Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, I’ve always had a passion for telling stories. Whether it be forcing my grandma to act out scenes from High School Musical or forcing my little brother to dress up and perform original plays for my family with me, I was always storytelling.
I attended George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology in Towson, MD where I studied Design and Production, but soon realized my passion lived onstage. I enrolled at Columbia College Chicago my freshman year to earn my BA in Acting with minors in ASL and Stage Combat, before transferring to Rider University where I will complete my BFA in Acting for Film, Television, and Theatre in May 2026. It is incredibly important for me to be a multi-hyphenate artist, so I’ve taken up Stage Combat, Directing, and Writing in addition to my design background to be a better performer. I’ve prioritized getting additional training in stage combat, attending multiple regional workshops and obtaining my certification in Single Sword, Quarterstaff, and Unarmed combat from multiple international fight societies. I also recently took on the role of Fight Captain in Rider’s 2025 production of Romeo and Juliet, while simultaneously Assistant Directing.
The most important stories to me are the ones that are raw and authentic, they don’t shy away from the hard stuff, but a good laugh is welcome. Through my work, I hope to create a world where girls, women of color, and members of the queer community can see themselves represented honestly. I want to share the fun and the truth of life. I think anyone can find value in these stories and we can grow to become a better community if we open up to others and remain receptive for others perspectives. There is something empowering in theatrical authenticity that I think we need to embrace, especially in times like these.
hi! i’m jaiden :)
Ayo Edebiri + Rashida Jones + Aubrey Plaza + Sadie Sink = Jaiden Shaw
WHAT IS JAIDEN…
READING
Shakespeare’s Henry VI Pt 1 - Joan has some KILLER sword fights!!!
LISTENING TO
The Art of Loving - Olivia Dean
Wishbone - Conan Gray
Listen to my Monthly Spotify Playlist!
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Well yes. I am from Baltimore, MD so of course I am a big Ravens fan. I think Ray Lewis is one of the most legendary players ever. Desperately in need of another Super Bowl. I also love the Orioles! I played softball for 12 years so when I was little, I always wanted to be the first female player in the major leagues. When I was 11, I went as Adam Jones for Halloween. #loveyouAJ
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This past summer, I traveled to Florence, Italy to participate in the Meeting of European Theatre Academies conference. I had SO much amazing food, but I’m stuck on a panini I got in front of the Duomo. It was porchetta, stracciatella, arugula, peppers, pesto, and garlic on toasted Tuscan ciabatta. Actually the best sandwich I’ve had IN. MY. LIFE. If you’re ever in Florence, go to Panini Toscani!!!
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MY LUCY GOOSEY BABY. I love her. She is everything. The key to my heart is to ask me about my dog.
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I was Snail #3 in A Year with Frog and Toad when I was 8 and have not stopped performing since. My only line was “Gotta run!” and all the snails slow-mo ran offstage. Got a big laugh every night!