Getting to Know Jacob Rosen

by Connor Shea

Jacob as Bud Frump in Weston Drama

Workshop's production of "How To
Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"

I had the honor of interviewing Jacob Rosen. Jacob is a Sophomore at Natick High School and a new intern to Monkeyhouse; as am I. Jacob is truly an unique, and interesting individual. Jacob Rosen was born on February 7th, 1998 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His family moved to Massachusetts when he was 2; they lived in Belmont. From there, they continue to move around Massachusetts; from Wayland then to Natick when he was 4. The family has been settled in Natick ever since.

Now, I have known Jacob for quite a while and I assumed I knew all of his interests. Well, I was mistaken! To my surprise, Jacob’s interests extends from writing to running to theatre to music! WOW! I was truly surprised when I found out the Jacob has a passion for writing. I was beyond curious as to how this all came about and he answered with that he always had a, “will to create.” That was always something writing gave to him. He then proceeded to talk about how writing was a way he could express himself. Jacob referred to writing as therapeutic.  For Jacob, he believes writing makes you discover things about yourself that you never knew. Jacob also believes that writing is very introspective. Well, I had no clue what introspective meant. So, I did some research and the word introspective comes from the word introspection; which is the examination or observation of a person’s mental and emotional process. You could say that Jacob is quite into his writing and has a genuine, caring passion for his work; which is quite admirable. Jacob has self published some of his original stories but feels they aren’t quite ready for the public yet. I have no doubt one day they will be, and they are sure to be magnificent! I cannot wait to read them someday!

Jacob (middle) as Feldzeig in Natick

High School Drama's production of 

"The Drowsy Chaperone"

Next, I wanted to delve into Jacob’s theatre story. I believe that it is one that everyone needs to hear. It is a story of perseverance, dedication, motivation and really a story of a boy with a love for theatre. As cliche and cheesy as that all sounds; it is not far from the truth! In his younger years, Jacob played many sports. Sports ranging from baseball, to basketball, to football and even soccer! That is quite the athlete! Up to his 5th grade year, sports was all Jacob endured. “...thought I’d be a sports kid.” is how Jacob put it to me. Until he entered the realm of theatre as a fifth grader in Natick Drama Workshop’s (NDW) production of The Wild, Wild, Wildest West!  From there, Rosen fell in love the atmosphere that was and still is theatre. “It enticed me more than sports...” Jacob told me. He then continued to be a part of theatre throughout middle school. Working with Wilson Middle School Drama; Jacob preformed in productions such as Beauty and the Beast Jr. as Monsieur D’Arque, Phineous Trout in Willy Wonka Jr., Chi Fu in Mulan Jr., and finally Papa Ge in Once on This Island Jr.  

Jacob as General Mackenzie in Natick

High School Drama's production of

"And Then There Were None"

By 8th grade, Rosen decided that theatre was the way to go.  However, the same year he discovered his new love for theatre, Jacob was also diagnosed with cancer. As to a result of that cancer, Jacob lost his eye. Something that no 8th grader or anyone for that matter, should have to go through. But he was a trooper and did not let anything get in his way of what he loved. He snatched every opportunity he had in front of him, and he excelled in every way. When I asked him what motivated and inspired him to persevere and pursue theatre, he automatically responded, “My mom.” He mentioned how she was always there for him and always pushed him to try his best; that she was always supportive in all his life decisions. He paused, then continued with another role model of his, Sandy Duncan. Sandy Duncan is best known for her portrayal as Peter Pan in Peter Pan. Sandy Duncan also lost her eye due to cancer. However, she continued and did not let anything stop her from doing what she loved. Jacob talked about how he felt the same way and used Sandy Duncan and her story a way to motivate himself; that if she could do it, so could he. “I admire her courage. She wasn’t afraid to put herself out there. She didn’t let her injury hinder her performance as an actor. She also didn’t let it hinder her life.” His motivation and perseverance shows as Jacob has continued on with theatre to do this day; and plans to continue far off into the future. Jacob has worked with many companies including: Natick Drama Workshop (NDW), Weston Drama Workshop (WDW), Natick High School Drama, Wilson Middle School Drama, Alexander Children’s Theatre School (ACTS), and Boston Children’s Theatre (BCT). Some of Jacob’s favorite roles and shows he has been in include: Feldzeig in The Drowsy Chaperone, General Mackenzie in And Then There Were None, Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Jacob as George in Natick High School

Drama's production of "High Society"

Jacob is currently in the Alexander Children’s Theatre School’s (ACTS) current production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Chip Tolentino. The production is showing on February 14-16 and performing at the Emerson Umbrella for the Arts. You can go to www.ACTS1.org for more information! The one word to describe Rosen’s experience at ACTS is “eyeopening.” He hopes that everyone enjoys the show!

To conclude our interview, Jacob would just like to emphasize how ecstatic he is to be a part of Monkeyhouse. He can simply not wait to begin this new adventure! I am so honored to have been able to interview such an amazing, talented, well rounded guy like Jacob. It was truly an awesome time!