Meet Ashley Moniz Braun | Singer, Actress, Coach, Mother

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Moniz Braun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My husband, Benet Braun, and I met and worked in New York City for years before relocating to California so he could attend graduate school. Every time we made plans to move back to New York, something in California seemed to keep us here.

I never imagined I’d return to my hometown, but here we are—and it has been such a wonderful season of life.

When we moved to Santa Clarita, we quickly saw how many incredible opportunities exist for young performers. The community is home to fantastic studios that offer a wide range of musical theatre, music, acting, and voice training programs.

Not long after settling in, we began teaching private lessons out of our home. Watching our students grow in confidence, book roles in local productions throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, and even find professional opportunities has been incredibly rewarding.

As we became more involved in the community, we began identifying ways we could complement the amazing programs already available. We created Music and Make Believe, a class for 4–6-year-olds that introduces young imaginations to the joy of performing arts. Thanks to our years of experience in the industry and the relationships we’ve built along the way, we’re also able to offer workshops with agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals. In addition, we provide group scene study, music theory classes, and small-group voice lessons.

We’re also excited to be welcoming our second baby girl this September and look forward to adding baby music classes in 2027.

While we both continue to work professionally, we deeply believe in this community and are passionate about using our experience, industry connections, and love for the arts to help young performers grow, learn, and thrive.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve loved performing for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue it professionally—I just wasn’t sure in what capacity until I discovered musical theatre.

I studied musical theatre in college and booked my first Equity national tour during a college program that allowed us to live and study in New York City. After completing the tour, I returned to school to finish my degree before making the move to NYC full-time. Over the next eight years, I toured the country with five different Broadway productions before Benet was accepted into a graduate school program and we made the move to California. At the time, we assumed we’d be back in New York after he graduated.

Nearly ten years later, California has become home.

I still travel to New York for auditions, and we’re always open to relocating if the right opportunity presents itself, but we’ve built a life here that we truly love. The best part is that I’m still able to pursue a performing career while enjoying a fulfilling home life.

My husband, Benet, works throughout Southern California as a music director and pianist, and I continue to perform professionally as an actor and singer. We’ve been fortunate to collaborate on several projects together, from concerts to full-scale musical productions, which has been one of the unexpected gifts of this season of life.

I’ve also been incredibly encouraged by the growing support for working parents within the theatre community. While performing at Tuacahn Amphitheatre in St. George, Utah, I was amazed to see that childcare was provided during rehearsals and performances. Closer to home, both Musical Theatre West and La Mirada Theatre have graciously allowed me to bring my daughter to portions of rehearsals or auditions when childcare challenges arose. I’ve participated in workshops and readings where she was welcomed at presentations, and my work with Disneyland on special events and performances has certainly earned me a few extra points with her preschool and kindergarten classmates.

Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help—and to ask for accommodations when needed. The worst someone can say is no, but more often than not, I’ve found the answer is yes. People generally want to be supportive when they’re able to be, and those moments of generosity can make all the difference.

One of my favorite mantras is, “I am a person before I’m a performer.”

As actors, it’s easy to become consumed by auditions, bookings, and the pursuit of the next opportunity. Becoming a mother challenged me to reevaluate my priorities and make sacrifices I never anticipated. But in doing so, I’ve discovered that nurturing my life outside of performing has actually made me a better artist. Focusing on my family, my relationships, and the things that matter most has given me a stronger sense of purpose and perspective. Today, I make career decisions through that lens—and I believe both my work and my life are richer because of it.

As a coach and teacher, I encourage my students to work hard, take risks, and push beyond their comfort zones—but I also remind them to live their lives. This industry can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging and unpredictable.

That’s why I believe success isn’t just about booking the next job. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who support you, champion you, and remind you of your worth regardless of what role you’re playing—or not playing. Jobs come and go, but the relationships and community you build along the way are what truly last.

To me, that’s the real key to “making it.”

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.
One of my favorite things to do is play Disneyland tour guide for friends and family. We’re a big Disney-loving family, so sharing a little Disney magic is always on the itinerary!

From there, I’d send visitors west to Long Beach. Benet and I lived there for a few years and absolutely loved it. Some of my favorite memories are taking long walks along the beach, grabbing dinner at Lola’s Mexican Cuisine (I still dream about their green crack salsa and mango pistachio salad), and strolling around Naples Island.

Some of my favorite Los Angeles spots to show off are the Silver Lake Reservoir, the LA Zoo, Griffith Park and the Observatory, the Hollywood Bowl, and, of course, catching a show at the Pantages.

But more than anywhere else, I love sharing Santa Clarita with people. After living throughout Orange County and Los Angeles since moving to California in 2016, I never imagined I’d end up back in the SCV. Now, though, I’m proud to be raising my kids here.

I love introducing people to the paseos—walking paths that connect neighborhoods throughout the city. I love our schools, community pools, and libraries. I love spending an afternoon in Downtown Newhall, grabbing a meal at Eat Real Cafe and browsing local shops like Heirloom. And I love taking visitors on hikes at Vasquez Rocks or Hasley Canyon.

Most of all, I love the sense of community we’re building here. Santa Clarita has given our family a lifestyle that feels connected, family-friendly, and full of opportunities to put down roots, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I always thought that becoming a mother would mean stepping away from performing. Thanks to the support of my family and friends, I’ve been able to show my daughter (soon to be daughters) that it’s important to pursue the things you love. Sharing my passion for theatre and performance with my 5-year-old has been one of the greatest joys of my career. Watching her experience the magic of it all through her own eyes has made every stage and every role even more meaningful. I can’t wait to share that same love of the arts with her little sister, too.

Website: www.ashleymoniz.com www.performingarc.com

Instagram: @ashleymonizb @performingarc

Image Credits
Pic of Ashley and Benet at piano: Kris Rogers

Ashley Headshots: Grace Stockdale