Ashland Productions

I had the honor and privilege of serving on the Ashland Board for 6 years. This organization delivers fantastic theater performances enjoyed by the community but, more than that, they truly put people first and work hard to give youth a safe space to grow in a caring, confidence-building, all ages environment. I highly recommend Ashland to all.

I have no idea who has been working with these other reviewers, but our experience with Ashland has been miserable. They are rude to the children and parents, sarcastic, mean, have no idea how to keep busy kids busy, and tell them they will be kicked out of the play if they get too many strikes. Their approach may work for older children who have a huge love of theater, but for a first experience with a younger and energetic child, it was a very long and unhappy 4 months and we couldn't wait for it to be over. There are other children's theater companies out there who do a much better job and in a shorter amount of time. I certainly hope our school got something out of it because we certainly didn't.

My daughter (8 years old) got involved with Ashland Productions and has loved every minute. She has learned alot at Ashland and I have learned alot by help with the back stage and spotlight operator duties.

Ashland Productions is an amazing nonprofit. It is a place for children of all ages to learn about the different aspects of theater and life skills as well. I have had the privilege of knowing and being taught by the founders of Ashland Productions and my siblings have been involved in recent productions. The children performing with Ashland have really great leaders that care about each actor/actress and work hard to make each production a rewarding experience for everyone involved. My sister loves the people at Ashland, the adult leaders and the older students. She comes home from rehearsals singing and dancing around the house. It is incredible that Ashland can provide kids with an activity where they can learn to express themselves through theater arts and be taught by amazing people. I have known many friends that have been involved with Ashland Productions and each has nothing but good things to say about the program. My friends in Ashland continue to go back show after show because they have found how beneficial it is for them and it also gives them a chance to be leaders for younger children. Being an audience member to several Ashland productions, I am always in awe while watching a performance. The things kids can do if you give them a chance are unbelievable.

Ashland Productions is a top notch theater company. All three of my children have participated in their shows over the last several years. Each Ashland opportunity builds friendships and confidence. After each experience my children are already looking forward to the next "time." The shows are high quality and the staff outstanding! We are proud supporters of this 5 STAR company!! We would highly recommend Ashland to everyone!! The Hackman Family

I have been an Ashland Productions Board member for 4 years and have been witness to all of the wonderful things they have done for our children and community. Ashland brings affordable, professional theater to the community and has a huge educational component for children. Not only are children mentored by adult actors during a production, but there are also camps available for children to attend in the summer where they learn acting, singing and dancing and end with a weekend performance. Within the last two years we have implemented the Ashland Collaborative Theater (ACT) that allows us to go into the community schools and offer children a hands on experience with performing a jr musical on stage. Ashland has received numerous accounts from teachers and parents of how childrens self esteem, attitude, excitement, and confidence (among other things) have improved after just one performance with Ashland. Ashland is growing at a phenomenal rate, this is an exciting time for Ashland and the community.

Ashland not only teaches the skills and technique necessary for live, on-stage performance, but it teaches the intangibles that provide benefits for a lifetime. I've seen insecure, shy, timid children progress through Ashland programming and become beautiful, self-assured swans who sing without reserve. The staff of Ashland train and encourage participants to discover their potential, potential that they don't yet even realize exists! They draw the hidden talents out of kids whether it be song, dance, lighting, organizing, choreographing, etc. Each child is made to feel special and important as a team player. Many children find their niche through Ashland and continue on in theater at their high schools. Ashland has even been fertile training ground and the spring board for several stage performers who have gone on to perform on Broadway! One of Ashland's primary goals is to keep class prices, performing fees and ticket pricing at a reasonable level so that all ages/income brackets in the community can be a part. Ashland has never let financial difficulty be a barrier to participation. Because of this, Ashland relies heavily on donations which are scarce in tough economic times. This is one arts organization that makes its community a better place in which to live and is sincerely deserving of endorsement-

Ashland's ACT program is AMAZING!!! It gives young kids, who may never have the opportunity to get involved in theatre, the experience of a lifetime. Our school doesn't have a theater, so their concerts and drama club perform on the alter of the church. With the ACT Program, they work in a beautiful theater, with lights, sound, costumes, props, beautiful sets, professional directors, choreographers, and music directors. And the kids are hooked! It's an excellent program and the kids learn so much. Not just about theatre, but you see their confidence level rise...they learn to work together as a team and to focus on something to create a great show! It's an awesome program that should be available to every child!

Whether volunteering my time as a performer in a production, or working as a paid professional, I have always enjoyed my experiences with Ashland Productions. The directors and professional staff are creative, hard working and professional in their dealings with everyone who participates in Ashland's projects. In working with younger children, middle and high school performers, I liked that everyone is treated with kindness and respect. The mixed age productions are a wonderful vehicle for younger performers to work with adults in a fun and nurturing atmosphere. AS I've observed young people who have gotten training and experience at Ashland, growth in performing skills and personal confidence are very evident benefits of being a part of this fine theatre arts organization. Parents are encouraged to be involved, so doing a show is a wonderful opportunity for families to work together, as well as introducing non-performers to the world of theatre.

I have performed with Ashland Productions as an adult professional, music directed for their shows, and taught many of their youth performers voice lessons. I was involved with this company for about 6 years and then moved out of state. I can appreciate even more now what a gem the Twin Cities has in Ashland Productions. You would be hard pressed to find a theatre organization that cares more about its students, that welcomes new talent, and has a special ability to nurture abilities and encourage growth. I am proud to have been a part of this company and really miss it. I know the students that have come out of Ashland carry with them great confidence in themselves and a feeling of belonging.

Ashland is a great organization run by professional, fun people. They do amazing things with the kids. My daughter has been involved with Ashland for over 2 years now and just can't get enought of it. They do such great things. They make learning new things fun and exciting for the kids and make the kids feel good about themselves. We have recommended Ashland to many people and will continue to do so.

Ashland is a place to grow and nurture, learn and teach, receive and give. I grew up performing with Ashland and now I teach kids through this company. Year after year, I have seen kids flourish, teenagers learn what it means to be leaders, and adults serve for the pure joy of working with talented and fantastic youth. Ashland isn't just a theater company, it's a place to belong.

Ashland Productions is an amazing organization run by amazing, caring, creative people. I don't know of anywhere else in the twin cities where children can get such a comprehensive, quality, performing experience. The quality of the productions is unbelievable and the life lessons that the kids learn will be with them into adulthood.

I have had a wonderful experience with Ashland. I have always loved theater and wasn't surprised that my youngest daughter wanted to get involved too. My older girl was incredibly shy though and struggled with reading especially in front of people. After seeing her sister in a play at Ashland she decided to try out. I was worried it would be totally overwhelming for her but she had so much fun. She didn't even get into the first play she tried out for but emerged a different kid after callbacks. She sang and dancde the routines she learned and couldn't wait to see the show. She tried out later that year for another Ashland show and got a role. She ended up having a large part that required dozens of lines and she did great. What an amazing experience. It improved her reading and her overall confidence. We'll be back : )

We found Ashland about two and half years ago when my family moved to Minnesota. My daughter was searching for some of the same experiences she had where we use to live. She was involved with a singing/dancing group. When she moved here she was extremely upset to leave her family/friends that she had grown up with, until she found Ashland Productions. She attended summer camp and found a whole new, as she describes it, FAMILY. She has found a new home at Ashland Productions. She has been able to be cast in professional quality productions, performed in both the Ashland Youth Performers (grades 1-8) and Ashland Performing Company (grades 9-12), counseling with the younger productions, assistant directing, sound, lights, and back stage. Her growth and confidence since joining Ashland Productions has been extremely immeasurable. She is truly happy here and wants to continue in some type of production manner after college.