Tell about yourself and your background! *
I was born and raised in central Illinois with corn fields all around me. When I was a kid, I was partly raised by Action movie heroes, Superheroes, and ninjas in cartoons. When I wasn't in front of a TV, I was outside pretending every stick I picked up was a sword and every kick and energy blast I threw would take down monsters and supervillains. After years of begging my mom to put me in a karate or Kung fu class, on my tenth birthday, they finally agreed to it. We drove all over my home town Checking out different classes until I found the one that looked most like what I saw on TV. It was a Taekwondo school of course. When I got into my teen years, I realized the reason I had to wait so long was because we had no money for things like that. And I wasn't able to keep going consistently due to moving around a lot throughout the central Illinois area and financial struggles so I turned to YouTube where I discovered extreme martial arts. That rabbit hole led me to the stunt community on YouTube where I found new heroes to idolize and I would teach myself those awesome moves I saw these awesome people do. At age 17, my love for Superheroes and action led me to an Illinois Army National Guard recruiter. I served 6 years with them which included a paid trip to Afghanistan and a paid trip to Washington DC during President Bidens inauguration. I recently completed my contract with them and have been devoted 100% to my stunt career.
What inspired you to become a stunt performer?
I knew from a very young age that I would never be able to have a "normal" career when I became an adult. Being stuck in a desk in school drove me crazy. I knew that I needed a life of action like in the Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger movies my dad would always watch with me. For a brief time, I explored an interest in zoology but my mind always went back to action and Superheroes.
What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a stunt behind it?
I've tried to develop a wide variety of skills since I decided to become a stunt performer. I've definitely spent more time on fighting and tricking than anything else. But I would love to work more on high falls and wire work. I probably had the most fun with those.
What is the best part about being a stunt performer?
Obviously the community. I've been lucky enough to meet a couple of my childhood heroes and I've met people that are just starting out but have shown true dedication. For me, as a child, I had a hard time fitting in and I never really had anyone with the interests that I had. So it was just awesome to me when I joined this community and found other people like me that I could fit in with.
Tell your all-time favorite stunt story!
At this point in my career, I have my ears open to hear and learn about the stories and lessons of the more experienced stunt performers. My stories are still in the making.
What advice would you give other stunt performers?
I believe the most important thing I've learned, in order to be successful in this community, is to meet and make friends with as many people as possible and to make sure they remember your name.
Anything else you'd like to tell the community about?
I can't wait to meet and learn from you all. Check out my campaign to play the next Green Arrow on my YouTube and consider supporting the "Legendary Masters Council" on Kickstarter.
Please share your social media handles and how we can follow you!
YouTube: OneLight Action
Instagram: OneLight_Action
Tiktok: Jacob_Singletary
Facebook: Jacob Singletary
Please include any links to stunt reels or videos you'd like to share!
Green Arrow Reel https://youtu.be/24yCb1bwQ04
Stunt Reel: https://youtu.be/IfOwzqy5CGY
