Former Board Member of the Year Joins Circle Theatre Staff 

Circle Theatre is delighted to announce that Ashlee Lambart has been selected as the new Marketing and Outreach Specialist. No stranger to Circle Theatre, Ashlee is a former Committee Member, Board of Directors Member, and one of the talented photographers that capture Circle Theatre productions and programming. Her cool aqua glasses and big, vibrant smile might be familiar to you already, as she's a frequent face behind the Lobby Bar and at many Circle special events. 

Noddea Skidmore, Director of Creative and Audience Development, asked Ashlee a few questions while preparing for Ashlee's first day on the Circle Theatre staff. 

NODDEA: How did you learn about Circle? 

ASHLEE: I learned about Circle Theatre through you! While working together at ArtPrize in 2014 you invited me to a production of Spamalot. While loving the performances I also fell in love with this beautiful, unique theater right in my own neighborhood. 

NODDEA: That's right! I roped you in. And then what? 

ASHLEE: I started my adventure with Circle in the summer of 2015 when I start volunteering as a member of the Audience Engagement Committee. From there my volunteering grew into being a part of the Board of Directors and now part of the team!

NODDEA: Yep! You were a Board Member of the Year honoree; I was so proud to present that award to you last year, and now look! We get to work together! What made you want to pursue a job with Circle? 

ASHLEE: My love for Circle Theatre and its family. I truly have had a blast helping with a variety of Circle Theatre events and performances and at the same time also love marketing and getting 'the word' out about awesome local events and organizations which is something I've done in former positions I've held. So, when the position came up I thought, 'What a perfect storm! An organization I love and a job I love!' It’s a match made in heaven for me.

NODDEA: And for me! I've loved working with you, whether it be in the past during our time at ArtPrize or on all of the Circle events you've volunteered for. What do you love most about the Grand Rapids theatre community? 

ASHLEE:  I love that everyone is a big family. No matter if you are a performer, a musician, a creative behind the scenes, or a volunteer who just wants to help - everyone is really warm and welcoming. Once you step into that world, you can feel that you are a part of something bigger. 

NODDEA: I can't believe that your first day with the staff is on Monday already. What are you most excited about? 

ASHLEE: Getting the word out! Circle has so many great programs for audience engagement and I can’t wait to let everyone know about them. 

NODDEA: What show in the 2019 season are you most looking forward to? 

ASHLEE: That is a hard one because we have a really fun season ahead of us! I suppose I’m really excited and interested in Superior Donuts. I think that the themes in the play are very relevant to some issues that many people are raising in Grand Rapids today, with new developments and the change of long standing communities.

NODDEA: Yeah! You're right. It's a really relevant piece of theatre and I hope a lot of people come see it and let those things sink in. So other than 'Hey, come see Superior Donuts and talk to your neighbors and friends about it!' what else do you want our Circle patrons to know? 

ASHLEE:  I want Circle patrons to know that I’m excited to get to work for them and can’t wait to get to know everyone! I’m excited to take on a more hands-on role and really hit the ground running.

NODDEA: And when not at Circle... who are you and what do you love to do? 

ASHLEE: Outside of Circle I am a visual artist, photographer and arts educator, loving partner and cat mom to Mildred! I’m originally from Corunna. It's this tiny little farm town in central Michigan where my family owns a centennial farm... our farm is a Michigan historical site because our family has owned it for over 100 years.... I think around 120 years, actually. I used to live in Marquette and I love the Upper Peninsula where my partner and I camp every year. We don’t look like it, but we camp multiple times a year and are working on training our cat to come with us. I also really love vegetable gardening and cooking!

Beginning next week, January 21, Ashlee will begin all marketing and community outreach duties that include projects like graphic design, writing, ad trades, social media management, and more. She can be reached at [email protected].