hours a day in a back brace."
I can't imagine my life without performing. I get to be creative. I know it makes the audience happy—and it makes me happy.