Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Nicole Montgomery.
Ashton, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My career in theatre began when I was very young. I always knew I wanted to be a performer. I would always being found singing at random times. From singing my McDonalds Orders to my mother to mowing the lawn. I was always finding moments to belt it out. Not only would I be singing nonstop, I was often time caught being super extra when it came to elementary school plays or ice skating numbers. I skated for 11 years but really transitioned into theatre once I was in the 8th grade, leaving behind my skating roots. I had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in 2008.
That trip is what truly lit a fire within me for theatre. I encountered my first ever Broadway show, Wicked. Seeing that show for the first time, in such a beautiful space, along with the outstanding talent and high level of professionalism, I couldn’t help but acknowledge that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Ever since then I have been pursuing theatre. All throughout high school I participated in every One-Act Competition, Musical, and singing competition I could get my hands on.
Once graduating from high school, I went to Augusta University for the first two years of my college career. I was a Communications Major with a Theatre track. During that time, I participated in University productions, as well as productions with a few of our local Augusta theater’s, The Augusta Players, Le Chat Noir, and Storyland Theatre. The sense of community and the passion for arts in this area is incredible. It truly helped to keep me motivated and hungry for the arts as I completed my first two years at AU.
After some time spent in Augusta, I decided to take the leap and apply to Kennesaw State University. I had fallen in love with KSU many years prior, all thanks to Georgia Theatre Conference and Georgia Thespian Conference. I had an audition with them prior and met a large amount of impressive and inspirational artist who attended and taught at the University.
I knew this is where I wanted and needed to be to complete my college career and further my future. I couldn’t have been more right! I have created some of the most amazing relationships, memories, experiences, and training within my three years at KSU. I was a part of their Theatre and Performance Studies Program (TP&S), earning my B.A. in May of 2017. I was a part of a variety of musicals, plays, showcases, competitions, and beyond on campus, as well as working off campus at Six Flags Over Georgia. Attending KSU, I feel, is what truly molded me into the performer I am today.
Also, a big thanks to the KSU program and our previous Chair, Rick Lombardo, for allowing me the unforgettable opportunity of Assistant Directing an Off-Broadway show in New York City called Albatross! That was such a wonderful way to end my senior year and truly taught me a lot about myself, my future, and my focus. I found a love for not only acting but also directing. I couldn’t be more grateful for all of the blessings KSU TP&S has given me and provided me. They have one heck of a program and a forever recommendation of mine.
Following my collegiate career, I accepted an Acting and Directing internship at the Atlanta Professional theatre, Actor’s Express Theatre Company. Throughout the run of this year-long program, I was able to Assistant Direct 3 shows, Understudy 2, and participate in concert performance as an ensemble member, and sing in 2 separate cabarets. The opportunities AE provides for their intern company’s are endless.
I am so honored to have been offered a spot in their 2017-18 program and couldn’t be more thankful to Freddie Ashley and the team at AE for trusting in me and having me on board. I recently completed my internship and had the honor of working on a short film produced by Lost Kite Productions and I am currently taking part in the Wallace Buice Theatre Company’s production of Parade! I am truly grateful for every opportunity given to me throughout the years, and I CANNOT wait to see what lies ahead!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has been worth every bump along the way. Nothing worth fighting for will be easy. You always have to remember to never give up. There have been times where I have wondered if this is what I need to be doing.
Those emotions could be triggered by a moment of self-doubt, a temporary illness, or outside forces trying to discourage me, but I have to redirect those thoughts and overcome. Thankfully, I am able to remind myself why I do this and I am able to find my way back.
Everyone encounters moments of uncertainty, but you have to be able to separate yourself from those thoughts, as best as you can, and remember why you chose to pursue this career in the first place and what importance it holds for you. My whole mindset is to use this career as a way to transform the lives around me.
Whether it be for five mins, two hours, a week, or a lifetime for an audience of one or 100, I always strive to make a difference. Art can affect so many people in so many wonderful ways, and I never want to quit making those changes. I am proud of the work I create and the field I’m in. It may not always be easy, but it is absolutely worth it.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am an artist. That is my business. I specialize in live theatre performance. I love the ability to perform in front of a new/live audience every night and feel the energy they bring forth each show. I am a singer, actor, director, and teacher. I have been blessed with amazing opportunities to perform and teach around the Atlanta area.
From working internships at The Alliance Theatre and Actor’s Express to booking jobs at Six Flags Over Georgia, Stone Mountain Park, Actor’s Express Theatre Company, The Wallace Buice Theatre Company, teaching with the Alliance and so much more.
I am extremely grateful for each and every opportunity presented to me. Along with working as an artist I also work full time as an office supervisor for a wholesale, retail furniture company. The company I work for is wonderful and truly supports me on all of my artistic endeavors. I am known for my passion for singing and entertainment. I love participating in Cabarets around town and being a part of any and every musical I can.
What I am most proud of is my drive for this career path. I haven’t always had the easiest of times in life, but I make sure never to let that hinder my efforts or dim my spark for theatre. I am a passionate person; I work hard. That is something I am proud of myself for.
I may oftentimes make self-deprecating jokes, but I can at least say I am grateful for my drive and passion. I will work as hard as I can and do everything in my power to make sure the show goes on, and everything is where it needs to be.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a bundle of energy. Honestly, not much has changed. I was always excited to try new things and be best I could be. I ice skated for 11 years and was always getting in trouble for wanting to talk during “silent skates” and adding more flare/sass to my overall performances. I always wanted to do something in front of an audience. I would sing everywhere and everything I could.
Sorry to my mom for the obnoxiously loud car belting when I discovered Wicked, she is a strong woman for that. From county fairs to saying excuse me, you could find me singing everything. I was always willing to try new things and give the benefit of the doubt. I was pretty happy to go lucky kid, but also knew when it was time to straighten up.
I came from a supportive home, but also one that reminded me of where I came from and always told me to be grateful and to work hard for what I wanted. Any time someone would say I couldn’t or shouldn’t pursue theatre, it made my passion grow even more. I am determined and always have been. I fight for what I believe in. I fight for who I believe in. I have always adored the arts, and I hope to inspire others to try new avenues and give anything they’re interested in a try!
Contact Info:
- Website: ashtonmontgomery.com
- Email: ashton.montgo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ashton_montgomery_actor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtonnicolemontgo/
Image Credit:
Kevin Harry, Casey Gardner, Brian Jones, Sydney Lee, Amanda Wansa Morgan, Kyle Reynolds, Jamie Bullins
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