BIO

Paul Renolis is a performing artist, creative, educator, and writer. He has extensive training and experience in theatre, choreography & dance, and drag performance.

ACTING: Paul’s theatre education dates back to his youth performance days in New Hampshire and his alma mater Boston University. Professionally, he has been cast in a variety of theatrical roles in both Boston and San Francisco. His company credits include: Boston Stage Company, Theatre Rhinoceros, Left Coast Theatre Co., and Presidio Theatre. As of 2023, he holds a company actor position with 2nd Act Theatre Co. He also stars in the Amazon web series, Strings Attached, playing the supporting role of ADRIAN, and the award-winning short film, Drag Queens Must Die!, as TODD.

CHOREOGRAPHY & DANCE: Paul is a hip-hop dancer and choreographer and has performed with multiple east and west coast hip-hop dance companies—most recently with Mind Over Matter (2015-2017), directed by reputable Bay Area hip-hop choreographer Allan Frias. Paul was introduced to dance by way of musical theatre and 10 years of martial arts training, both of which function as his lens into dance and movement philosophy. In Summer 2019, Paul was an artistic contributor for Tony Award-nominated choreographer Sam Pinkleton’s dance lab at The Ground Floor at Berkeley Rep. When Paul is not on the stage, you can find him teaching hip-hop dance at various local dance studios, fitness studios, and community dance programs. 

DRAG: Paul was commonly known in San Francisco by his stage name, “Juhnay Arabesque” (pronounced JUH-nay)—a drag persona fueled by the holy trinity of Beyoncé-Rihanna-Janet Jackson. For 8 years, Juhnay hosted, performed, and produced hundreds of drag shows and parties in the San Francisco LGBTQ+ nightlife and live entertainment scene. He often performed at Oasis, San Francisco’s premiere drag cabaret and nightclub--home to traditional drag shows, variety shows, original and adapted comedies. In 2019, Juhnay starred as Lieutenant Uhura in the stage adaptation of “Star Trek: The Naked Time” and was an exhibitor in RAW: natural born artists showcase in San Francisco. 

WRITING: Paul’s writing focuses on identity, oppression, social politics, popular culture, and underrepresented voices in media. As a proud first-generation Haitian-American, he envisions a world that is more inclusive of stories that explore black joy so that the magic of the community can continue to flourish. He explores these themes in his essays and original screenplays. Paul earned his bachelor’s degree at Boston University and his Master of Education at the University of Southern California. He is a former social justice educator and arts administrator at various colleges & universities.

Paul is dedicated to professionally merging his artistic disciplines in order to provide his community an experience that is entertaining, culturally informed, and socially just. Paul is obsessed with Beyoncé, revels in The Real Housewives reality TV universe, and loves live music & international travel!