Circle Theatre Names New Artistic Director, Ashley H. White, and Unveils Vision for 2023 and Beyond.

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Circle Theatre Names New Artistic Director, Ashley H. White, and Unveils Vision for 2023 and Beyond.

Fort Worth – June 21, 2023 – Circle Theatre has announced the appointment of Ashley H. White as its new Artistic Director, bringing a fresh and dynamic vision to the theatre company. In her new position, White aims to grow Circle Theatre into a creative hub where artists and audiences can gather to share and experience stories which embrace the essence of humanity through innovative live theatre. White’s focus during her first year as Artistic Director at Circle will hone in on the pillars of curiosity, collaboration, and community.

Her progression to artistic director comes after a multi-year relationship with Circle Theatre, having previously served as the resident Fight & Intimacy Director for two years, and then acting as Circle’s interim associate producer for its current season. In her time as Interim Associate Producer, White launched initiatives for increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, complete with a 12-month plan for training and expansion, as well as a plan for building community beyond the traditional show-going experiences through plus-up experiences and community partnerships. White plans to build upon both of these initiatives in her new role.

In addition, White will shape engaging programming for the theatre — with the goal of driving curiosity and play in storytelling — she aims to captivate artists and audiences alike. The upcoming season, White’s first to choose for Circle Theatre, will feature a wide selection of shows, ranging from reimagined classics to lesser-known, yet inventive performances. The Theatre plans to announce its 2024 programming in the early Fall.

Additionally, Circle Theatre plans to organize post-show talkbacks with a purpose—connecting with nonprofits and leaders in our community alongside exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses to deepen the connection between artists and the audience. Attendees can also look forward to supplemental events such as wine tastings, live music, samplings of Fort Worth’s amazing food, gallery partnerships, and other experiences showcasing the talents of local artists.

Circle Theatre will continue to expand their new professional training programs, an important developmental opportunity for artists. New initiatives are being built to support emerging playwrights through a new script development program, providing space and workshopping opportunities for local playwrights to incubate their new works. This program will provide opportunities for local playwrights to showcase their works through table reads and longer development series, allowing an important and much needed space for cultivating new works. Circle will also continue to offer professional development training opportunities for artists and actors, including continuations of their recent, sold out, Meisner Workshops.

“I am beyond thrilled to be taking on this new role with Circle Theatre, a company I so love working with and have long admired. The Circle mission of captivating and engaging community through the art of live theatre is one I hold very dear to my heart and aim to embrace and embolden through my work as the new Artistic Director.” —Ashley H. White, Artistic Director, Circle Theatre

White brings a breadth of knowledge and artistry alongside her to Circle, with two decades of experience in creating theatre, and as an accomplished director of more than 40 productions, local and national. Previously the Artistic Director of Imprint TheatreWorks, throughout her five-year tenure, White brought unique and thought-provoking theatrical experiences to “Dallas’ hottest new theatre company” (Broadway World, 2018).

White is the recipient of numerous accolades as a director, including 5 DFW Critics Forum Awards for direction, as well as awards for fight direction and intimacy. She has also been nominated for Innovation in Directing awards through SDC, The National Union for Directors and Choreographers. She’s been featured in numerous publications and is a published writer. She has extensive film and television credits, and is an internationally sought after educator.

White is a certified intimacy director with IDC Professionals and is a certified teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors, both distinguished certifications that will help propel Circle Theatre’s approach to staged violence and intimacy. She is the only person to hold both of these certifications in the metroplex, and only one of two in the state of Texas.

First up for White is stepping in as the director for the upcoming musical The Other Josh Cohen (Book, Music, and Lyrics by David Rossmer and Steven Rosen) running August 24 to September 16, 2023).

“Circle Theatre is ecstatic about adding the talented Ashley H. White to our staff full time as the new Artistic Director. She’s a wonderful collaborator and her experience, expertise, and inventive insight truly make those who work around her better. I have seen her insatiable drive and curiosity firsthand and know she is eager in continuing and advancing the goal of making Circle an artistic hub for artists and audiences members alike.” —Tim Long, Executive Director, Circle Theatre

As Ashley H. White takes the helm as the new Artistic Director, Circle Theatre is excited for you to join us on an exciting and transformative 2023-2024 season, and experience our journey of artistic exploration and human connection.

For more information and updates on Circle Theatre’s upcoming season, please visit circletheatre.com.

ABOUT ASHLEY H. WHITE

Ashley H. White (she/her) is an award-winning director, fight & intimacy director, and teaching artist, with international credits and nearly two decades of experience. As a director, she has helmed many productions, each of which incorporate significant play and pursuit of creative risk. She is a certified intimacy director (ID) with IDC Professionals. As an ID, she has worked across the U.S, in addition to on film & television, where her intimacy coordination work can be seen on Amazon, The CW, Paramount+, among other networks and studios. She is an accomplished fight director and is a certified teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors. Ashley splits her time between New York City and Dallas, Texas. She is a sought-after educator and is the creator of The Cycle of Consent – an approach to building and navigating safe creative spaces. She is the recipient of five DFW Critics Forum Awards for Outstanding Direction as well as special recognitions from the Critics Forum for her fight and intimacy work. Ashley is a proud member of SDC, and has received nominations for the SDC Zelda Fischander and SDC Barbara Whitman awards for innovation in directing.

ABOUT CIRCLE THEATRE

Circle Theatre, located in downtown Fort Worth, is a professional regional theatre committed to captivate and engage its diverse community through the art of innovative live theatre. With a rich history spanning decades, Circle Theatre continues to push the boundaries of traditional theater, offering unique experiences that resonate with audiences.

Press Contact:

Taylor Staniforth

Director of Marketing, Circle Theatre

Welcome, Ashley White!

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CIR_ArtisticDirector.pdf

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