Nahla Knight
New Voices Detroit Youth Playwright
Nahla Knight is a student at Fraser High School with an interest in all aspects of theatre (including dance, production, and writing). Nahla has completed the Silver Award in Girl Scouts and is an award-winning dancer currently working on a self-made routine.
Jaidyn Ray
New Voices Detroit Youth Composer
Jaidyn Ray is a young artist who has a passion for songwriting and writing. Jaidyn looks forward to the opportunity to hear their original songs performed live and would like to explore the possibly of becoming a singer themselves.
Brianna Couch
New Voices Detroit Youth Composer
Brianna Couch aka BRIIENICOLE is an award-winning songwriter from the Detroit School of Arts. Brianna was accepted into Berklee College of Music’s “Black, Brown, and Bound” program and is working on a premiere EP titled Emotional Intelligence. Brianna has released two singles that are available on all streaming platforms.
Jadyn North
New Voices Detroit Youth Composer
Jadyn North is a student at Cass Tech with hopes to make it to Broadway someday. If not Broadway, Jadyn hopes to apply the skills that were acquired through New Voices to thrive at a career in music production.
Sherida Henneghan
New Voices Detroit Youth Playwright
Sherida Henneghan is a prolific writer with an entrepreneurial spirit. As a student at Denby High School, Sherida has written three plays and more than 60 poems. Through New Voices, Sherida will work on skills in writing and acting, with a career goal of becoming the next Tyler Perry!
Priscilla Massey
New Voices Detroit Youth Playwright
Prescilla Masset is a writer who is interested in developing confidence and comfortability with the craft. In New Voices, Prescilla hopes to expand beyond writing and work on skills in acting and producing as well. Additionally, Prescilla was recently featured on a podcast and won a city-wide honor.
Simone Thompson
New Voices Detroit Youth Playwright
Simone Thompson is a songwriter, poet, and book author. Simone is currently focused on writing improvement, time management, and bringing words to life.
Justin Cameron Washington
New Voices Detroit Youth Playwright
Justin Washington is a student at Rochester High School who has won multiple awards for playwriting. Justin’s award-winning play No Prospering Weapons will premiere at The Kennedy Center this fall. Justin was also the winner of the 2022 New Voices Audience Choice Award.
Reagan Stroud
New Voices Detroit Youth Playwright
Reagan Stroud is a student at Detroit School of Arts with interests in writing, acting, and producing. Reagan has two book projects out titled “Hall of Fame,” and “The Girl Who Shared the World.” Through New Voices, Reagan is hoping to grow as a writer and begin a journey into acting.
Nicholas Smith
New Voices Detroit Youth Composer
Nick Smith is a student at MLK Jr. Senior High School in Detroit who is interested in producing music (and has already released 5 solo projects and 7 collaborative mixtapes). In addition to producing, Nick also has a passion for rapping.
Demi Ruffin
New Voices Detroit Youth Composer
Demi Ruffin is an incoming freshman at Howard University with an interest in music composition. Demi aspires to be an Orthopedic Surgeon and played on the 2022 Detroit Public School League championship team in Volleyball for Detroit Renaissance.
