The Historic Ashland Theatre

Growing up, sisters Lori and Robin Steele had a love of all things theatre! Over the years the entire family got involved! Their Mom Lani could be found making costumes or painting sets, while Dr. .Bob got bitten by the acting bug himself and has appeared onstage in several productions! Lori did theatre and show choir while at Southern Union. While both were actively involved in theatre through the Clay County Arts League. The sisters have spent many years teaching drama at the Clay County Arts Camp for kids, and Robin's Girl Scout Gold Award was even creating a drama workshop just for kids. Robin attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery Alabama and received a BA in Theatre.

In 2006 the Steele family had an amazing opportunity. Along with their Mother Lani and Father Bob, the sisters began the journey of restoring the site of the original Ashland Theatre on the square in Ashland, Alabama. One short year later ( and a lot of hard work and long hours!) the curtain went up for the first time on this newly restored community gem! Since that time the Ashland Theatre has been the venue for numerous stage plays, concerts, comedy shows, parties, author talks, camps, weddings, showers, and more!

The Ashland Theatre has appeared in Southern Living Magazine and Lake Wedowee Life Magazine. Some of our most famous guests to take our stage include:Author: Katherin Tucker Windham, Guitarist: Bob Saxon (County Music Hall of Fame), Actor: Bob Penny (Forest Gump, Sweet Home Alabama), Comedian: Casio Kid (Matt Mitchell) on air regular The Tonight Show and Last Comic Standing, Dancer: Brenna Bell, America's Got Talent, and Singer/Songwriter: Austin Cunningham whose songs have appeared on films like Where the Heart Is and Autumn in New York.

Lori and Robin would say their greatest passion is working with kids onstage! "We didnt have the same opportunities growing up! Somtimes we felt really alone, like none of our peers really "got us". Seeing our "theatre kids" having a group, a theatre family, a place to call home........its why we do this!" -Robin Thornhill