Luker theatrical partnership names 2023 recipient

Clear Space Theatre Company and James FitzSimmons have announced Ashley Williams as the 2023 recipient of the Rebecca Luker Theatrical Partnership.

Williams will perform in the 2023 summer repertory and work on theater management with David Button, artistic director and Lara Bellistri, box office manager.

FitzSimmons started the partnership to honor actor and friend Rebecca Luker, who passed away in 2020 from ALS. FitzSimmons and Luker worked together on several readings and the musical “Death Takes a Holiday.”

“Rebecca was one of the most talented, kindest, funniest and most committed humans on this planet. Her career on Broadway was legendary, but she was also fiercely committed to racial justice, equal rights and reproductive rights,” FitzSimmons said.

The partnership creates  professional leadership and learning opportunities in the theater for individuals from underrepresented communities. It seeks to enhance the community by collaborating with an individual, ideally from underrepresented demographics. The goal is for this person to help enrich the Clear Space community and the community at large by adding a new voice and perspective to the conversation.

Williams, who is from Northern Virginia, said she is thrilled and honored to be the partnership recipient. Her credits include: Deloris in “Sister Act: The Musical,” Medda Larkin in “Newsies,” Milly in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” Rusty in “Footloose,” and a Dynamite in “Hairspray.” A passionate advocate for diversity, Williams believes that the arts have the power to unite people of all backgrounds, and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

“Partnerships that celebrate diversity can create a powerful force for positive change, both in the theater and in our communities,” said Williams.

For more information or to make a donation to the Rebecca Luker Theatrical Partnership, contact Stephanie Whitcomb at Clear Space Theatre Company, Stephanie@ClearSpaceTheatre.org or 302-227-2270.

To make a donation to Project ALS, go to projectals.org.