Starbright is showing at The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville, NC July 8 - 23, 2022!
Starbright is the story of Grace, an astrophysicist who lost her daughter Abby nearly a year ago. As Grace's life spins out of control, Abby appears to her and begins making predictions about the cosmos. Grace must determine if her daughter's appearance is a sign of her dwindling sanity, or proof that there's more to the universe than even she understands.
We reached out to Ashleigh Goff, this production's director to find out more about herself and her experience working on this production.
1. Do you believe connecting with those who have passed is possible?
Absolutely! I think everyone has an energy. The special spark/pulse/vibration that makes them unique. When they pass, that energy that was their person, has to disperse. I think that a little bit of that goes into everyone who loved them. We keep them with us, alive in a way in our memory. You have the ability to connect and communicate with the pieces of your loved ones when ever you need to. I think, if you are open enough you are able to hear a response in their voice.
2. How did you get into theatre?
That's a big question with an even bigger answer. Long story short: I was a depressed kid. I had a therapist suggest I find something that could be mine, and mine alone. My elementary school was having auditions for the school musical and rehearsals would be after school every day for a few hours. It could be my time. I was cast in a bit part and I has an amazing time, I felt like I belonged somewhere. So it became a hobby, then a passion, then a degree, then a career, and all of the above.
3. How is working with The Magnetic different from working with other theatres?
So far, the support is incredible! I recently came off of a show where communication was slightly more then non-existent. It is refreshing to have the staff and tech support be in consistent communication about the needs of the rehearsal.
4. Do you believe there is more out there than what we currently comprehend?
Yes. The universe is so vast. One of my favorite childhood movies was Contact ( I know, I've always been a wierdo), but Jodie Fosters character says at one point “The universe is a pretty big place. It's bigger than anything anyone has ever dreamed of before. So if it's just us... seems like an awful waste of space. Right?” I used to look up at the stars and imagine all of the possible things out there, and as I got older I learned there was just as much unknown about the world we live in. As a lifeform we are so young and still naïve in ways. There are absolutely things we can't comprehend, in the grand scheme of things, I think we actually know very little.
5. Do you have any upcoming projects that we should check out?
The Moppets will begin their summer season in June with the Tempest followed by Henry V, then, after that, I am delighted to finally return to the stage ( after a LONG hiatus) in Caroling by Gaslight, at the Magnetic in December.
Biography
Ashleigh has been doing theatre in one way, shape, or form since she was still single digits. After the past two years, she is THRILLED to be returning to live theatre. Ash has been onstage, offstage, backstage, you name it, she's probably done it, but if she's being honest, teaching and directing is her preferred place in the theatre. Some of her favorite director mentions include Coyote on a Fence and Best of Enemies with DSPAC and the first run with Starbright at the Broadway Bound Theatre Festival. Ashleigh is the founding Artist Director of the Montford Moppets Youth Shakespeare Company, a youth-focused classical theatre company here in Asheville, doing year round programming for kids and she absolutely loves working with such young professionals and passing on the love of ensemble theater! From the bottom of her heart, Ashleigh wants to thank Skyler for being her rock.
Grab your tickets to Starbright here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=132323