Ava Jessie Childs

Ava Childs is an actor, director, and theatre artist based in Madison, WI.

With a B.S. in progress from UW Madison in Theatre and Drama (Acting) and Art, their training in the many fields of theatre have culminated into a multi-faceted artist and collaborator.

With a central focus on creating space for queer and gender-nonconforming identities in theatre, they aim to create spaces that feel affirming, nonjudgemental, and free for experimentation. Beyond this, their work with ensemble-based movement and collaborative community building creates a unique blend of efficiency and professionalism with joyful art making at its core.

Photography by Aideen Gabbai

Actor, Director

Ava Jessie Childs (they/them)

Directing Works Gallery

COMING SUMMER 2026

Nerdy Prudes Must Die

Photo captured from videography by AJ Stoffels

Directed by Ava Jessie Childs

Summer 2026

Music and Lyrics by Jeff Blim, Book by Nick & Matt Lang, Orchestrations by Matt Dahan

UW Theatre Second-Stage, in Collaboration with InterMission Theatre

Joyland

Photography by AJ Stoffels

Directed by Ava Jessie Childs

Spring 2026

Play by Karen Saari

In Ten: A New Works Play Festival

UW Theatre and Drama Advanced Directing

Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery

Alice by Heart

Photography by KK Blau

Directed by Ava Jessie Childs

Spring 2026

By Duncan Sheik, Steven Sater, and Jessie Nelson

InterMission Theatre Company

Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery

Dance Nation

Photography by Beau Meyer

Directed by Audrey Lauren Standish

Assistant Directed by Ava Jessie Childs

Summer 2025

By Clare Barron

UW Madison Theatre and Drama

Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery

  • “The attention Ava brought to detail and creating the world of the story we lived in was so delicate and precise. I believe Ava always fostered a creative environment where us actors could feel like we could take risks, be vulnerable, and make mistakes without feeling the pressure of perfectionism."

    —Jennifer Duarte Castillo, Actor

  • “From the first rehearsal to closing night, Ava led with clarity, generosity, and deep artistic integrity. What struck me most was the room they created. It was thoughtful, safe, and rigorously imaginative — a space where actors, musicians, designers, and crew felt empowered to take brave risks and give themselves fully to the work. Ava’s leadership isn’t loud or ego-driven; it’s rooted in care, curiosity, and a profound respect for collaboration. As a result, the artistry that emerged was fearless and deeply connected.”

    —Clare Haden, UW Faculty/Dialect Coach

  • "Ava’s focus on a collaborative work effort created a space in which the actors, crew, and pit had the freedom to perform in a way that expressed themselves and their own directorial vision. Their ability to gauge when an actor needs guidance and when to let them shine is remarkable and earns my personal respect as one of my favorite directors I’ve ever worked with."

    —Anonymous, Actor

  • "As someone who was in both rehearsal rooms and production meetings with Ava, I can vouch for the fact that they took on so much more than a typical director role dictates, and exceeded expectations on all fronts. Their organization is inspiring, and their passion and vision is so clear."

    —Anonymous, Actor/Designer

  • “Ava is extremely organized as a director, being very on top of everything required as a director. They are always quick to respond and easy to talk to, which are essential traits to have as a director.”

    —Mitchell Anderson, Stage Manager

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Photography by Beau Meyer