Ashley’s directing credits include the Offie nominated Partenope (HGO, Malta Three Palaces Festival), Agrippina (HGO), Verismo (Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci), Don Giovanni, Cinderella, La Traviata (Opera on Location), Cosi fan Tutte, Orpheus in the Underworld, Die Zauberflöte (St. Paul’s Opera), The Chairs (Corbett Theatre), Nerves of the Heart (Quest).

Her approach to directing is grounded in a disciplined, academic approach to dissecting text, while also creating a playground for performers, where they can feel comfortable and free to explore. She values an ensemble approach and believes in fostering strong collaborative relationships with her team members.

Ashley has a Master's in Theatre Directing from East 15 Acting School, and has studied directing at GITIS (Russian University of Theatre Arts) and Seacoast Theatre Centre. She has worked extensively as an assistant and staff director for productions including Berenice and Macbeth (Royal Opera House); Les Mamelles de Tirésias and Une Éducation Manquée (Royal College of Music); Don Giovanni and Die Fledermaus (Lyric Opera Studio Weimar); Carmen, La Traviata and Ulla’s Odyssey (OperaUpClose). She was Associate Director under Martin Constantine for the 2017 Opera Works programme at the English National Opera. 

Ashley’s work as a playwright and librettist has been seen across the UK. Her writing has a modern edge and is characterized by its ability to respond to complex and multifaceted needs, both of the work and the external surroundings. Her radical new English language operatic adaptations include Verismo (Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci), Cinderella, La Traviata (Opera on Location), Carmen (King’s Head Theatre, published by Oberon Books), and Music Oft hath Such a Charm (OperaUpClose, UK tour). Her work as a playwright includes League of Youth, Coverage (Riot Act) and Mary, Mary (Theatre Mensch).

Ashley was an apprentice director with New York Stage and Film’s Powerhouse Theatre Festival and holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences specializing in theatre, abstract mathematics, and film studies from Quest University Canada. Ashley has played bass in jazz, indie/folk and musical theatre bands, and has a background in classical piano.

Ashley is one half of the comedy writing duo Tee&Pearson, behind the sketch comedy series Warehouse Opera. They are currently developing their first tv pilot, Composed, about the world of fringe opera. You can see their sketch comedy on Twitter @Whsopera and YouTube at YouTube.com/@warehouseopera

Overall, Ashley’s work is marked by a clear, tailored, and supportive artistic approach that values team members and their contributions, as well as an imaginative and practical eye that allows her to respond creatively to constraints and challenges. She believes in the power of play to fuel creativity and enjoys creating work that is both thought-provoking and joyous for performers and audiences alike.