The Soloists Showcase

Aadya Sharma is a 23-year-old artist whose professional work spans a broad range of mediums: from henna and sculpture to dance and film. They were born and raised in Columbia, MD, and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park, where they discovered the radical liberation of community centered art. Since then, they have incorporated community building into all of their artistic practices, whether that’s through collaborative sculptures about mental health, or an independent film uplifting queer love. Their creative practices have been incredibly transformative for them, and they want to help others express and heal themselves through their own art.
When they’re not obsessing over their next project and imagining with collaborators, they love to go out into the woods, find the closest creek, watch movies with friends, drive around, enjoy the little joys and explore the nightlife – wherever it is.

Sarah Poole is a theater artist, stage manager, poet, and dabbler in many hobbies. They are dedicated to creating and facilitating work that merges, expands, and revolutionizes art forms in pursuit of a more equitable world. She is currently developing Flux Arts Collective, a home for early-career artists to develop a following and connect with other creatives. Sarah is deeply grateful for the collaborative community created by their fellow Soloists and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and the overwhelming love and support from their found family throughout this process.

Jaida Gillespie is a graduating Senior Theatre Arts Acting major at Howard University. They look forward for you all to see this raw and capturing piece. They believe their work at BADA (British American Drama Academy), and continuous work in acting with their classmates and Professors helped to guide them in their direction. They look forward to developing this piece even further, and continuing their journey as an actor, director, and writer. This piece is directed by Savannah Blackwell.

Lenox Kamara is an emphatic DCMetro theatre director and artist. With his West African roots, and embracing identity through queer, black, and pop culture, his artistry has always been rooted in cultivating community. Loosely based on Ronald Dahl’s James and The Giant Peach, The Pit serves as a playful yet polarizing exploration of mind, body, and sense of home. Joining The Woolly Mammoth Soloists this season has been fruitful, especially alongside such brilliant budding artists. Lenox sends love to his friends, family, and DCMetro theatre tribe for always reminding him to hold space for his younger self on and off stage. Lastly, a special thanks to Natalia Corvoisier for her fearless fellowship. His credits include: In The Heights, Assistant Director (MC’s Summer Dinner Theatre), Pre-Pro & SMTTP, Acting TA (Adventure Theatre & ATMTC Academy), Seasons of Light, Assistant Director (Discovery Theatre), TBD: Devised Celebration, Performer/ Associate Producer (Capital Fringe Fest. 23’)

Henry Jeanneret (he/him) is thrilled to be part of the Queer Soloist program at Woolly Mammoth. He is a classically-trained vocalist and jazz musician with a passion for all things performing and is overjoyed to be reigniting his love for theatre through Woolly’s program. He recently graduated from American University double-majoring in American Studies and Communication Studies, with a certificate in Disability, Health, and Bodies Studies. Henry can be seen singing around the DMV, most recently as part of the opera chorus for Andrea Bocelli, but he feels most at home as the lead singer for jazz duo True Blue Two with guitarist Andre Cutair. You can catch him this summer as Davey in Newsies at Other Voices Theatre in Frederick, MD. Henry is immensely grateful for Tavish, Kristen, Nat, Emily, Aadya, Jaida, Lenox, Sarah, and everyone at Woolly for this incredible opportunity. Henry also sends much love and gratitude to his loved ones, especially his East Coast spineys Amy, Bash, and Milo.