Staff and Board of Directors

Leslie Putnam grew up in the Buncombe County school system, earned a degree in Musical Theatre from Western Carolina University and has worked professionally as an actor, director, administrator, choreographer, costumer, and an array of other hats throughout her career. Her theatre education career began while she trained under the education department at Wayside Theatre in Middletown VA. She then served for six years as the Head of Early Childhood Development at  Adventure Theatre in the Washington DC area. She continues to be an active teaching artist with Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning through the Arts. Through Leslie's leadership, we at Playground Stage wish to bring quality theatre arts to the children of the Asheville/Buncombe County area.

Bethany grew up in Waynesville, NC but currently resides near Atlanta, GA with her three cats. Receiving her B.F.A in Musical Theatre from Western Carolina University and her M.A. in Creative & Innovative Education from Georgia State University, she has over a decade's worth of professional experience in both performance and teaching artistry. Recently, she was appointed Development and Marketing Director for Whole World Improv Theatre, overseeing grants, fundraisers, marketing, and social media. She is also Program Director of The X-GROUP at Whole World, an improv program that teaches kids and teens with ASD, ADHD, and SCD. Bethany is thrilled and honored to support Playground Stage as Board President. 

Amy has a Bachelors of Science in Human Services with a minor in Music from Wingate University. She is currently the Marketing Administrator at Beverly-Hanks, Realtors.   Amy participated in music and theatre throughout Grade School, High School, and College and has a continued love for the arts. She also has experience in the backstage world of costumes, lighting, sound, and set design. As someone who has been involved in music and theater from a young age, Amy values the importance of enriching the lives of children with performing arts. 

Travis Lane moved to Asheville from Washington D.C. where he worked in the credit union world. During his time there as a business intelligence analyst he received the Miriam Lieb Emerging Leader Award from the MD/DC Credit Union Association. When he wasn’t crunching data he could be found volunteering at the local children’s theatre by selling concessions, gluing, cutting, building, and chaperoning the occasional field trip where he continues to expand his knowledge of show tunes. He is excited to do his part to give back to his new community here in Asheville.