HAZELWOOD, Mo. — The Hazelwood School District is celebrating North Middle's seventh grader Jacob Feaman and his acting debut as a co-star in the award-winning television series Abbott Elementary.
In a release, the district announced Feaman had been developing his talent since attending the Ignite Theatre Company, a two-time nationally award-winning youth theater company in St. Louis.
"His passion for the performing arts led him to a demanding process of elimination at the iPOP Talent Convention competition that began with 5000 kids and, in the end, left him as one of a few kids who could choose an agent and manager," the release said. "He auditioned for a role in Abbott Elementary through his agent and was chosen to play the part."
Feaman said he was the best actor at the talent competition.
“We had to learn two monologues, a song and two commercials,” Jacob said. “I earned five medals. If you add all that together, I won Actor of the Year," Feaman said. "We had multiple managers and agents we could pick from who were trying to work with me. I was surprised. I was like, I am doing well here; maybe I should be an actor."
The show follows a group of dedicated, passionate teachers and a principal inside a predominantly Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life.
Jacob appeared in season three, episode four, “Smoking,” and shared his thoughts.
“Even under peer pressure, why would friends convince you to smoke if they know it hurts you?" Feaman asked "That makes no sense to me. Kids, don’t smoke. Stay in school and pursue your dreams.”
Recently, Feaman auditioned for a Netflix show and will audition for a leading character role in a movie this year. This role would be the first time Jacob will be cast as a main character if his audition is successful.