ASHLEY WELLS (Director) Executive Producer and celebrated theater artist, marking an impressive 22-year tenure with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Recently, she was honored with the prestigious Arts in Education Governor’s Arts Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts and education. Throughout her career, Ashley has worn many hats at Lyric Theatre, excelling as a director, choreographer, and casting director for numerous productions. Some of her standout directorial credits at Lyric include Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, Matilda, Nunsense, Disney’s Newsies, Hello, Dolly!, Junie B. Jones, Rock of Ages, The Wizard of Oz, The Fantasticks, Billy Elliot, Pageant, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Odd Couple, Some Enchanted Evening, and Sweet Charity (with Tony Award-winner Billy Porter). Ashley’s creative work spans a variety of genres, from musicals to classic plays, showcasing her versatile talent as both a director and choreographer. Ashley’s journey with Lyric Theatre began as an ensemble member, and over the years, she has built an extraordinary career, deeply involved in many facets of theater. Her regional work includes collaborations with the  Music Theatre of Wichita, Casa Manana, and North Shore Music Theatre. Some of her favorite roles as an actor include Anne in La Cage Aux Folles, Maggie in Brigadoon, Louise in Carousel, Zaneeta in The Music Man, and one of the merry murderesses in Chicago. She also had the honor of touring the United States and Canada as Ermengarde in the national tour of Hello, Dolly! starring Carol Channing, a production that marked her Broadway debut. In addition to her extensive theatrical background, Ashley has made significant contributions behind the scenes. After transitioning to Los Angeles, she worked as a casting director at The Casting Company, where she contributed to films such as The Story of Us (starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Bruce Willis) and Bicentennial Man (starring Robin Williams). Ashley further expanded her expertise by owning Stover-Wells Casting in Orlando, Florida, where she worked on local and regional commercials. Most recently, Ashley directed Waitress at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and is thrilled to be making her Dallas Theatre Center debut with the production. She expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with the vibrant community at DTC.