Fulfilling our mission, realizing a dream...
Rare is the eleven-year old whose biggest dream in life is to direct a theatrical production. Get to know JJ House, though, and it is easy to see why such an uncommon desire perfectly suits this unique boy. His zeal for life twinkles in his dark eyes. His passion for theatre radiates through his bright smile during a live show - whether in the audience or on stage. His personality is so infectious, it is impossible to fathom how so much energy could be confined to a wheelchair.
However, The JJ Project is not merely about granting a child's wish. Neither is it solely about overcoming disabilities.
It is about how one boy’s hope and courage can inspire a community.
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Because the 37 broken bones in his body have never healed properly, JJ uses a wheelchair to move from one place to another. Despite technological and medical advances in accommodating people in wheelchairs, it is still difficult for JJ to go from place to place. He cannot go out and play on the playground like other kids, or participate in a game of baseball or basketball. This is why he chose theatre to connect with the world and now pursue his dream which is to direct a musical.
JJ’s reason for pursuing his dream is just as important as the actual quest. By pursuing his dream, JJ is hopes that others will see that they can achieve their dreams, too. Regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, finding your dream and going after it are fundamentally a part of establishing a sense of wholeness and purpose that allows us to forgive the past wrongs and focus on the present and future. JJ's determination of becoming a director sometimes is at odds with his desire to just be an eleven-year-old boy, which leads to conflict with his cast, crew, the adult mentors, and his family.
With the support of Theatrical Rights Worldwide, the story follows JJ throughout his journey as he directs How I Became A Pirate from pre-production meetings, auditions, planning, and rehearsals to performances which took place at the Memorial Theater in Mount Vernon, Ohio, September 27-28, 2013. Additionally, this documentary demonstrates how JJ works with a team of other children who fill roles needed for any theatrical production. Each young person works with an adult mentor to host a memorable musical for JJ’s hometown of Mount Vernon. Becoming part of the conversations that happen in this authentic learning environment, while experiencing the youthful creativity and energy of the children producers will resonate with audiences world-wide.
In addition to showing JJ's theatrical involvement, the story reveals much of his background through in-depth interviews. We appreciate how he overcame an abusive birth family, a neglectful foster home, and his disability to rise to a giant human spirit whose stage presence is captivating and whose spirituality is humbling. Described as having an “old soul,” JJ reaches beyond the borders of his community and touches the lives of people in the performing arts community — and all communities — around the world.
JJ’s reason for pursuing his dream is just as important as the actual quest. By pursuing his dream, JJ is hopes that others will see that they can achieve their dreams, too. Regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, finding your dream and going after it are fundamentally a part of establishing a sense of wholeness and purpose that allows us to forgive the past wrongs and focus on the present and future. JJ's determination of becoming a director sometimes is at odds with his desire to just be an eleven-year-old boy, which leads to conflict with his cast, crew, the adult mentors, and his family.
With the support of Theatrical Rights Worldwide, the story follows JJ throughout his journey as he directs How I Became A Pirate from pre-production meetings, auditions, planning, and rehearsals to performances which took place at the Memorial Theater in Mount Vernon, Ohio, September 27-28, 2013. Additionally, this documentary demonstrates how JJ works with a team of other children who fill roles needed for any theatrical production. Each young person works with an adult mentor to host a memorable musical for JJ’s hometown of Mount Vernon. Becoming part of the conversations that happen in this authentic learning environment, while experiencing the youthful creativity and energy of the children producers will resonate with audiences world-wide.
In addition to showing JJ's theatrical involvement, the story reveals much of his background through in-depth interviews. We appreciate how he overcame an abusive birth family, a neglectful foster home, and his disability to rise to a giant human spirit whose stage presence is captivating and whose spirituality is humbling. Described as having an “old soul,” JJ reaches beyond the borders of his community and touches the lives of people in the performing arts community — and all communities — around the world.
