Ashlee
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.
KELLY
In September 2020, Ashlee and I had a phone conversation about my work to dismantle racism in our local community and beyond, which then led to a conversation at a local coffee shop. I immediately became interested in Calliope Stage and wanted to be involved in some capacity – little did I know what would unfold over the few next months. I met with Ashlee and Jessica and was featured in The Nectar Series, which allowed me to share my story, my experiences and my love for this region (these mountains are magical, I tell you)! My work with Calliope provides me the opportunity to work collaboratively with members of our team and communities as we seek to provide a stage for the many unique voices that call this corner of the world home! My vision: Calliope Stage will provide a safe space to allow the voices of our community to tell their stories and see that they are an important fiber in the tapestry which makes up our home!
Cory
In January of 2020, Ashlee and I grabbed lunch while I was on a recruiting trip auditioning seniors at WCU (my alma mater!). She asked that I join the Calliope Stage executive committee. Of course, I said "Heck yes!" This company is dedicated to making art accessible to ALL folx whether that be within the region or beyond. I believe theatre has the power to influence conversation, shift minds and hearts, and change lives by enhancing communities. I'm excited to be a small part of this mission in this magical place. Any time I drive through the Smokies and I come over the incline on US-23, I can't help but say with a smile as wide as the view in front of me, "Those are MY mountains!” This place laid the foundation of who I am and what I stand for as an artist and friend. I love it here... Speaking of friends, this team is collaborative, creative, and humble. This group of friends/collaborators are going to create art that will foster genuine connections and leave legacies. I'm blessed to be in such great company. My vision for Calliope Stage is that it is a safe place where people of all backgrounds come together to meet, talk, chill, and feel as a community, and eventually, a family. I want this company to have every resident of every surrounding quirky town in these beautiful mountains at the theatre for every run of every show. Calliope Stage is no joke y'all (unless we do a comedy then there will be some jokes; don't worry)!
Tyler
In April 2020, I was asked to join a virtual focus group asking for the opinions of Western Carolina University alumni. “What would it mean to you for a new theatre company to open in the Jackson County area?” I not only supported the idea fully, but I immediately craved being a part of this development. As a student I discovered opportunities for creation and story whilst lost in the majesty of the mountains. A theater is the perfect place to house stories. My role of Brand + Culture Lead consists of overseeing Calliope Stage’s digital storytelling, community engagement, and team practices. My strengths: significance, woo, positivity, a futuristic outlook, and competitiveness. My passion is in focusing on the big picture, and what that looks like from the eyes of the region’s community. My vision: Calliope Stage becomes a brick-and-mortar in the ever-evolving Jackson County collective. We tell the stories of the people; past and present.
Jessica
In April of 2020 I was invited to be a part of a focus group of WCU Alumni that was asked for ideas and suggestions around a new theatre in Jackson County (eventually Calliope Stage). After that meeting, I could not wait to learn more and perhaps get involved further! My grandparents retired to Western North Carolina and I have been visiting for as long as I can remember. I still make at least a yearly sojourn to the mountains and always make my way to Sylva, Cullowhee, WCU, and beyond, marveling in the beauty of the area. I see the area as part of my childhood and my college experiences but also a part of my future, which leads me in the desire to put my energy in something I believe helps the community in the long term. My vision: Calliope Stage captures the culture and stories of the community. Dazzling, imperfect, home-grown, important stories. It is a place where tourists can learn, where residents can remember, and where people can see themselves represented and celebrated.
Marthaluz
In July of 2020, I joined the Calliope Stage team after learning about their mission and journey thus far. Upon attending Western Carolina University for my BFA in musical theatre, I was connected to the fellow board members of the company. I am pulled to be a part of this team because I believe in the passion that infuses this group of artists, and the goals they have set to make an impact through the magic of theatre. My four years spent in the gorgeous mountains of Western NC were a transformational point in my life; as a result, I will forever cherish this location as a home. I wish to learn more about the roots and history of this region, as well as the wonderful community that lives and breathes here today. My Calliope vision: a storytelling platform that represents its local residents first and foremost; it is a diverse space where artistic relationships can fuel and flourish to springboard creative ideas.
Kate
In April 2020, I attended a focus group and was elated to join the new creative effort that would lead to what is now Calliope Stage. I am interested in art that tells the story of the human experience; this encourages me to have connections with people who come from diverse backgrounds. I fell in love with the western North Carolina area as an acting student at WCU. In my time here, I developed an appreciation for the beauty of our mountains and how they inspire artists of all mediums. My work with Calliope provides me with the opportunity to collaborate with artists I respect who hold this region dear. My personal vision for Calliope: it is a unique cultural gathering space where the stories of the Appalachian region come to life.
Caleb
In February 2021, I submitted myself for the “Call For Artists” inaugural production..but I also left interest in joining the Calliope Team. I had a meeting with Ashlee to discuss my hopes and visions moving forward with Calliope, which is what brought me to the team today. I feel so fortunate to have been given this opportunity to join the team and collaborate with so many artists that I admire and respect. Since leaving school at Western Carolina University surrounded by the stunning mountains for Western North Carolina, I have felt such a strong connection to the region and with the impact that it left upon my life. I wanted to give something back of myself artistically to the place that garnered so much positivity and creativity in my life. Through art and theatre, I believe that we can create a space to tell necessary and integral stories that challenge the world around us and lead us into a brighter future. My vision for Calliope Stage: I am passionate about creating this open, creative, and positive space within the WNC community as well as welcoming the World into our backyard to experience the magic and wonder of this remarkable area in which so many of us are rooted.