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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