Behind the Curtain: Ali Bales

1. How did your journey with Wohlfahrt Haus begin, and what has the experience meant to you so far? 

After graduating from Kent State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre and then working as a professional actor at theatres across the country, I first became employed at the Wohlfahrt Haus in 2012 as a performer in the original cast of Under the Boardwalk. I continued as solely a performer for a number of years before I began assisting as a choreographer, eventually moving into the role of Assistant Artistic Director. In 2020, my husband and I moved to Charlotte, NC. We both had opportunities present themselves in 2023 that brought us back to Wytheville, where I returned as Associate Artistic Director. Under new ownership in 2025, I took over the role of Artistic Director. I am so grateful for the opportunity to grow as a creative professional in the arts at an organization that has felt like home for so many years.  

2. What’s been one of your favorite shows to perform here, and why did it stand out to you? 

It's so hard to pick just one! I think it would have to be playing Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray in 2014. I absolutely adore this role and the way the story is told; it's a fun, lighthearted show that also carries a deep message of acceptance and hope. The character marches to the beat of her own drum, stays true to herself, and helps her friends and community along the way. 

3. How do you approach choosing or shaping the shows we bring to our stage?

 I think finding the right balance of shows that will appeal to our audiences is key. While we have always brought a blend of musical revue shows, as well as classic musicals, to the stage every year, we are also looking towards the future and what will bring audiences that are both young and young at heart. Within the past few years, we have brought back a variety of plays that our audiences really seem to resonate with. We are already in the planning stages of our 2026 season, with some fresh shows and ideas that I think our audiences will love!

4. What excites you most about the future of Wohlfahrt Haus and where we’re headed artistically?

 What excites me most right now is the incredible enthusiasm that everyone is bringing to their new roles! I am absolutely thrilled to step into the position of Artistic Director and dive into creating exciting productions for our audiences! I’m equally excited for Dylan White, our new Marketing and Group Sales Manager, Brenton Jeffery, our new Theatre Dining Room Manager, Karen Melton, our new Director of Children's Programming, and everyone else who’s stepping into these important roles. I'm so grateful to still share an office with the one and only George Bailey, who has transitioned into the role of General Manager. Having him as a sounding board is invaluable—his wealth of experience and expertise is something I deeply appreciate as I navigate this new chapter. 

5. What do you hope audiences feel or take away when they come to a show here? 

I want our audiences to have an exceptional experience from the moment they walk through the front doors. The meal, the service, and the show should all be excellent.  I want our audiences to leave with a smile on their face, ready to tell their friends and neighbors that the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre is a must visit attraction in Southwest Virginia! 

6. What’s in your rehearsal bag? 

I keep it fairly simple: script, highlighters, pencils, post-its, dance shoes, my 40oz Minnie Mouse Corkcicle water bottle, something to snack on, Aleve, and always a bag of Ricolas!