Bio
Ashton Schaffer is a performer, director and theater educator in the DMV. Most recently, Ashton was seen in Workhouse Arts Center’s production of Urinetown, where he received a Helen Hayes Nomination for his portrayal of Bobby Strong. Other notable stage credits include Tony (West Side Story, Broadway World Award – Best Musical, 2022), Beast (Beauty and the Beast), and Emmett Forest (Legally Blonde). Offstage, Ashton has directed numerous musicals and plays. He works with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to direct productions for local elementary schools (most recently directing Finding Nemo with Marshall Road Elementary in Vienna, VA). Directing credits include The Lightning Thief (Mount Vernon Children’s Theater), Star Force (FCPS), Jessica’s Journey (The National Theatre, DC), Reasons to Be Pretty (CenterStage), and Peculiar Things (Synetic Theater). Ashton is a teaching artist with Synetic Theater, where he recently worked as the education manager and camp director. Ashton works with Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts to bring arts education into public schools across Virginia. He holds a Bachelor of Music (Musical Theater) from the Rome School of Music, Drama and Art.