Jonathan Jimenez has enough theatre experience to fill several résumés. His accomplishments are many: a “Supporting Actor of the Year” here, an “Outstanding Soloist” there.

Despite this Falcon’s achievements, his latest theatrical project featureshimself anywhere but the spotlight. At the age of 20, Jimenez has taken on the task of directing 15 high school and college age students in an entirely independent musical production.

The play, Godspell, is a rock opera based on the book of Matthew in the Bible. Jimenez first performed the show at his high school. He appeared as the lead role, Jesus.

Nearly three years later, Jimenez finds himself blocking scenes for teenagers that he himself has performed dozens of times.

“I started out to do this play because it was about God. My church didn’t have a ministry that I felt fit me so I made it my own musical theatre ministry,” Jimenez said.

With no funding or organizational support, Jimenez has had to look elsewhere for a place to take his show. As the President for the student board of the Youth Cultural Arts Foundation, a local non-profit organization, he was able to gain access to a stage for practices and, come January, performances.

He gained contact through this organization when auditioning for its production of Snow White. Jimenez played Prince Charming.

Valentina Gaete, friend of Jimenez and Godspell choreographer said, “It’s an honor to work with Jonathan because of his passion for musical theatre and the fact that he’s so young.”

After the eight scheduled performances Jimenez has lined up at the Bellflower Civic Center, he hopes to take the show on tour. He wants to take the show “to local churches and other places in the Los Angeles area.”

“I want people to see this play because it is entertaining, fun and inspiring.”

The production however is more than just fun. Jimenez explains that being the sole director and producer of any performance can be extremely tiring.

“Midway through the semester I found a well paying job that took up a lot of time. I had to choose between directing and going to school. I choose directing.”

Jimenez makes it very clear that this decision is for one semester only.

“I’ll be back in the spring. My dream is to be a high school drama teacher. I definitely am coming back to school.”

For Jimenez, the choice to postpone his dream in order to live a piece of it now was obvious.

“I think theatre and music is in everyone’s soul. It does something for aperson. It makes a difference. It takes you out of who you are for the moment and lets you be someone else.”