Digital Cover: Ava Jean, Defining Her New Chapter
Talent: Ava Jean
Photos: Jesse Volk and Adam Hendershott
Words + Managing Editor: Chrissy Wang
EIC: Anthony Vu Cao
Executive Producer: Evan Xiong
Thanks: imPRint PR
At just 21 years old, Ava Jean is stepping into a defining new chapter—one shaped by a lifelong love of storytelling, a growing passion for music, and the kind of career moments that once existed only in her dreams. As she prepares to make her mark in the highly anticipated Camp Rock 3, starring alongside the Jonas Brothers, the rising actress and singer-songwriter is embracing the extraordinary evolution of a journey that has moved from childhood imagination to Hollywood sets.
But Ava Jean is not interested in being defined by just one creative path. For her, acting, songwriting, dance, and storytelling are all part of the same artistic language—each one revealing a different perspective and helping the others grow stronger. Whether she is stepping into the complex world of a character, writing music inspired by the intimacy of folk-pop storytelling, or dreaming about one day directing her own project, Ava approaches every opportunity with curiosity, heart, and a desire to continue learning.
In this exclusive conversation with GR8T Magazine, Ava Jean opens up about working alongside the Jonas Brothers, the surreal experience of entering the Camp Rock universe, the lessons she learned from Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao, and why she refuses to “pick a lane” as an artist. Grounded by her relationships, inspired by the stories that shaped her, and excited for the many perspectives still waiting to be explored, Ava Jean is entering her next era with purpose—and proving that her story is only just beginning.
You’re stepping into a major new chapter with Camp Rock 3, starring alongside the Jonas Brothers. What was it like realizing that this project could become such a defining moment in your career?
I remember the moment it hit me that I was working alongside the Jonas Brothers. Early on in shooting, I showed up to set, and they were standing outside a van chatting. It was the first time I was able to meet them, and I thought, “Wow, I’m on set with people I grew up admiring.” It’s been surreal to be welcomed into the Camp Rock world, and I know that a younger version of me is freaking out.
For Camp Rock 3, What drew you to the role?
From the moment I read the audition for Maddie, I knew how I wanted to play her. She was smart yet insecure, and she was abrasive, but in a way that almost makes you want to be her. The audition itself was really fun for me because I got to play someone so different from who I am. In my first rounds of self-tapes, I actually referenced the original “Too Cool” choreography from Camp Rock.
At just 21, you’re already building a career across acting and music. When did you realize you weren’t meant to choose just one creative path?
For as long as I can remember, I have loved just about everything in the arts. Whether it was making the neighborhood kids perform remakes of Disney movies or filling journals with lyrics, if it was artsy, I was probably involved. I feel lucky that I was encouraged to explore those parts of who I am, and I think each creative outlet I have makes all of them stronger as a whole. I hope I can continue exploring creatively my whole life.
You’re also a singer-songwriter. How would you describe your sound and what do you hope listeners would discover about you through your music?
For the past several years, music has been an outlet for me that feels like a journal. Personally, I love listening to folk-pop music and songwriters who tell stories through metaphors, and my writing is inspired by many of them. I hope to create music that makes listeners feel understood and sparks hope.
Acting and songwriting are very different forms of storytelling. How does expressing yourself through music compare with stepping into someone else’s character?
Music feels very close to my heart. When I share it with people, I am sharing who I am, my thoughts and my feelings. For me, acting is about using those thoughts and feelings to share a point of view within someone else’s story. They work together, I really couldn’t do one without the other.
Working opposite the Jonas Brothers is a pretty incredible experience for a young performer. What did you learn from being on set with them, both professionally and personally?
It was cool to see the brothers work together on set. The way they showed up was definitely inspiring. Every day I was on set felt like summer camp, and I think the Jonas Brothers were a huge part of creating a fun, safe environment for us.
You were also attached to the highly anticipated Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot. Although the series ultimately wasn’t picked up, you’ve spoken about developing a meaningful relationship with Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao. What did that experience teach you about the kind of artist you want to become?
Watching and learning from Chloé on set changed the way I viewed art altogether. I learned about releasing control of the outcome and was also introduced to a whole new way of discovering a character. Her influence meant a lot to me, and I feel really thankful for my time on that project.
At this stage in your career, how do you navigate the excitement and pressure that comes with opportunities arriving so quickly?
It’s definitely an adjustment for me. I’m learning to take things one day at a time, sometimes even an hour at a time. I really love acting, being on set, and learning from directors, and I think that has inspired me to continue doing what I love. Balancing excitement and pressure is something I think about a lot. I think my focus right now is to not let external influences decide the way I show up for myself.
There’s often a huge difference between the person audiences see on screen and who an actor really is. Who is Ava Jean when the cameras are off?
Honestly, I think your 20s are for figuring a lot of that out. Especially this past year, I feel like I’m always adapting to new places, people, or jobs. But I always look forward to being in my own home, having quiet game nights with my friends, or staying up way too late reading a book I can’t put down. I truly come to life when I’m with people I love..
As a young woman entering an industry that can be incredibly demanding, what have you learned about trusting your instincts and protecting your creative identity?
It’s so important to trust your instincts in any industry, and creatively, I’ve had to learn over the years how to advocate for myself. Truly, being surrounded by people who are educated in their fields but also look out for me has made the whole process easier. Being able to vocalize where I want to focus my creativity has also made it easier for the people around me to support me.
You have several projects in the works that you can’t talk about just yet. Without revealing anything confidential, what can you tease about the direction your career is heading?
I’m very excited about the upcoming season of my career, and I am focusing on telling stories from many new perspectives. I’ve been lucky to work with artists this year who inspired me growing up, and I am eagerly waiting to share so much more.
Your generation is redefining what it means to be a “multihyphenate” artist. Do you see yourself primarily as an actor, musician, or simply a storyteller—and how do you want to challenge the expectations placed on young artists today?
I’ve definitely heard both things in my career so far. Usually, it’s “pick a lane” vs. “do it all,” and for me, I view it like a car. Sometimes acting is in the driver’s seat, music’s the passenger, and dance is chilling in the back watching a movie. But then we stop to get gas, and all of a sudden, dance decides it’s her turn to drive. I don’t view myself as fitting into any one category; the medium of art just depends on what makes a story sparkle.
Success can arrive very differently than you imagine it will. As you approach this major career breakthrough, what part of the journey has surprised you the most so far?
I think I’ve been surprised by how connected pivotal career moments have been to things I loved growing up. There were times when I was so frustrated with my career, but it’s funny when you realize things actually do happen in perfect timing. There are many stories I hope to one day share about the interconnectedness of it all, but if I had gotten what I wanted when I wanted it, there is no way I would have had the moments I’ve had this year.
Beyond the roles, the music, and the career milestones, what is one thing you want audiences to understand about Ava Jean that they might not discover from watching you on screen or listening to your music?
I think I’d want people to know that I value my life outside of what I do. I love acting and music, but I think I’m only able to love them as much as I do because I have experiences outside of the art itself. I really care about my friends and my family and having experiences that have nothing to do with work. It makes me feel inspired, and then the next time I sit down with a script or lyrics, I have a whole new point of view.
If we revisit this conversation five years from now, what do you hope Ava Jean will have accomplished—and, more importantly, what do you hope she will still be passionate about?
If I really think about it, just a year and a half ago, I was in college online, training, and working several jobs to stay in LA. I can’t really comprehend how fast the change has been, so I can’t even imagine my life five years from now. I hope future me has taken on jobs that challenge me as an artist and encourage me to learn. In five years, I would love to have directed something, whether that’s a music video or a short film—I’m not sure. I hope I’ll still be passionate about my purpose and about using that to create positive change in the world. GR8T