ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Richa Ahuja Badam was born and educated in India, where she began performing at age five under the mentorship of her mother, classical artist Sushmaa Roshan Ahuja. She later trained in Stanislavski's method under the legendary Ebrahim Alkazi, performing in Mahesh Elkunchwar’s Viraasat, and Indian adaptations of Three Sisters, Medea, and A Streetcar Named Desire.

Her screen career began with M. Night Shyamalan’s Praying with Anger, followed by leading roles in Hindi, Tamil, and French films, including Ziddi, Uyirodu Uyiraga, Dumm Dumm Dumm, and Le Mystère Parasuram. She also starred in over 30 stage performances of Hayavadana and appeared in popular TV series such as Shanti and Parampara.

Fluent in four languages, Richa has worked internationally as an actor, voice artist, and educator. She is the Artistic Director of Living Theatre and founded the Oak Grove School Theater Program in Ojai, directing large-scale productions including Fiddler on the Roof, Matilda, Mary Poppins, and Shrek. Most recently, she directed Hadestown Teen, which became a smash hit of the summer—praised by local audiences and creatives as one of the most exciting musical productions Ventura County has seen.

CHOREOGRAPHER

Ashley Maher-Koren grew up in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, where she began dancing at age four. Her early training in jazz, tap, ballet, and musical theater led to national competitions and eventually a focus on classical ballet. She studied at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and later trained year-round at the School of American Ballet in New York City, performing at the Metropolitan Opera House, State Theater, and the Guggenheim.

At 18, Ashley joined Miami City Ballet, dancing in works by Balanchine and Paul Taylor, and touring internationally. She later performed with Pennsylvania Ballet and in Los Angeles Ballet’s Casablanca in Beijing.

After her stage career, Ashley became a Pilates, fitness, and neuromovement coach. Now based in Ojai, California with her husband and children, she founded Movewell Kids, a dance and wellness program for youth. Hadestown marks her debut as lead choreographer in musical theater—a role she’s embraced with passion and gratitude.

YOUTH MENTOR

Ananya Jillian Badami is an actor, singer, dancer, and stage manager from Ojai, California, now based in New York City. She is entering her third year at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and is excited to return as a student mentor in the community where her artistic journey began.

Ananya has performed with OYES, Opera Santa Barbara, 5-Star Theatricals, The Rubicon Theatre Company, and Oak Grove School. She contributed to the founding of the Ojai Music Academy, worked with the Ojai Pixies Choir, and continues to perform as a vocalist.

Her stage credits include Shrek, Matilda, The Sound of Music, and Mamma Mia!, with stage management experience on productions such as Richard III and Legally Blonde. At NYU, she is active in the dance and performance scene through groups like KNESIS and Synchronic.