Lama El Homaïssi (she/her) is a Lebanese trilingual actor-singer, writer and voice over artist based in NYC. Current role with WAM: Jana in Port of Entry WAM Theatre: Debut Selected Theatre Credits Elsewhere: Most recently, she played the role of Medea in a rock musical adaptation of the Greek tragedy (Rock Medea, by Daniel Cantor and Gían Perez) performed at Joe’s Pub. Lama originated the role of Qamar in the Piedmont Play Cycle by Darcy Parker Bruce at Northampton Center of the Arts. After working as an assistant dramaturg and translator on the world premiere production of We Live in Cairo (by Daniel and Patrick Lazour) at American Repertory Theatre, Lama was involved as a storyteller and singer in several community engagement and education events in both Boston and New York City in support of the show. She also collaborated with Daniel and Patrick Lazour on lyrics for the song “Tahrir Is Now” featured on their album Flap My Wings: Songs from We Live in Cairo. Other venues Lama has performed at include Lincoln Center (David Rubenstein Atrium and Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse), Club OBERON, and Berklee Performance Center. Additional artistic credits: Fun fact: Lama has had a parallel career as a TV content writer/producer working on regional adaptations of popular talent shows such as The Voice and So You Think You Can Dance, as well as her own original formats that were produced in the Middle East. Creative inspiration: Finding the balance between art-making and mental health, speaking to Trauma, PTSD and immigration Community Engagement/Activist work: Passionate about amplifying immigrant, minority and underrepresented stories in as many spaces and on as many platforms. Challenging the monolithic and stereotypical portrayal of Middle Eastern characters in theatre and media (I’m part of multiple SWANA writer co-ops). Volunteer dance and movement teacher to children and young adults with Autism and Down Syndrome. Selected training: MFA Musical Theater, Boston Conservatory at Berklee ’19, BA in Filmmaking, Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts ’12. Legit and Broadway Belt, SAFD Basic Pass in Unarmed Stage Combat. Instruments: guitar, ukulele, piano. Awards/proudest achievements: Lama is currently developing her original theatre work in the Safe Haven Incubator for Music NYC (SHIM:NYC) residency. She is also a member of the Joe’s Pub Working Group 2022-2023. She was a SPACE on Ryder Farm institutional resident in 2022. Final word: Lama is very thrilled to be making her WAM Theatre debut and to be reprising her role as Jana! Connect: lama-elhomaissi.com / @lama.elhomaissi (Instagram)