Today we’d like to introduce you to Raja Jalernpan.
Hi Raja, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love for theater began in childhood summers on the Big Island of Hawaii. Growing up in a small town with few creative outlets, I was captivated when my sister starred in a local production of Annie. I tagged along to every rehearsal, and from that moment, I was hooked! The stage became my second home.
In college, I pursued a double major in Information Technology and Technical Theater at UNC Wilmington, where I worked on over 15 productions and countless creative projects. Though I ultimately chose a career in IT, the arts never stopped calling to me.
After moving to Florida for the Disney College Program, I thought my theater chapter had close….but art has a way of finding you when you need it most. A series of chance events led me back to the stage and, eventually, to Horizon West Theater Company.
Now, as president, I lead a team driven by the same passion that first drew me in as a child. We face challenges, especially without a permanent home, but we remain determined. Our mission is clear: to bring the transformative power of theater to our community. Through creativity, perseverance, and heart, we’re proving that art can thrive anywhere!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been anything but smooth but it’s been worth every turn. The arts world is never an easy path, and like many, I faced the difficult choice of stepping away from theater to pursue stability in another field. I built a career in IT, but the stage never stopped calling. Eventually, through what I can only describe as fate, I found my way back and that journey led me to Horizon West Theater Company.
Running a community theater without a permanent home is one of our greatest challenges. We’ve built stages in borrowed spaces, rehearsed in parking lots, and transformed empty rooms into performance venues…..all to keep the arts alive in our growing community. Every production we mount is a labor of love, powered entirely by volunteers and sustained by donors who believe in what we do.
Despite the obstacles, our passion has never wavered. We’ve produced over 39 shows since 2018, hosted free workshops, and created a safe, inclusive environment where kids, adults, and families can explore their creativity. What keeps us going is the belief that theater is more than performance — it’s connection, empathy, and belonging.
Today, we’re working toward our biggest dream yet: securing a permanent space. Not just for us, but for the community! A place where artists can create, families can gather, and everyone can feel at home. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s proof that passion, heart, and community can build something extraordinary.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Horizon West Theater Company, we create opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels to discover the magic of theater. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community theater, we specialize in producing high-quality productions, classes, and workshops that bring together children, adults, and families to learn, perform, and connect through the performing arts.
We’re known for our welcoming, inclusive atmosphere — a place where everyone feels seen, supported, and encouraged to grow. Whether it’s a child taking their first step onto the stage or an adult rediscovering their passion, we strive to make every person feel like they belong.
What sets us apart is our heart. We don’t just produce shows, we build community. Even without a permanent home, we’ve produced more than 30 productions since 2018, hosted numerous outreach events, and continued to make theater accessible to all through creativity, collaboration, and love for what we do.
We’re most proud of the community we’ve built, one that celebrates individuality, embraces inclusivity, and believes in the transformative power of the arts. Our mission extends beyond the stage: to inspire, to connect, and to ensure that every person who walks through our doors feels the joy of belonging.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest advice is to love what you do and surround yourself with people you respect and enjoy. I’m lucky to be doing this with friends, family, and friends who have become family. There will always be challenges and disagreements, but when everyone is volunteering countless hours, passion and support are what keep you going.
Without the incredible support of our board, our amazing HWTC family, and the Horizon West community, we would be nothing. I do this every day because I truly love it and because I love the people I’ve met along the way. They are what make all of this worth it.
Nothing is impossible.
Pricing:
- When we rent a space from Orange County Public Schools it costs anywhere from $13K to $20K for one week of time. It’s almost impossible to turn a profit. This is why our current goal is to secure our own home.
- $2K – $5K – could be the cost of scenery and props
- $2K – $5K – could be the cost of costumes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.horizonwesttheatercompany.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horizonwesttheatercompany/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorizonWestTheaterCompany/
- Other: Tiktok: horizonwesttheaterco
Image Credits
Horizon West Theater Company and SMO Photography
