The Collinsworth School of Performing Arts at California Baptist University houses students seeking professional development in a diverse artistic environment and aims to highlight different students throughout the year.
This issue spotlighted Ashlyn Williams, freshman theatre major.
Growing up with a curiosity to play pretend, Williams knew from a young age that acting was her calling. Since the age of 3, she acted professionally in television, film, commercials and more.
“I basically just get to play pretend but for a living, and I really enjoy becoming different people and imagining what it would be like to be someone else,” Williams said.
After a short break from acting, Williams returned to the profession—this time, onstage. Performing live before an audience differed from acting for television, but brought a unique thrill through audience connection.
“I think my favorite part about performing is making the audience feel something with what I’m doing—whether I hear them laughing at what I’m saying or, afterwards, I get feedback that they connected to me as a character. That just means I’m really portraying the story, and I feel like I’m actually moving people,” Williams said.
Her most recent project marked her first lead stage role as Amy March in Wallace Theatre’s production of “Little Women: The Musical”. Based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, the musical follows the humorous, heartwarming and bittersweet stories of the close-knit March sisters: Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy.
Amy, the youngest of the four, stands out from her sisters. While the March sisters grew up finding joy in life without an abundance of material objects, Amy focused on societal matters and pursued greatness to enjoy society’s rewards.
Despite facing judgment from others, Amy continued to strive for greatness without giving up on her dreams. As a fellow artist, Williams resonated with Amy’s drive and outlook.
“I definitely relate to her in the fact that she tries so hard at everything she does, and sometimes it feels like she’s going nowhere and can’t do it—but she never gives up. I think that’s really inspiring for me, considering I feel like I try so hard at everything,” Williams said.
Williams’ dedication to her craft came through in her portrayal of Amy. With years of acting experience, she recognized how her experience at CBU stood apart from others.
“The staff and my cast around me—because of their talent and care for their students and the people around them—I’ve just been learning so much from them, especially my director, Stacee Willis. She genuinely cares about every single person in our cast, and I’ve just learned so much from her,” Williams said. “She wants to cooperate with you and see what your ideas are and how you feel about the character, which has also really helped me learn more about how to become someone else.”
As opening night approached, the cast worked hard to invite the audience into the world of the March sisters and communicate a heartfelt message.
“I hope people take away that you should never give up on what you’re striving for. I feel like everyone has ambition and an end goal, and you can really see each of the sisters’ goals and what they want. They all end up getting what they want in the end because they worked so hard for it,” Williams said.
Beyond the musical’s message, Williams hopes the audience would see the broader mission of CBU’s Theatre Arts program.
“But also, I hope people see the light of Jesus in all of our cast, because everyone has put so much love into this,” Williams said.
“Little Women: The Musical” is scheduled to take the Wallace Theatre stage April 4–5 and 11–13, with opening night set for Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m.
