I'm proud to have been a Calliope volunteer almost since its beginning. Though I grew up in Atlanta, my family of origin's roots are in the Appalachian Mountains. For years, my family of four were regular visitors to Jackson County from Columbia, SC; we made the leap to relocate here in 2018. I'm thrilled to be part of the embracing Sylva community and to have given my now grown children the experience of living here. I grew up in a dance studio, the daughter of a visual artist, and both of my children grew up on a stage. The arts are my passion. As a marketing communications professional, I've spent most of my career advancing nonprofit, tourism and education organizations. We are grateful for your support of Calliope!
Kara
president
Ashlee
Vice President
In September 2019, I submitted a grant proposal to the Provost’s Office at Western Carolina University requesting funding for a year of research and development to plan a professional theatre company in Jackson County. It was funded and the inkling that would grow into Calliope Stage began. Although starting a theater company had long been a professional vision of mine, now and here seemed right. The landscape, the people, the artists, the growth – these all seemed to converge serendipitously with an exciting intersection happening in my own professional career. Our mission to create a diverse cultural gathering space for exploring our community connections feels inextricably linked to my personal artistic perspective, and so I am eager to grow with the company as it elevates its audiences, its collaborating artists, as well as my own mind, heart, and identity. In August 2015, I moved to Jackson County from Chicago to serve on the faculty of WCU’s School of Stage & Screen. I proudly call this community my home along with my husband and young daughter, and I see the opportunity of Calliope Stage to be the greatest purpose for my time here. Through the ritual of live theatre, my vision is to create a sustainable artistic legacy for this community and the people who hold it dear and to echo these stories beyond the peaks of WNC.
My family moved to Sylva in 2005. My husband is an avid kayaker and had been coming to Sylva for years, so we decided to move to the beautiful place we had visited so often. I have been a supporter of the arts for many years, and was thrilled when Calliope was formed to bring theatre to our area. I am excited about helping Calliope achieve its goals of enhancing community engagement and enriching the social fabric of our area.
Joyce
Treasurer
I joined the Board of Calliope Stage Company because of my deep appreciation for the impact the theater’s educational programs have had on my children. I cannot speak highly enough about the joy Calliope has brought to my family! With a professional background in social and crisis services, I hope to bring valuable experience in nonprofit services that support youth and engage all people in opportunities to connect, grow, and thrive. I believe that programs like Calliope play a crucial role in building healthy communities by fostering a supportive culture through the arts, and I am proud to be a part of it.
Marissa
Secretary
After living in Sylva with my family from 2008-2014, my wife and I made the permanent move back to the area in the summer of 2024. I have spent my career working in educational positions at various levels, in both classroom teaching and administrative leadership roles, and I am currently a high school English teacher in Cherokee. During our first stint in Western North Carolina, I was heavily involved in activities for young people, including Boy Scouts and youth sports, and I served as the PTA President at Scotts Creek School. One of our sons has been involved in dance for most of his life, even majoring in Musical Theatre at WCU. We have seen how transformative the arts can be in the lives of individuals and communities, and I am eager to bring my experience as a lifelong educator to support the work Calliope is doing in the region.
Brian
I moved to Asheville in May of 2018 from Half Moon Bay, CA. For more than 20 years I performed and directed in theatres throughout the Bay Area. For 30 + years I worked as a non-profit fundraiser. I know from experience that the arts are both culturally and economically important to any community. I am committed to doing what I can, not only as an actor and director, but as a community member to making the arts stronger and more vibrant. Calliope is now the fourth theatre organization where I have joined the board in its early stages. I hope I have something to offer to help realize Ashlee’s vision.
John
Rachel York-Bridgers teaches at WCU's English Studies Department; she is an environmentalist, yoga instructor, film lover, poet, and visual artist. Rachel believes theater and storytelling can empower communities by promoting conversations, connection, and care for one another. Rachel is honored to serve on Calliope's board and contribute to its vital mission of deepening people's awareness and understanding of Appalachia and its people.
Rachel
I grew up in a town not so different from Sylva, with a family that was deeply involved with our community theatre. For the last 15 years, I worked as a zookeeper with a passion for making connections with people. In December 2023, my husband and I moved to Sylva to begin new career paths and take a break from city life. Currently, I serve as the Manager of Guest Engagement at the Asheville Museum of Science. I believe my lifelong passion for theatre and career in engagement will bring a unique perspective to the Board and am incredibly excited to help Calliope grow into its next phase.
