Joe Smithwick•Managing Director

joe@ashlandproductions.org

A S H L A N D B I O

Joe began watching shows at Ashland in 2018 and was instantly a fan! Joe began volunteering with Ashland as an associate to Ashland staff photographer in 2021 and has never left!

Joe came on to direct THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL in the Summer of 2024 and also joined Ashland as the Managing Director ahead of Season 26 (2024-2025). Joe also directed the Summer 2025 production of INTO THE WOODS and is thrilled to be leading the creative team on 2027’s ANNIE GET YOUR GUN!

W H O I S JOE ?

Joe has been involved in theatre he performed in his first show in 8th Grade. (Who knew being the ‘footman at the ball’ in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella would have put me on this path. Joe earned a degree in Speech Communications & Theatre Arts from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls and then a Masters of Business Administration at the University of St. Thomas. While in college Joe had the opportunity to intern with Disney Theatricals and was an assistant to the producers of the World Premiere of the Broadway Musical The Lion King.

Joe works full time in Human Resources at Patterson Companies.
In his spare time Joe is also the Head Speech Coach at Park High School in Cottage Grove, MN and also directs theatre at Woodbury High School (I Never Saw Another Butterfly, These Shining Lives, Neil Simon’s Rumors, and A Green River (section 3AA One-Act Play Champions).

W H Y A S H L A N D ?

“Ashland is a special place because of the people (youth & adults) that love to perform on our stage. I’m honored and blessed to be a part of it, and can’t wait to see what Ashland looks like in 25 years!”