-Compiled and edited by Shawn Nowlin
Who is Jordan Sykes and how would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
I am a very charismatic and outgoing individual who loves life and enjoys the people around me. I’m someone who is passionate and tries not to take things in life for granted. As a versatile singer, songwriter and theater enthusiast, I thrive on the transformative magic of the stage.
I’m also a devoted husband and proud father of five – four daughters and one son. I try to seamlessly balance life as a full-time college student by day with my passion for theater by night. In high school, my love for performance was sparked.
Where were you born and raised? What was your upbringing like?
I was born and raised in Lynchburg to two loving parents, Terence and Sheree Sykes. My upbringing was very casual, yet religious because my parents are pastors. Both taught me how to trust God and read the scriptures. Church always came first when I was growing up.
After high school, what was the next chapter of your life?
I attended Richard Bland College for about 18 months before deciding to join the Army in 2012. I was in the military for four years. That experience taught me a lot about myself, most notably how to be a leader amongst men. Everybody goes through things in life, but it’s our job to be empathetic towards others and show the grace.
What is your official title, and what do your responsibilities consist of?
I am currently at Randolph College in Lynchburg getting my BFA in Theater with a minor in Musical Theater. In December 2027, I am scheduled to walk across the stage and graduate.
How important is family to you?
Family is very important! I love taking trips with my wife and children. Being able to provide them with life experiences that they will forever have is an amazing feeling.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
Because I’m a true music head, this playlist would be all over the place. It would feature Drake, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Maverick City, Hillsong, Senses Fail, Bill Withers, Michael Jackson and the Gap Band.
What are some of your favorite City of Roanoke memories?
When I directed my first show, “The Company You Keep.” It was written by Daniel Barksdale, and we did the show at the Jefferson Center. Also, when I directed “Crowns” by Regina Taylor at the Dumas Theater.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love singing, acting, directing and using my gifts to showcase the world what God is capable of. I’m also figuring out the steps to open my own art school for all walks of life.
Which people have had the biggest impact on your life outside of family?
There’s been several people I’ve met in my theater community who have had a huge impact on my life. Many people have positively contributed to my life, and I want to do the same for others in the future.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Don’t listen to the naysayers. Anything is possible when you put God first. Don’t be a people pleaser or follow the crowd. Be you, trust God and everything else will fall into place.
