Raider alum returns home to teach, mentor student actors

RICHMOND COUNTY — For one Richmond Senior High School alum, being on the small theater stage has been a passion since she was 16 years old because of one Raider teacher.  

It was sitting in Robert Graves Theatre 1 class in her sophomore year, that kindled a love for acting.

Ashton Holmes, a Rockingham native and now an English teacher at the same high school she attended, would go home after Graves class and read plays and act out monologues in her bedroom. 

“Even though we didn’t get to perform a show, he is the teacher who exposed me to the process of theatre in a classroom setting,” she said. 

Her first stage performance was Charlotte’s Web in Manteo, N.C.  

“I was traveling with UNCP’s children’s theatre and was able to perform in the beautiful Outer Banks,” she said. “When I first walked on the stage, I was so nervous. However, when the curtain was raised, it felt like I was meant to be there. ” 

After graduating high school in 2013, Holmes’ next life chapter took her to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where she graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre.  

Her future acting career took another pause when she became a substitute teacher. 

“I fell in love with teaching and decided that I wanted to teach full-time,” she said. “Since obtaining my license to teach, I felt the need to get back into theatre, and so I became the advisor for Drama Club.” 

The drama class at Richmond Senior was dropped last year, but Holmes saw an opportunity to ensure students didn’t have the same missed opportunity she did. 

“I have always loved to read plays and analyze them; that is the English teacher side of me,” she said. “However, I truly believe that plays are meant to be performed. I saw a need for students to have a creative outlet that went above reading a play in the classroom, so I wanted to create a space where students could get the experience of theatre and truly appreciate it.” 

Holmes said participating in drama can be academically valuable for students because engaging in drama enhances academic skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking, analysis, creativity, and communication.  

She said students involved in theater productions develop literacy, empathy, cultural awareness, and problem-solving abilities that are transferable to other subjects and real-life situations. 

“Drama provides a creative outlet for students to express themselves, explore emotions, and develop their imagination,” she said. “It encourages students to think outside the box and embrace their unique perspectives. Participating in drama helps students build self-confidence and self-esteem.” 

By performing in front of an audience, Holmes said students overcome stage fright, learn to handle pressure, and develop a sense of accomplishment.  

“Through portraying diverse characters and exploring different narratives, students develop empathy and understanding for others’ experiences,” Holmes said. “Theater arts promotes inclusivity, diversity, and tolerance.” 

She said that she hopes her students learn that to be an actor means to be well-versed in the human connection.  

“When my students are in a character, I want them to realize that someone in the audience could relate to the character that they are planning,” Holmes said. “I hope that my students see that having the human connection is the most beautiful thing. I also want my students to grow in their confidence and their craft.” 

Being in a theatre production is no easy task, according to Holmes. She says actors should have confidence, poise, and charisma on stage to captivate the audience and command attention throughout the performance.  

“They also need to have the ability to work effectively with directors, fellow actors, stage crew, and other production team members to create a cohesive and harmonious performance,” she said. “The capacity to memorize lines, cues, blocking, and stage directions are needed to deliver a seamless and cohesive performance, and efficiently managing rehearsal schedules, learning lines, and balancing academic or other commitments while dedicating time to the production is crucial.” 

Holmes said several misconceptions might pause a student from joining a local drama club in school.  

“First, the myth that students that are in drama are all extroverts is not true,” she said. “While some students in drama may be naturally outgoing and extroverted, many actors in theater productions come from diverse personality types.” 

She said theater provides a space for introverts to explore different personas, express themselves creatively, and build confidence in a supportive environment.  

Another myth about drama she mentioned is that it’s easy and requires no hard work.  

“Participating in a theater production requires dedication, commitment, and hard work,” she said. “Actors spend hours rehearsing, memorizing lines, perfecting their performances, and collaborating with the production team to create a cohesive and polished show. Theater is a disciplined art form that demands effort and skill development.” 

Today, Holmes spends time after class to help students grow their passion for the theatre. 

“I want the kids to have every opportunity to be who they want to be,” she said. “I want to be a small part in their journey of theatre and help them be the best that they can be.” 

Holmes said being able to come back home to Richmond Senior was an amazing opportunity.

“Now that I am a teacher here at Richmond, it is something special that I get to help kids have the opportunity to participate in theatre that I didn’t have in high school,” she said. “I want to broaden their horizons and help them experience the beauty of theatre.” 

Like many teachers who return to Richmond County Schools to teach have repeated, she said, “Once a Raider, always a Raider.”