Meet Ash Singer | Theatre sculptor and film director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ash Singer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ash, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe in the work that I create, that I guide and/or that I assist. There has to be a passion for the project, the job and/or the work. But that passion has to grow and evolve. The parts that brought me into the project or idea for my own work will change as it grows. It’s important to not lose one’s own reason for being a part of the work but also allow it to go in different directions. And that means having it go into the unknown. Having it go in the wrong direction. Make sure conversations are had so the integrity, the beginnings of what was important are talked about and it’s decided if they still serve the work and if so, making sure those parts are not lost. But also knowing when to let go. There’s a lot of trust. In the unknown, in your gut and own thoughts, and in those who you work with. All of which sounds easy but has been the biggest lesson I constantly have to remind myself of.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started as an actor but found that I wanted to have more of a voice in the storytelling. That is not unique as most artists move roles as our creative minds are always going and wanting to share thoughts, stories and worlds. However, everything that I did was a learn as I go process. What I found from the beginning was to trust my gut. The company I started over ten years ago started as a company that produced published work about women in history, then created original work about women in history, then moved in Documentary theatre, then added immersive documentary theatre and now are heading into film. All of this is not just because the company and myself wanted to change but because the world did. Our voice as artists lay in what society is feeling and needing to explore. Most times when I would meet with the company members or my collaboratives for a project we have never done I would say – I do not know why this but I feel like this needs to be explored as a story and as a way of storytelling. It has not been easy though as I have had to continue to figure out, research, find tutorials, learn from others and many times learn from my mistakes in this learn as I go process. However, I do believe growth comes from steps forward into the unknown.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think the people watching in NYC is the best activity to be honest. To go to Bryant Park (especially on a nice day), and see people playing ping pong, get close to others and listen in (I know that sounds creepy but everyone does it!).

Then for food it is about what they want to try. My favorite restaurant when I have some extra money is Blue Ribbon Restaurant, especially their sushi and their Japanese whiskey selection. But their entire menu is unique. But also Koreatown is wonderful and there are a few Ethiopian restaurants that are incredible. Basically, NYC is the place to find any type of food so they could lead the way there.

For entertainment – I think the Joyce, Dance Theatre of Harlem or if Alvin Ailey is in town then it’s a must. That is because I love dance so they would have to let me know what they like.

Lastly – drinks in NYC to me are about the view. Again, if it is nice out. the Baylander ship has a beautiful view and plays great 90s music. The highline has a bar (on ground level) that overlooks the water.

Also though, people come to NYC and burn out trying to do it all. Just wander. Pick an area and walk. See where you end up. Stop at a restaurant that looks cool. Don’t plan too much, just see what the city gives you along the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Kate Szekely. She and I met in 2018. Well okay. We met before that. She had a small part in a show I was producing and acting in for my theatre company. I thought she was brilliantly talented and super intelligent. She reached out in 2018 if she could help my theatre company. When I get a feeling on something or someone I go with it. I offered her a role in the show I was working on that was due to show at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She was incredible (just as I thought she would be) in the show. And has been a guiding force in my own work and in the company. As our resident actor, producer and operations manager she always pushes for the company to reach new levels and maintain openness and professionalism as it’s grown. Which is why I’m excited that she will be starting the theatre companies new venture: a film production company.

Also – the five women I interviewed for my first Documentary Theatre play. Ann Kelsey, Lucki Allen, Lily Adam’s and Judy Jenkins Gaudino. The oral histories are what I sculpted into “In Their Footsteps,” a play about five women who served in the Vietnam War. Their stories, who they are and were as people and women in their field have driven me to be better every day since I have met them.

And lastly, all my company members of actors and crew for the theatre and film work I’ve sculpted. They all come and go as life takes them but whenever there is an artistic endeavor they never disappoint.

Website: www.ashleybadelman.com

Instagram: aadelman07

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.adelman.9

Image Credits
Sam Szekely Stefano Corso Scott Weyn