Meet The Team
Testimonials
"As someone with experience in the arts, I know what high-quality theatre education looks like, and this is it. I'm thankful for this resource and the community that Aspen and Ashley are building."
- The Little Mermaid Parent
Ashley Leanne Somers - CEO and Co-Founder
Ashley is a seasoned actress and director in both theatre and film, with credits including guest spots on Emmy-winning television shows, leads in critically-acclaimed films, and roles on stages across Colorado. She holds a B.A. in Dramatic Arts from the University of Southern California, where she also studied film and dance. Ashley has over 12 years of experience in all aspects of the performing arts, from directing an innovative theatre in college to developing arts curricula for underserved kids in collaboration with members of Congress. She is also the founder of a student-led performing arts organization at USC, a producer with the film production company Angel Wing Productions, and an teaching artist at the Colorado School of Acting. However, Ashley's favorite thing in the world is teaching with Stagebugz! She absolutely loves working with our amazing students and can't wait to share her passion for theatre with your kids!
(Camper) felt so welcome and included and talked every day about her new friends. I'm so impressed at the way you created an environment where such a wide age range of kids could become friends and work as a team. I also really appreciated the very organized emails and practice files you sent daily. Thanks for putting on a wonderful camp!"
- Willy Wonka parent
Aspen K Somers - President and Artistic Director
As co-founder of Stagebugz Theatre, sharing her passion for theater with young performers has been the greatest joy of Aspen's life. Aspen grew up performing around Colorado and recently graduated of University of Southern California's prestigious School of Dramatic Arts, where she served as Artistic Director of CommUnity Arts Collective. Since returning to Colorado, she has performed in theatres across Colorado, with her performance in Miscreant Theatre's "The Pillowman" winning an OSCA Award and Broadway World Regional Award Nomination. Most recently, she directed Stagebugz's first TYA production of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," and her original play Cryptophasia premiered at the Shifted Lens Theatre in July of 2025. Outside of theater, Aspen is a Disney enthusiast, has a lifelong love of writing and reading, and spends most of her free time in the kitchen baking her world-famous homemade bread.
The kids LOVED Mean Girls. That was very impressive how you managed to get so much done in just one day! We have greatly enjoyed our experiences with Stagebugz so far and plan to continue to do things with them as often as we are able."
- Musical-in-A-Day Parent
Sina Hirsch - Music Director
Sina Hirsch has been active in the performing arts since childhood, and has remained active in the theatrical community. She performs and directs shows throughout the Western Suburbs, and teaches students of all ages the wonderful worlds of theatre, voice, and performance. She currently directs a teenaged improv troupe, as well as an adult troupe. She is a huge supporter of the arts, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for The Wheat Ridge Theatre Company. She is working on a long-term project called Voices, which is a program designed to create awareness and support for Suicide Victims and their families. Ms. Hirsch has two daughters, 4 cats, and a dog named Boo. She welcomes all questions and comments regarding her theatrical company and career, and hopes that she can continue her work, especially with teens, so they are confident as they move towards adulthood
Sophie Badia - Teaching Artist
Sophia is a director, performer, and multidisciplinary theatre artist based in Denver, Colorado. She is an avid lover of the arts in whatever form, and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2023 with a BA in Theatre arts, and a minor in Art History. She additionally has certification in Arts Entrepreneurship, as well as Mental Health First Aid and is actively working on completing her training in Mental Health coordination for theatre. As an artist and educator, she is always working to curate a safe, welcoming, and brave space for everyone around. She hopes to build a theatre community that is structured on equitability, respect, and a desire to always listen, learn, and grow (and as always, have a bit of fun while doing it!).