ashley sparks is a Southern theater maker, facilitator, and convening curator. sparks co-directs the theater ensemble Mark-n-Sparks along with Mark Valdez and leads the work of spark + dive, inc.  As an artist, sparks has worked across the US with companies such as Cornerstone Theater Company in Los Angeles, ArtSpot Productions in New Orleans, PearlDamour, the Network of Ensemble Theaters, Alternate ROOTS, the Network for Energy Water and Health in Affordable Buildings, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. As a director, sparks creates site-specific work and immersive participatory events. spark + dive has worked with dozens of individual artists, filmmakers, and organizations to deepen the connection art can have on specific audiences and across sectors. As a convener, sparks organized the Network of Ensemble Theaters MicroFest USA, a festival/think-tank series that highlighted the impact art has in revitalizing communities and the Network of Energy Water and Health in Affordable Buildings national convenings. sparks is an awardee of the Princess Grace Award, A Blade of Grass Fellow, has an MFA in Directing and Public Dialogue from Virginia Tech University, is a certified coach, a member of the Guild of Future Architects, and a facilitator with the Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute.