Christopher Ashley, artistic director for the La Jolla Playhouse, fell in love with theater when he was five years old. His uncle was playing King Arthur in a production of Camelot.

“It was past my bedtime so my mom only let me watch the first half, but even still I couldn’t believe how exciting it was,” Ashley said. “I worshiped my uncle, and seeing him on that throne in his crown and cape, I thought, ‘Wow. This is what I want to do with my life.’”

Although his uncle was only 13 at the time, to Ashley he was a big influence.

Ashley followed his uncle’s example and was soon acting in performances of “Oliver” and “The Sound of Music” at a young age. Ashley gave up acting, and at 16 decided to try directing instead.

“I was never that good of an actor but there was something about directing that felt very natural,” Ashley said. “To direct is to be part shrink, child and parent. You have to be smart and visual.”

As he got older, Ashley said he felt he was too smart to seriously consider something as “financially chancy” as theater for a career, but said, “I kept coming back to it because it is such an amazing opportunity to get to play for your job.”

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