IN CONVERSATION WITH AVA JEAN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Ava Jean is poised for a major breakthrough with her role in the highly anticipated Camp Rock 3, releasing on 13th August, where she stars opposite the Jonas Brothers in the next chapter of the beloved franchise. Beyond acting, she’s also a singer-songwriter preparing to release her debut EP later this year, showcasing another side of her artistry. With major projects on the horizon and a growing creative voice of her own, Ava Jean is a rising star to watch.

all photography by JESSE VOLK

Camp Rock holds a special place in pop culture. What was your reaction when you learned you’d be joining the franchise for Camp Rock 3?

I was ecstatic. I remember asking, “Wait? Camp Rock? I booked Camp Rock?!” which was followed by an excited scream and a call to my mom. My earliest childhood memories include watching Disney Channel Original Movies with my family, one of those being Camp Rock, so when I showed up at camp, I felt like I was entering a world I grew up admiring. There were a lot of happy tears and maybe a Camp Rock rewatch or two.

What can you share about your character and the role she plays in this new chapter of the story?

Madison is incredibly ambitious, and her favorite hobby is probably intimidating her peers. Alongside Daniel and Danielle, she runs a trio that’s familiar amongst campers. Playing "Maddie the Baddie" was especially fun because she not only pays homage to the original movies through callbacks, but also reflects today's social media-driven culture, where influence can shape perception.

Stepping into such a beloved franchise comes with a passionate fanbase. Did that feel exciting, intimidating, or a bit of both?

As a childhood fan of the original films, I stepped into the franchise with the fanbase in mind. While the excitement of joining the project outweighed any nerves, I also felt a sense of responsibility to honor what these movies have meant to so many people. Having Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers involved made me feel confident as we explored this new chapter. The entire cast is incredibly passionate and talented, and I truly believe Camp Rock 3 has the same heartbeat that made the original movies so special.

As both an actress and a singer-songwriter, did Camp Rock 3 feel like the perfect project to bring together your different creative passions?

I grew so much as a songwriter during Camp Rock 3. I think every job or experience I’ve had brings out a new layer of who I am as a person, which translates directly to writing. Camp Rock especially gave me a newfound confidence in my voice and creative ideas. The most encouraging part of the process was honestly the cast. We would often sit in the hotel and play music together, singing the songs we were filming that week.

How has music influenced your approach to acting, and vice versa?

For me, every artistic outlet has poured into the next. Dance was the first place I learned to use my artistic voice. My mom was a professional dancer, so some of my developmental years were rooted in seeing musicality as magic. Music and acting have always been deeply intertwined for me. Whether it's creating a playlist for a specific character I’m playing or watching a film and writing songs inspired by what I feel on screen, each creative experience is connected. Even on projects where music isn't part of the job, it's always part of my process.

What themes or experiences are you exploring through your songwriting?

Currently, my songwriting is exploring themes of change, friendship, and reflection. I enjoy challenging myself to be vulnerable and giving songs space and time to develop. I find when I rush, I skip over the truth. So I’ve been enjoying taking the time to say how I really feel. I’ve been holding my projects close to my heart, but I’m just about ready to share them with the world.

You’re at a unique moment where your acting and music careers are developing simultaneously. How do you balance both sides of your creative life?

It's been really exciting to be discovering who I am as an artist, and I'm learning to embrace the different chapters of my creative life. If I'm working on an acting project, I want to be present in the experience, like being on set, getting to know my character, and learning from the people around me. I tend to write my favorite lyrics and music during the quieter seasons of my life, so the balance has worked out naturally. Learning to find joy in every season instead of overwhelming myself has been a huge game changer for me.

As a young performer, are there particular actors, musicians or filmmakers who have inspired your path?

Reese Witherspoon was one of the first actors whose career I followed. Her range as a performer inspired me as a young actor, but I’ve also admired the way she has used her business skills to create opportunities for other artists. She was part of the reason I decided to go to business school, and I hope one day I can inspire young women as she does.

Music has always been heavily influenced by lyricists for me. Adrienne Lenker is one of my current inspirations because of the vulnerability she brings to her art and the way she connects songwriting to environment and experience, which is something I focus on in my own music.

I've always been drawn to artists who are true storytellers. Someone I truly admire is Kenny Ortega, whose work is filled with expansive choreography that makes audiences feel like they’re included in the world-building. Chloé Zhao is another filmmaker who has deeply inspired me, and having had the chance to work with her, I’ve been moved by her authenticity and the way she encourages creative boldness.

How have you handled the transition from aspiring artist to someone entering the spotlight on a much larger scale?

The artists I’ve looked up to in my life have always shared similar advice, which is to keep pouring into who I am as a person, not just my artistic craft. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the visibility of projects, which at times I feel, but I find most of my joy in doing the work itself. I hope in this next chapter of my life I can keep doing what I love while prioritizing my family and friends.

With several exciting projects still under wraps, what kinds of stories and roles are you most drawn to at this stage of your career?

I’m excited to step into roles that push me to become a better storyteller. I always want to be learning and growing, and I think a role that requires research would be challenging.

This feels like a major breakthrough year. How are you staying grounded while so much is happening at once?

I am spending a lot of virtual time with friends these days, and I think for me, that has been the best thing in this season. Even when I’m out of town or across the country, I talk to my childhood best friends at least two or three times a week. I feel like I’m learning new things every day, but their friendship makes it feel less scary.

If this next chapter of your career could be defined by one thing, what would you want it to be?

I want it to be defined by curiosity. I want to keep taking on a variety of roles and opportunities that encourage me to ask questions and acknowledge new perspectives. I feel ready for the next step, and I’m excited for all of the moments along the way.