People You Should Know … Aneesa Folds
Visible Soul
by Zach Calhoon
October 15, 2017
ANEESA FOLDS is beyond excited to be a part of This One’s for the Girls. Favorite credits include Off-Broadway: Sistas (Gloria). Tour: Ragtime (Sarah’s friend). Regional: Sister Act (Deloris Van Cartier), Hairspray (Motormouth Maybelle) and Rent (Joanne). Special thanks to her family and friends for their support, and to the entire team for this incredible opportunity!
How did you get involved in theatre? When did you know that you wanted to be an actor?
I was first introduced to theatre in 6th grade. My music teacher got me to sing out loud in class after trying for months. It took some time because I was a VERY shy kid. Once she heard what I could do she tried her best to convince me to audition for the school musical but I refused. Eventually she called my mother and they both forced me to audition. I’m so grateful they did. In my very first show I played Bloody Mary in South Pacific. I continued to perform after that, but it wasn’t until senior year of high school that I decided there was nothing else I wanted to be doing. That’s when I became determined to pursue the business.
Tell me about THIS ONE’S FOR THE GIRLS. How do you feel rehearsals are going? What do you love most about the show?
The process for this show has been wonderful. It’s always fun to be a part of something that’s constantly evolving. From day one we were involved in the process. We were asked how we felt about certain lines or pieces of the show as a whole. As an actor you aren’t always granted that opportunity so we’ve been very lucky. It’s ours. This show has come a long way and I feel extremely honored to be a part of it!
What kind of writing inspires you?
I love writing with truth behind it. I’m always asking myself, what hasn’t been done before? And more importantly, what does our world need? I love that this show focuses on the empowerment of ALL women. It touches on many subjects that need to be spoken about.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your work as an actor thus far?
I’m influenced by art that is new and outside of the box. The kind of art that sparks conversation. Theatre is changing for the better and I’m all for it. I love being a part of this new generation of work. Where I’m not put in a box because of what my “type” is. It’s truly wonderful to see.
What else are you working on right now?
I am also currently appearing in another Off-Broadway show called Sistas. My character’s name is Gloria. I jumped into the show August 5th so I’ve been in it for a while now. It’s an absolute blast!
Follow Aneesa @aneesanael and aneesafolds.com