PITTSFIELD, Mass. — WAM Theatre appointed Ashley Berridge as its new board president, replacing Nick Webb, who served since its founding in 2009.

 

"I am thrilled to come on board as president for WAM Theatre at a time when the organization is poised for real growth," Berridge said. "It is a particular source of pride for me to be a part of an organization that has remained fiscally responsible its first three years in existence, a true feat in the nonprofit arts arena. I look forward to helping Kristen [van Ginhoven, artistic director] to grow the board and take WAM to the next level as an established and well-respected professional theater organization in the Berkshires. “

 

Berridge is an event manager who specializes in nonprofit and fundraising events. She currently serves as director of Special Events and Conference Planning at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In addition to her role in events, she manages the college's capital campaign and alumni magazine. Prior to MCLA, Berridge worked in development and events at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival as the manager of individual support. Her background in the arts extends to work as an arts manager for Parsons Dance Company, Nashville Opera, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Nashville Symphony, and Nashville Chamber Orchestra. In 2000, she co-founded the New York City-based theater company Little Artistic Value, serving as its founding managing director. A graduate of Oklahoma City University with a degree in dance management, Ashley enjoyed a career as a professional dancer prior to her foray into arts administration and event management. She stays connected to the arts through her husband Brad, who is a freelance sound artist, and their 5-year-old daughter Emma is a theater artist-in-training.

"We are excited to have Ashley as our new president," Van Ginhoven said. "Her passion for the theater and creating opportunity for women and girls, her nonprofit and fundraising experience and her event expertise make her a perfect fit for WAM. We are grateful to Nick Webb for his service as our inaugural president. His work ensured we launched successfully, built an engaged board of directors and developed a loyal community of supporters. We look forward to working with Ashley and the rest of the growing board to increase WAM's impact and ability to create theatre for everyone that benefits women and girls.”

Berridge said her draw to WAM was a "double philanthropic mission.

"It is a place where I can feel connected to an art form I enjoy while supporting a cause I feel passionate about — women’s rights," Berridge said. "WAM's mission is unique and truly selfless, which I love. And the board is fully committed to honoring that mission, which is fantastic. I am delighted to take on this new leadership role and build upon the solid foundation that has already been laid for WAM.”