Who We Are
Our Mission
With a focus on theatre and literature, we use the arts to unite people under a common philosophy of limitless respect, empathy, and curiosity. We believe in the possibility of a better world and work towards its creation through artistic education and active community organizing.
Our Values
For Elenvia adheres to the following values in every aspect of our organization, from internal affairs to our works of art.
- All life forms have dignity and shall be treated with the reverent respect that is due to them by nature of their existence.
- There is nothing and no one that is above critique. Anyone should feel free to respectfully disagree with anyone else.
- We define hatred as a lack of respect for another’s basic dignity, and this will not be tolerated in any circumstance.
- The world is full of philosophical mysteries. We will ask questions and delight in the investigations but never pretend we are certain of the absolute truth about anything.
- We find it evident that when peace and safety are combined with joyousness, something has gone right, and that thing is good. Everything we do and every project we support will work towards creating more of this good for as much of the world as possible.
Our Vision
We imagine a future where people can unite across all borders: psychological, socioeconomic, or geographical. This future we see is one of peace, safety, and liberty, and we call it Elenvia. We believe Elenvia is achievable through philosophical questioning and artistic joy. We see ourselves as the bridge between our current era and the next. We will find and generate an abundance of Elenvian art through promoting and developing an abundance of Elenvian artists who will help us find ourselves, at last, in a great Elenvian day.
Meet Our Artistic and Executive Directors
Addam Ledamyen
Artistic Director
Addam Ledamyen (they/them) is a multidisciplinary storyteller with specialties in acting, playwriting, novel writing, and narrative improvisation. They have been a student of theatre all their life though more officially at Oakland School for the Arts and American University (DC) from 2014-2022. Addam is now working towards an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts and Writing from the California Institute of Integral Studies (SF), serving as a teaching artist at the Walnut Creek Center for Community Arts, and acting as a contributing editor of Starborne: The Journal of Autocosmology, all while having the privilege to perform on stage with such companies as Synergy Theater and Center Rep. As the Founding Artistic Director of For Elenvia: Publications and Productions, Addam is dedicated to holding a space of peace and productive joy where art and community can flourish as one.
Theo Neeno
Executive Director
Theodore Neeno (they/them) is a passionate working theatre professional. Whether working on teams of electricians for hang and focus, mixing bands or musicals, or performing, they have done and hope to continue to do it all. Theatre has always been a part of Theo’s life, starting with performance in their hometown of Anchorage Alaska. They got their degree at Oklahoma City University, graduating with a BA in Theatre and Performance with scenic and costume design minors. Theo is currently working in various theaters around the SF Bay Area, primarily as an electrician or a sound board operator. They are dedicated to learning and building a wide range of proficiencies. As the Executive Director of For Elenvia: Publications and Productions, Theo wants to bring art to and highlight art from communities with underrepresented voices and connect theatrical professionals with aspiring professionals to connect and uplift all.
Ruihao Li, 李睿豪
Engagement and Outreach Director
Ruihao Li, 李睿豪, is a passionate and heart-forward human with a presence attuned to the intelligence of sound, breath, and body. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Physics and minor in Creative Writing, he pursued a master’s degree in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness at the California Institute of Integral Studies, during which he also took a variety of electives from the Department of East-West Psychology. He is most fulfilled when his creative and contemplative pursuits merge. When he is not singing at the park, he can be found wandering in bakeries and grocery shops looking for the materials of his next poem. He plays the acoustic guitar and is an avid practitioner of musical improvisation. He enjoys a nice session at the stretch lab and will fixate a little longer over anything that feels intellectually stimulating. More importantly, he is always on the look out for spontaneous inspirations and meaningful companionships.
Ruihao Li (李睿豪)
Ruihao Li (李睿豪)
Ruihao Li (李睿豪)
he/him
My philosophy: Life is this generative and chaotic playground we all inhabit. Art is the conscious act of playing that gives life meaning. To say art making supports life is an understatement, for it is the very engine that drives life.
Masters in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness, CIIS | Bachelor in Creative Writing, NYU |
he/him
My philosophy: Life is this generative and chaotic playground we all inhabit. Art is the conscious act of playing that gives life meaning. To say art making supports life is an understatement, for it is the very engine that drives life.
Masters in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness, CIIS | Bachelor in Creative Writing, NYU | Briefly served as Poetry editor for NYU’s creative writing magazine West 10th
Theo Neeno
Ruihao Li (李睿豪)
Ruihao Li (李睿豪)
they/them
As a queer POC, and having been involved in theatre my whole life, I never saw many characters or worked with people who looked like me or shared my experiences. I want to bring diverse, and multi-dimentional stories that bring light to other people and their lives, loves, and joys to the forefront. Theatre is for all, and to de
they/them
As a queer POC, and having been involved in theatre my whole life, I never saw many characters or worked with people who looked like me or shared my experiences. I want to bring diverse, and multi-dimentional stories that bring light to other people and their lives, loves, and joys to the forefront. Theatre is for all, and to deny people the opportunity to tell their stories makes the world we live in a darker place.
Wake Lloire
Ruihao Li (李睿豪)
Wake Lloire
they/them
Wake Lloire is a parent, community builder, and is driven by their passion for creating inclusive spaces for queer/neurodivergent/ chronically ill/disabled creative folks. They have been a teacher, publicist, radio dj, and bookseller as well as a poet, storyteller and stand up comedian. They are currently working on opening a community bookstore/small press on the east coast of Canada.
Board of Trustees
Megan Self
Addam Ledamyen
Addam Ledamyen
Treasurer
B.S. in Business from U.C. Davis
Addam Ledamyen
Addam Ledamyen
Addam Ledamyen
President
B.A. in Musical Theatre from American University
Fiona Sundy
Addam Ledamyen
Fiona Sundy
Secretary
B.A. in English from Santa Clara University