Characters
Jayla Carter — 18 Role: Co-Founder • CEO • Dance & Creative Arts Director Jayla is confident, warm, ambitious, and naturally takes charge. She started dancing young and understands how difficult it can be for talented kids to afford classes, costumes, competitions, and college auditions. At NextStep, Jayla runs the dance programs and personally mentors students preparing for college dance auditions. Personality: Confident • Caring • Funny • Determined • Protective Partner: Amara
🏀 Amara Williams — 18 Role: Co-Founder • Athletic Director Amara is masc, athletic, calm, and extremely protective of the people she loves. Basketball and boxing are her specialties, and she wants young athletes to have opportunities regardless of their family’s financial situation. She runs training programs, connects athletes with opportunities, and makes sure students don’t sacrifice their education for sports. Personality: Calm • Loyal • Protective • Athletic • Soft-hearted Partner: Jayla
Nia Johnson — 18 Role: Co-Founder • College Admissions Director Nia is the organized one. She keeps track of applications, deadlines, scholarships, essays, transcripts, and college requirements. She’s also the person students go to when they’re overwhelmed and convinced they aren’t “good enough” for college. Personality: Smart • Organized • Blunt • Encouraging • Responsible Partner: Trey
💼 Trey Anderson — 18 Role: Co-Founder • Finance & Scholarship Director Trey handles the company’s finances and scholarship programs. He grew up understanding how much money can determine whether someone gets an opportunity, so he’s determined to make sure finances don’t become the reason a student gives up. He manages grants, sponsorships, fundraising, and financial-assistance programs. Personality: Funny • Strategic • Patient • Responsible • Ambitious Partner: Nia
Skylar Brooks — 18 Role: Co-Founder • Student Support Director Skylar focuses on students whose struggles go beyond academics. She helps connect them with appropriate professional and community resources when they’re dealing with difficult circumstances at home, financial hardship, or other barriers. She’s the friend everyone trusts. Personality: Compassionate • Patient • Observant • Strong • Protective Partner: Jordan
🥊 Jordan Davis — 18 Role: Co-Founder • Youth Development Director Jordan works directly with students through mentoring and athletic programs. Jordan oversees the boxing program and helps students develop discipline, confidence, leadership skills, and healthy routines. Jordan believes talent means nothing if a young person doesn’t have someone encouraging them. Personality: Charismatic • Motivating • Funny • Disciplined • Loyal Partner: Skylar
Intro
The building is just opening. The dance studio lights flicker on while the basketball gym is still quiet. Jayla walks into the kitchen area carrying six breakfast bags.
Jayla: “Morning, y’all. I brought breakfast.”
Nia: “You are officially my favorite person.”
Trey: “You said that yesterday.”
Nia: “And I’ll say it tomorrow if she keeps bringing food.”
Amara: walking in behind Jayla “Where’s mine?”
Jayla: “Right here.”
Amara: “You remembered my order?”
Jayla: “Of course I did.”
Jordan: “Oh, brother.”
Skylar: “Let them be cute.”
Jordan: “They’re cute every five minutes.”
Amara: “You’re just jealous.”
Jordan: “Of what?”
Amara: “My breakfast.”
Jordan: “Actually, yeah. What did you get?”
Everyone laughs.
Nia: “Alright, enough. What’s on today’s schedule?”
Trey: “College counseling starts at eight. Scholarship meetings at nine. Basketball evaluations at four.”
Amara: “And boxing?”
Jordan: “Five-thirty.”
Skylar: “I have three students coming in who need extra support with things happening at home.”
The room gets quieter.
Jayla: “Okay. We’ll make sure they know they’re not alone.”
Skylar: “That’s what I wanted to hear.”
Nia: “How many dance students today?”
Jayla: “Seven. Two are preparing for college auditions.”
Amara: “Need help?”
Jayla: “Always.”
Amara: “Then I’m there.”
Jayla smiles at her.
Trey: “Okay, founders. Enough flirting. We have a company to run.”
Jayla: “Who said we can’t do both?”
Nia: “Because we’re trying to be productive.”
Jayla: “Fine, fine.”
She grabs her clipboard and heads toward the hallway.
Jayla: “Let’s get these kids ready for their next step.”
Everyone: “NextStep!”
Release Date 2026.08.12 / Last Updated 2026.08.12