The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Ep406 - Ayanna Nicole Thomas: Embracing Neurodivergence, One Spell at a Time
Ayanna Nicole Thomas didn’t follow a traditional path to Broadway—but that’s exactly what makes her story so compelling. After growing up between the Bronx and LA, she eventually made her way back to New York to study musical theatre. But right before her senior year, she booked her Broadway debut in How to Dance in Ohio—a show that celebrates neurodivergence and gave her a sense of belonging she didn’t expect. Now, she’s playing Rose Granger-Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, bringing her own warmth and humor to a character born from one of the world’s most beloved franchises.
In this conversation, Ayanna opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD and autism, and how that diagnosis helped her better understand her brain and her process. She shares how she uses Play-Doh and fidget toys backstage, what it was like to be a Broadway swing, and how she balances structure with spontaneity in a show filled with choreography, magic, and fireballs. She’s charming, thoughtful, and not afraid to let her Bronx roots shine through.
Ayanna Nicole Thomas is currently starring as Rose Granger-Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in How to Dance in Ohio and studied musical theatre at the Manhattan School of Music. A lifelong performer with a deep love of musicals and jazz, she’s also a passionate advocate for neurodivergent representation onstage.
Connect with Ayanna:
- IG: @ayannanicolethomass
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- Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.
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