When a young actor steps into a groundbreaking role, the world takes notice. In the realm of youth theater, six-year-old Jules Zion is rewriting the narrative by becoming the first Black performer worldwide to play Troy Bolton in a production of High School Musical. The magnitude of this milestone is evident not just in the historic casting, but in the sheer dedication, charisma, and talent Jules brings to every rehearsal and performance. Historic moments often carry a weight that transcends the individual, and for Jules, stepping into this role is exactly that. This is a milestone that resonates far beyond the stage. Jules describes the experience as empowering and surreal. “That makes me feel happy, excited, and surprised because I am the first person, so it kind of makes me feel like a superhero and like Martin Luther King,” he said.
Jules’s love for High School Musical began early; he first watched the film at four and immediately connected with its songs and energy. When it came to preparation for the role, he demonstrated a natural confidence for his age. “No, I wasn’t nervous. I was just really excited. I just watched the movie and pretended to be his character,” he explained.
Each moment of Jules’s journey—from the nuances of his stage presence to his ability to balance multiple disciplines—reveals a young actor whose focus and versatility are unmatched. As we track his full schedule of rehearsals, school, soccer, basketball, and jiu-jitsu, it becomes clear that this historic casting is not merely symbolic; it is a direct testament to his natural work ethic and discipline.
Jules’s story is further amplified by his supportive network, most notably his mother, Kiki Ayers, a media entrepreneur and TEDx speaker whose own achievements have inspired countless individuals. Together, they have garnered attention from major outlets including Yahoo! Entertainment, The Source Magazine, and Hype Magazine, proving that Jules’s rise is both personal and culturally significant. For inspiration, Jules draws from legends across film and performance, citing Denzel Washington, Jackie Chan, Zac Efron, and Chadwick Boseman, whose path intersected personally through his mother’s school. These influences, combined with his own determination and family support, have helped mold a young actor ready to make history.
Recognition for his groundbreaking role extends far beyond the theater stage. Individual billboards across Los Angeles, a performance during the kids match NBA halftime show at the Clippers vs. Mavericks game, and features on Melrose Boulevard by his theater school mark the tangible impact of his accomplishments. Each accolade reflects not only Jules’s talent but also the doors that representation and opportunity can open for young Black performers.
As he prepares to make his debut, Jules also embraces opportunities that bring his youthful energy and versatility to new arenas—literally. “I am really excited. I love watching NBA games, so it’s cool to play on the court. I go to Lakers games a lot, and my favorite basketball player is Kobe Bryant. I honestly can’t believe I’m playing on the court,” he shared, reflecting on being one of just 12 kids selected to perform during the NBA kids match halftime.
Beyond the basketball court, Jules navigates a packed but intentional schedule with discipline and enthusiasm. “My day is busy. I have perfect attendance, so I always go. I love going. Right after school I do my homework. Then every day I have something after school between jiu-jitsu, soccer, basketball, and theater,” he explained. Even amidst the hustle, he prioritizes enjoyment. “My favorite industry moments are the movie premieres. I really liked Garfield, and the Elio carpet was so cool. They had rock climbing on the carpet,” he added.
Jules’s ambitions extend into future roles that celebrate representation and heroic storytelling. “I would love to play Miles Morales. He’s my favorite superhero and he’s Black and Brown like me. I would also like to be cast in The Lion King and play Mufasa,” he stated. Looking ahead to 2026, his goals remain a balance of creativity and growth: “I want to do more soccer, other plays, and jiu-jitsu competitions. There’s one in January. I want to play on the NBA court again next year and walk in fashion shows.” As the production opens December 7 at the Black Box Theater in Los Angeles, audiences will witness more than a performance. They will witness a young artist making history and redefining expectations, proving that excellence knows no age. Jules Zion’s journey is a reminder that with passion and perseverance, the stage—and the world—is ready for new narratives to shine.