"It is very possible with the wrong person in control, EverScape could fail. Fortunately it was guided by the expert vision of director Ashley Gunsteens. Her strong vision and intricate attention to detail carried the show." - Theater In The Now
"...stunning stage pictures created by director Ashley Gunsteens and her ensemble." - Theater In The Now
Meg Mark, Actor
EverScape
"Working with Director Ashley Gunsteens was an absolutely incredible experience. As an actress who has worked regionally, internationally, and in NYC for a decade - I speak from experience when I say it is very rare to find such a gem. From the time of my audition, I knew that I had to work with her. She was a strong yet friendly presence who offered helpful suggestions in reading of the character and was able to answer all of my questions clearly and creatively. What sets Ms. Gunsteens apart from any other talent I've seen is her ability to communicate with a large amount of very diverse personalities and earn each talent's respect. She always encouraged taking big risks while delicately balancing the fine line of what fits best and what doesn't. Her dedication to truth is perhaps one of her finest qualities, always making sure the story is told with purpose and heart. Rehearsals were carefully planned and time was never wasted. Everyone took her seriously and paid great respect to her because she did the same for them. She never once lost her cool, even in those tricky heightened times of tech week. After my experience of having Ashley as my director, I was in the best shape of my life physically and I had complete faith that the work I had done was impactful and important. There are not enough positive sentiments in the world to describe the experience of having Ms. Gunsteens on your side - but know that any chance you have to work with her - you should wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity."
Elizabeth Salisch, Stage Manager
EverScape
"Ashley is a really great leader, I had a great experience working with her and hope to do so again soon!"
Morgane Jaremczuk, Actor
Romantic Fools
"In 2015 I had the great pleasure of working with Ashley Gunsteens as a director of the play "Romantic Fools". I keep wonderful memories of working in a fun, enjoyable, yet very organized environment. From the very first day, Ashley introduced us (actors) to each other in such a fun and up-lifting way that we were all relaxed and bound together immediately. We had a great warm up routine before every performance that made the group very solid and wanting to do our best every evening. Ashley was such a hero for working with two different groups of actors (cast A and B) in such a short amount of time, getting the costumes, the furniture for the set, promoting and fundraising the project, working with all of us individually, and on top of that, she offered extra private sessions for those who needed it. I really had a great time and learned how to work fast and efficiently, giving a great result to a happy audience."
Charito Mertz, Actor
Romantic Fools
"Ashley is great at keeping the cast excited, focused and at ease. One the less stressful productions I've worked on!"
Chris Bohinski, Actor
Romantic Fools
"Ashley Gunsteens is a class act. I initially recognized Ms. Gunsteens' warm and inviting personality as I walked in the auditioning room for a play she was directing. After being cast in her production, I fully realized Ashley's ability to acknowledge AND respect an actors' artistic ideas throughout the rehearsal process. This trust, paired with her professional suggestions, allowed for a fantastic final product. I would thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to work with Ashley again!"
Jeffrey Lopez, Actor
Romantic Fools
"Romantic Fools... was my first acting gig and it was a pleasure working with Ashley. While working on my scenes, she gave me great advice on creating an effective character. There was also great chemistry with the whole cast working together and Ashley had a big part on making that happen."
Erin Post, Actor
Romantic Fools
"I loved working with Ashley on the production, "Romantic Fools". It was a free and welcoming environment and Ashley made me feel comfortable to try new things and experiment with my role. I would love to work with her again!"
Scott Vicari, Actor
How I Learned to Drive
"Ashley is a really talented director with a gift in storytelling. Because she has the experience of being both an actor and a director, she has a variety of directing methods and communication skills to ensure a creative and productive rehearsal process. Her personality and sense of humor makes you feel completely comfortable, even when the work becomes especially challenging. She is always encouraging, positive, and professional. Ashley is one of the best directors that I have ever worked with."
Julia Howland-Myers, Actor
How I Learned to Drive
"Ashley was my director in LAB! Theatre's How I Learned to Drive in Fall of 2011. She was incredibly inspired and passionate while at the same time being able to give clear, helpful direction, foster great ensemble work, and lead the production in an organized manner. As an actor, I felt safe and I felt like I was listened to. I had one of the best theatre experiences of my life with Ashley as my director."
"...stunning stage pictures created by director Ashley Gunsteens and her ensemble." - Theater In The Now
Meg Mark, Actor
EverScape
"Working with Director Ashley Gunsteens was an absolutely incredible experience. As an actress who has worked regionally, internationally, and in NYC for a decade - I speak from experience when I say it is very rare to find such a gem. From the time of my audition, I knew that I had to work with her. She was a strong yet friendly presence who offered helpful suggestions in reading of the character and was able to answer all of my questions clearly and creatively. What sets Ms. Gunsteens apart from any other talent I've seen is her ability to communicate with a large amount of very diverse personalities and earn each talent's respect. She always encouraged taking big risks while delicately balancing the fine line of what fits best and what doesn't. Her dedication to truth is perhaps one of her finest qualities, always making sure the story is told with purpose and heart. Rehearsals were carefully planned and time was never wasted. Everyone took her seriously and paid great respect to her because she did the same for them. She never once lost her cool, even in those tricky heightened times of tech week. After my experience of having Ashley as my director, I was in the best shape of my life physically and I had complete faith that the work I had done was impactful and important. There are not enough positive sentiments in the world to describe the experience of having Ms. Gunsteens on your side - but know that any chance you have to work with her - you should wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity."
Elizabeth Salisch, Stage Manager
EverScape
"Ashley is a really great leader, I had a great experience working with her and hope to do so again soon!"
Morgane Jaremczuk, Actor
Romantic Fools
"In 2015 I had the great pleasure of working with Ashley Gunsteens as a director of the play "Romantic Fools". I keep wonderful memories of working in a fun, enjoyable, yet very organized environment. From the very first day, Ashley introduced us (actors) to each other in such a fun and up-lifting way that we were all relaxed and bound together immediately. We had a great warm up routine before every performance that made the group very solid and wanting to do our best every evening. Ashley was such a hero for working with two different groups of actors (cast A and B) in such a short amount of time, getting the costumes, the furniture for the set, promoting and fundraising the project, working with all of us individually, and on top of that, she offered extra private sessions for those who needed it. I really had a great time and learned how to work fast and efficiently, giving a great result to a happy audience."
Charito Mertz, Actor
Romantic Fools
"Ashley is great at keeping the cast excited, focused and at ease. One the less stressful productions I've worked on!"
Chris Bohinski, Actor
Romantic Fools
"Ashley Gunsteens is a class act. I initially recognized Ms. Gunsteens' warm and inviting personality as I walked in the auditioning room for a play she was directing. After being cast in her production, I fully realized Ashley's ability to acknowledge AND respect an actors' artistic ideas throughout the rehearsal process. This trust, paired with her professional suggestions, allowed for a fantastic final product. I would thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to work with Ashley again!"
Jeffrey Lopez, Actor
Romantic Fools
"Romantic Fools... was my first acting gig and it was a pleasure working with Ashley. While working on my scenes, she gave me great advice on creating an effective character. There was also great chemistry with the whole cast working together and Ashley had a big part on making that happen."
Erin Post, Actor
Romantic Fools
"I loved working with Ashley on the production, "Romantic Fools". It was a free and welcoming environment and Ashley made me feel comfortable to try new things and experiment with my role. I would love to work with her again!"
Scott Vicari, Actor
How I Learned to Drive
"Ashley is a really talented director with a gift in storytelling. Because she has the experience of being both an actor and a director, she has a variety of directing methods and communication skills to ensure a creative and productive rehearsal process. Her personality and sense of humor makes you feel completely comfortable, even when the work becomes especially challenging. She is always encouraging, positive, and professional. Ashley is one of the best directors that I have ever worked with."
Julia Howland-Myers, Actor
How I Learned to Drive
"Ashley was my director in LAB! Theatre's How I Learned to Drive in Fall of 2011. She was incredibly inspired and passionate while at the same time being able to give clear, helpful direction, foster great ensemble work, and lead the production in an organized manner. As an actor, I felt safe and I felt like I was listened to. I had one of the best theatre experiences of my life with Ashley as my director."
