We recently connected with Ashton Montgomery and have shared our conversation below.
Ashton, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
One of the biggest risks I have ever taken was moving to NYC by myself in August of 2020. I have been a proud Atlanta performer for the last few years, but I felt it was time to take the next step in my career. It has always been a dream of mine to move to New York City, but the timing was never seemed right. You may ask yourself, “but somehow 2020 was…?”. Believe it or not, yes the timing was perfect in 2020! (For me at least) I had planned to move to the city in August of 2020, pre-Covid, but obviously we hit a few obstacles along the way. I was concerned on whether or not I should take the leap, given the status of the world. I spent a lot of time assessing my options, speaking with family and friends, reviewing my finances, and taking the global health crisis into consideration. After a long deliberation, I ultimately made the decision to move! Everything seemed to line up perfectly at the time. With a low in cases, my job being flexible with remote work, and my lease ending, I knew it was now or never. I searched for housing online and found the perfect match. Through virtual tours and interviews I was able to get to know my future roommates and the town I would be moving to. I am forever grateful to my roommates for taking a chance on me during such a tumultuous time. So, after the lease was signed, I made the decision to pack my life up into a mini van and move to the big apple! I did the entire move by myself. It was hard, but well worth it. I had to ensure I was limiting exposure for family/friends as well as maintaining a safe environment for my new roommates. This was the best decision I could have made for myself. I have created such a beautiful life in New York City. Not to mention, I am currently about to make my Off Broadway debut in the production of “The Parts I Keep Inside” as Andrea at the Triad Theatre this July! I have developed a great network of friends, I am back in dance classes, voice lessons, working with new creatives daily, while also spending time with fellow Atlanta performers who live in or happen to be visiting the city. A part of me will forever be with Atlanta, but my heart is now with New York, as it continues push me out of my comfort zone and strive to become a better performer and person all around.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I became a performer at a very young age! I always managed to find ways of entertaining others, whether it be on ice, a football field, a stage, or at any family function! I grew up ice skating, but definitely discovered that I wanted to focus more on singing, as it made me feel like no other hobby had before. I started out singing with the Augusta Children’s Chorale when I was in elementary school. After my time in chorale I began touring with country music with the Georgia Country and Gospel Music Association. While exploring the country music circuit in high school I also dove into the world of theatre. I ended up finding my home in theatre and deciding it was the career path I wanted to pursue. This decision is what lead me to Kennesaw State University (KSU), where I earned my BA in Theatre and Performance Studies. During my time at KSU I was able to partake in multiple school performances, perform in SkyBound Entertainments immersive experience for “The Walking Dead”, earn a performance contract with Six Flags Over Georgia, and work Off Broadway as a Directors Assistant alongside, then chair, Rick Lombardo. Thanks to the time spent and connections made at KSU, I was able to grow as a performer as well as develop incredible connections within the community. Post graduation I worked as an Acting/Directing Intern with Actor’s Express Theatre Company and as a Teaching Artist with the Alliance Theatre. Throughout this time I was lucky enough to obtain a variety of contracts with theatre’s such as the Wallace Buice Theatre Company, Out of Box Theatre, Independent Artist Playhouse, etc. I have truly found my place within the theatre community. I am now currently located in New York City and I am set to make my Off Broadway performance debut in “The Parts I Keep Inside” as Andrea at the Triad Theatre this July. No matter the city I live in, it is my goal to create an inclusive environment that welcomes new artist and allows for growth, no matter the background. While on stage I strive to captivate at least one person in the audience. If I am able to make even the smallest impact, I have done my job as an artist. Theatre is so important, especially in todays world. It can provide a space that allows for discussion, transformation, and growth. This is the beauty I fell in love with and hope to share with everyone I encounter throughout my life.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I believe we as a society can learn to appreciate and revere the hard work it takes to be an artist. Especially in regards to compensation. “Experience” and barely livable wages are no longer acceptable, especially if you are expecting to a hire a professional creative for your team or theatre. This is a serious career, not a just a fun hobby. So many individuals spend their lifetimes perfecting their skills, shelling out thousands of dollars, just to be able to share their passions and talents with you. This time needs to be respected, just as any other professional offering their services. This also goes for local interns. Interns are the backbone of the theatre community. They work incredibly hard with insane hours, massive work loads, while also sometimes having to juggle a full time job to make ends meet. These young creatives deserve proper compensation for the hard work they provide. Ultimately, I wish for society to recognize the immense amount of work and dedication that goes into our craft, no matter the form. Without creatives we would live within a very bland and unfortunate world. So, please go out, buy local art, see local shows, and embrace what your community has to offer. Creatives are the soul of our society who want to share it with you!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is having the ability to create and/or see change within your community through art. I have been lucky enough to find this cultivation through the medium of theatre. Theatre can create an uplifting and fun escape from reality. Theatre can also provide a platform to harness a deeper look into societal or political issues that may not necessarily be hoist to the forefront of social media. This is what makes theatre so important and rewarding to take part in. The ability to provide a space for change and discussion, while also allowing other artists to feature their stories that may not have the opportunity to be shown otherwise. I am proud to be an artist and to take part in this change. Whether that be from me joining in the forefront, or taking a step back and allowing new works to emerge.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashtonmontgomery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashtonnicolemontgo/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshtonNicole1
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashtonnicolem?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Linktree: https://linktr.ee/AshtonNicoleMontgomery
Image Credits
Patrick Marcigliano , Casey Gardner Ford, Sydney Lee