Biographie
Jake was born and raised in Arlington, Virginia to two professional musicians. His father, Robert, a French Hornist in the Opera House Symphony at the Kennedy Center, and his mother, Donna, an elementary school band teacher. Growing up in such an artistic family had a profound effect on Jake from an early age, and has propelled him to his career in the arts today.
Jake has a degree in music from James Madison University, where he first found himself on stage. His earlier childhood was filled with sports (Jake played football, basketball, and soccer) and band (Jake was the first chair trumpet in the symphonic wind ensemble as well as an avid piano player), but theater was never something on his radar. That is, until he switched his major from trumpet to voice, in order to pursue a degree in music production. In doing so, he was required to take voice lessons, be in the choir, and perform in JMU's operas and musicals. This is where Jake finally found his footing. Within a year he was playing lead roles in the musicals, and he knew acting was his calling.
After college, Jake toured around the world with shows like The Pajama Game, Grease!, and FAME!. He returned to the DC area in early 2012 to originate the role of Davis in the world premiere of Paul Downs Colaizzo's Really Really at Signature Theatre in Arlington - his first play. His performance was very well-received, and Jake got his first agent and moved to New York City. Six months later, he would make his Broadway debut.
Jake has been working on Broadway ever since. He has been seen in several recognizable roles on Broadway. He has played Peter Parker in Spider-man: Turn Off The Dark, Charlie Price in Kinky Boots, and originated the role of Mr. Hollister in Pretty Woman: The Musical. Jake was most recently cast in the original company of Matthew Lopez's The Inheritance on Broadway, directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, playing the role of Michael.
In his spare time, Jake keeps to his musical roots and arranges music for the concert series he produces in New York City called The Harmony Series. He loves taking care of his plethora of houseplants, playing sports and working out, as well as card games, cooking, and cuddling with his cat.
