Ashley Winston

Artist Statement

Ashley Winston is a pioneer in the field of arts education. A trained actor, educator and consultant, Winston, is revolutionizing the country's approach to education with her own theatrical kinesthetic-based learning methodology. Winston has worked with hundreds of students and educators across the country, teaching in and  after-school residencies, creating performances and facilitating professional development workshops for these communities.

In the heart of Chicago, Winston received her Bachelor's Degree in Theater Performance as well as a Master's Degree in Arts, Entertainment and Media Management from Columbia College Chicago.  She developed an interest in working with youth through Free Street Theater Company,  a non-profit that specializes in creating original, innovative performances with youth. She then developed her skills as a teaching artist through arts education organizations like Urban Gateways and C.A.P.E. (Chicago Arts and Partnerships in Education)

Ashley has presented workshops on a variety of topics using creative writing, poetry, dance and theater as a catalyst to push individuals toward reaching their dreams. Over the last few years she has also had the opportunity to work with  individuals  with diverse backgrounds, including, ESL students, Children with Special Needs, Homeless Women through LINKS incorporated and Incarcerated Youth. In 2008 and 2010, Winston participated as an actor in "Red Kite", a multi-sensory production designed for children with autism. This performance was created by the Chicago Children's Theatre and Oily Cart, a London  based Children's Theatre that specializes in creating theater for Children with Special Needs.  Winston has also worked with Writers's Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts Center, American Mosaic (American Theatre Company) and The People's Jazz Theatre.
 
Alongside her community endeavors, Winston has also been featured in films and as a guest personality on several television and radio shows.  At the 2007 and 2010 Arizona Black Film Festival, she facilitated a youth acting boot camp and was featured in a series of other workshops with major black actors and directors such as, Lynn Whitfield and Lee Daniels. She's completed a national print and media campaign with Bally Total Fitness, made an appearance on NBC's “Deal Or No Deal” and was a guest on the popular day time talk show “Rachel Ray”. She's currently featured as a regular contributor on Nobody Dances Here, a blog and podcast the facilitates creative journalism and forward culture.

Educational Philosophy

My mission is to provide an educational, entertaining and innovative theatre experience that inspires young people to become active participants in their own destinies. I truly believe that theatre can be a powerful tool in helping young people develop socially and personally. When youth work together to create a shared vision through writing and performance it polishes their ability to listen, collaborate, be responsible and commit to finishing something they started.

I encourage students to experiment, take risks and flourish in their own creativity. Also, it is my greatest desire, that young people learn to think critically about the work they produce and see during our time together. As a teacher, I support their artistic choices and challenge them to push the boundaries of what’s possible.  I’ve noticed that youth gain an enormous amount of confidence throughout the process and an understanding of strong work ethic, diligence and integrity. The skill sets I’ve developed from Theatre have opened countless doors of opportunity. It is my life goal to help young people see the good in themselves, helping them reach their endless potential, through theatre.