Barbara Richardson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Barbara Richardson is an actor, singer and voice over artist based out of SW Washington. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Metropolitan Performing Arts in Vancouver, WA. She holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Vanguard University of Southern California (VUSC) and took part in the 2009 NYC Making it on Broadway intensive studying under Jodie Llangel, Nick Wyman, Erin Dilly, Kim Steiner, Dave Clemmons, Ryan Stanza, Judith Fredricks & Pasek and Paul. In 2011 she started her own private vocal studio and has been a vocal coach and musical director for several productions in the Vancouver/Portland area. Favorite stage credits include Rose in Dogfight, Maureen in Rent, Jo March in Little Women the Musical, Martha in Spring Awakening, Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar and Beth in Rock the Presidents. Barbara has been part of several staged readings, cabarets and vocal pit ensembles including Mamma Mia with Broadway Rose, Merrily We Roll Along with Staged! and Baron Munchausen at Lakewood (Fertile Ground Festival). Voice over credits include theme songs for children's animation shows to commercials. Barbara is passionate about arts education and creating a safe space for kids to be unapologetically themselves. When not working she enjoys listening to jazz music, reading and hanging out with her niece. ​
Kathleen Jung
BOARD MEMBER
After serving in the Army (Airborne!) and working in pharmaceutical/medical sales for 30 years, Kathleen is delighted to bring her enthusiasm and love of performing arts to MPA.  She is a lifelong musician, vocalist, actor, and pretends to dance.  Performing arts are a transformational experience for both performers and patrons alike.  On a daily basis, we see our actors, singers, and dancers gain confidence, explore their creativity, and find their place within the MPA community.  We are creating a safe place that accepts them as they are and where they are on their journey.  Through our network of volunteers and our audiences, we are making our community stronger.
Ross Ashdown
BOARD PRESIDENT
Ross Ashdown has lived in Vancouver, WA over 20 years and graduated from Washington State University, Vancouver with a degree in Human Development.  He works for Progressive insurance company as the Medical Manager for Oregon.  Ross has served on a few boards over the last 15 years started with his neighborhood association board in Cascade Park.  His daughter has been performing since she was 3 and that brought him to the booster club board for a local dance studio in 2013.  His daughter joined Metropolitan Performing Arts in 2015 and he joined our board in 2016.  In addition to being on the board, Ross also coaches his son's football and basketball teams.  "There are so many benefits associated with participating in the arts that it is imperative that we continue to foster the growth of great programs like Metro for our youth in Clark County".
Jocy Walla
BOARD SECRETARY
 Jocy is a finance graduate working for Riverview Community Bank in their Business Intelligence Department. She got involved with Metropolitan Performing Arts when her daughter watched a production of The Little Mermaid. She was so fascinated by the whole thing and wanted to be on stage too. The Walla's  first production was The Wizard of Oz, and how fitting because they found a family in MPA.  "There's no place like home!"
Marci Caputo
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Marci is a lifelong resident of Clark County with a degree in business from Washington State University.  She founded Luxe Realty in 2014 and is currently part of the Real Estate Performance Group. Among her proudest accomplishments was creating the Cameo Foundation which (in memory of her sister) raised money for local charities over a 10 year period.  For this work she received  "The Quintessential Woman Award" in 2012 from  Clark County's Diamond Tea organization,  "Honoring the fire & brilliance of mission-driven women entrepreneurs". Past experience includes serving as Executive Director of the Pink Lemonade Project, an organization to assist women who have survived breast cancer. 
Lauren Meyer
BOARD TREASURER
Lauren began performing as a child with Peanut Gallery Theatre in Vancouver, WA and since then has appeared in productions throughout the Northwest. She currently performs infrequently but loves it.  Favorite recent roles include Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd and Lettie in The Greatest Showman (concert.)  She is a classically trained mezzo-soprano and won first place in the 2018 NATS musical theater competition, Adult division.  Her two children have found a supportive and creative home at MPA where their individual contributions are valued.  Lauren is CEO of EventBuilder, a virtual events software and services company in Vancouver.

MPA Board Member Vacancy 

Metropolitan Performing Arts in Vancouver, WA is seeking interested persons who are willing to serve in a governance capacity on their board of directors. Established in 2010, Metropolitan Performing Arts, a 501(c)3 non-profit serves the SW Washington community by providing quality arts education and performance opportunities. MPA is seeking members of the community or family members currently connected who are interested in helping take MPA to the next level. Directors are volunteers and a crucial leadership position to the organization.

Board members must be 18 years and able to fulfill the minimum board service commitment of 3 years.

Those interested in serving on the MPA Board should submit an application and cover letter to Ross Ashdown, Board President at info@metropolitanperformingarts.org​

Should you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact MPA Executive Director, Barbara Richardson at 360-975-1585 or exec.director@metropolitanperformingarts.org.
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What People are Saying About MPA

"I am so impressed with Metropolitan Performing Arts! We have had such a great experience in working with them each year. Barbara Richardson has been so helpful in making sure that our daughter was getting the best of care. I also really appreciate the high quality level of costumes and props and imagination that are put into the Harry Potter LARP camps and also the performances we've seen during the years. The acting examples of the teachers and of the older students speaks well of the quality of teaching that my daughter is getting. I feel very fortunate that we have found this academy. And best of all our daughter just loves coming! We wouldn't miss it!  In a day and age when money is tight, we feel it is money well spent." - Emily Ihasz

"Metropolitan Performing Arts is a wonderful performing arts school for children. The instructors are knowledgeable, encouraging, and kind. Their classes, events, and camps engage young people." - Kristin Nordberg

​"My daughter has been taking classes and performing with Metro for about a year and nothing makes her happier than being a part of this group. She has gained confidence and skills and has enjoyed every minute. She feels welcome and supported and encouraged by the warm and caring and talented staff. Metro is her "happy place." -Alia Woolfe Walsh

"My son has been with MPA  since he was in 3rd grade. He came to me one day and said, "Mom, I want to be on stage." It is so amazing that there is a place like Metropolitan Performing Arts in our community to provide access to the arts for kids of all ages. Not just access, but QUALITY, authentic theater training, and classes. You've brought the passion out for my son. Thank you!​" - Gail Moore
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"Great program for kids. My daughters have learned so much about being in a show. From auditioning to take down a set and everything in between. Great teachers and great environment!" -Cristina Kennington

"My kids have been taking lessons and performing with this group for years. While always mostly happy with things in the past, after recent changes to staff and programming, we are super happy. Amazing tap and jazz teachers and some really fun acting teachers. My kids have learned so much at MPA."-Kristie Gebhard

"We found Metropolitan Performing Arts by chance when I was looking for summer activities for my daughter. She loved it and now two years later being a part of the Metro Family has been such an amazing experience for us all. She has learned so much about singing, acting & dance. The productions are phenomenal, the instructors are passionate & make classes so fun for the kids. The friendships she has made and the confidence she has gained from taking part in shows & classes in these two years are priceless. Highly recommend for anyone with kids looking to find their niche in the performing arts!" - Joanna Connelly

"Life changing experience for my daughter! There has been a dramatic improvement in her grades at school and her drive to succeed in other areas of life since joining."- Melissa Galland

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(360)-975-1585

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