As JG Management USVI enters its 15th year, founder and owner Jason Gardener is preparing to welcome a new wave of talent interested in expanding their skills in modeling, acting, and the performing arts.
Over the years, Gardener has built a creative empire in the Virgin Islands, producing signature events such as kids ROCK Fashion Weekend, VI Model of the Year Competition, St. Croix STYLE Fashion Week, The JG Center of Excellence, STYLED by Jason Gardener, and the Mr. & Miss JG Management Pageant.
Reflecting on this milestone year, Gardener said that the upcoming season’s theme is “Elevation.” In March, the group will officially celebrate its 15th anniversary. “Reaching 15 years is amazing, and now I just want to keep growing and getting better. I want to elevate my skills in teaching, expect more from the talent, raise the bar with our productions, and create even greater opportunities,” Gardener explained.
Auditions and registration for the 2025-2026 season begin this weekend at Mt. Pleasant studios on St. Croix, located above Jane’s Bridal. Auditions are open to children, beginning at age 5, as well as to teens and young adults. Sessions will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 24, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 31, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The dress code is personal style, allowing participants to showcase their individuality. The new season officially begins on Sept. 2.
JG Management’s training program is designed to prepare participants for success in both the fashion and entertainment industries. Training encompasses modeling and acting techniques, stage presence, public speaking, fashion styling, production insights, confidence-building, portfolio and resume development, as well as personal growth. In addition to weekly sessions, students will also participate in special workshops and fun outings.
Gardener said he is excited to welcome both returning and new talent this season, but he especially hopes to see more male participants. “Before the pandemic, we had a strong male presence with boys, teens, and young adults. I would love to see that return. There are many opportunities — whether for local commercials, castings, or even projects when we travel to New York — and we get frequent requests for male talent,” he said.
Gardener is also the visionary behind the highly anticipated kids ROCK Fashion Weekend, which he launched in 2013 after moving back to St. Croix from New York. “When I started my training program, I wanted to put on the biggest fashion shows in the Virgin Islands. That’s how Kids ROCK came about. The name just popped into my head because, you know, kids rock,” Gardener recalled.
Now in its 13th year, kids ROCK has become a cornerstone of youth fashion in the Virgin Islands, along with VI Model of the Year Competition and St. Croix STYLE Fashion Week, giving young models an early platform to shine. As JG Management steps into its 15th year with the theme of Elevation, Gardener remains committed to guiding Virgin Islands talent toward growth, opportunity, and the global stage.
