Alumni in Review: Ashton Williams

What inspired you to join the Mountain City Center for the Arts during your time there?

I was just moving to the area when I joined MCCA, so I knew I wanted to find an arts community. MCCA drew me because of the intersection of incredible arts training with an inclusive and supportive environment.

Can you describe your overall experience at the center? What stands out as the most memorable moment?

Overall, I have nothing but gratitude for MCCA. They are the ones who fostered my love of the arts and pushed me to pursue it as my career, and I am so grateful for that. My memories of my time at the center are full of laughter, joy, support, and so many other things. It is so difficult to choose one moment from my time there because I had such a positive experience there. Whether it was preparing for JTF, the long showcase rehearsal days, hanging out around the front desk when I shouldn’t have been, or my times coming back since being at school, I look back so fondly at my time there.

What do you miss most about MCCA?

Just the people. So many places say that they are a big family, but I truly felt that way at MCCA. Even just returning to stage manage or work at showcase, I feel welcomed back so warmly, and I definitely miss seeing my MCCA family every day.

What advice would you offer to current students or those considering joining the center?

Be kind (to yourself and others) and do your best without fear of judgment. That last one is something I have to tell myself CONSTANTLY, but I recognize the times I have allowed myself to let go and be myself, and it has brought fantastic results in my creative pursuits and life in general. As for the first one, being kind, I say this every time I have to offer advice because it makes such a difference. The arts are meant to be an uplifting form of expression. It is incredibly vulnerable to create in the arts, which is why it is so important to be kind and support others.

What was your major in college and why did you choose it?

I am currently a Musical Theater major, and I chose it because I love the arts. I have been doing the arts since I was in elementary school, and, thanks to MCCA, I decided in high school that this was the career path I wanted to take. I love theatre, I love performing, and I couldn’t imagine myself not being in a career that incorporates my love of the arts.

Are you still participating in the arts?

Am I ever. I am in my third year at Boston Conservatory, majoring in Musical Theater. I do plays and musicals, recitals, and when I visit back home, I try to perform a little bit as well. The arts are very much still a part of my life, and that probably won’t change anytime soon!

What do you see yourself doing in 5 to 10 years?

After I graduate with my BFA, I plan to go to graduate school, either pursuing arts administration or directing. I also hope to be working somewhere using my degree, as well as performing a bit on the side.

What hobbies or interests do you pursue outside of your artistic endeavors?

I love to cook and meal prep. Since having my own place, I find myself doing this a lot more. I also love reading and have recently gotten into songwriting as well.

Who are your biggest inspirations or role models in your life, and why?

When I think of celebrities or public figures I look up to, for the arts, I always think of Joshua Henry. He is just a fantastic human being and amazingly talented at that. Aside from that, I really gain so much inspiration from the people in my life. Whether it is my mom or sisters, people at MCCA, people I go to school with, or the random person I met on the train, I try to find inspiration within my everyday life. We often put public figures on a pedestal, and I find that can lead to more comparison rather than inspiration. Looking to the people surrounding me for inspiration has contributed to my growth more than looking to a celebrity for that.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I don’t know if this is a fun fact or a weird fact, but I’ve really gotten into making spreadsheets. Right now, I am keeping a spreadsheet as I journey through listening to every one of the 500 best albums from the Rolling Stones. I also have one for show/movie/book recommendations, fun facts, new words I come across in books, and so many more. If you needed any proof as to how much of a nerd I am, here it is.

MCCA Alumni Ashton Williams