Our Story
Artist Odyssey, Stage of the Arts
The Curtain Rises on Artist Odyssey: How Ashleigh Petrell-Jack Turned a Passion into a Stage for All
Hartsdale resident Ashleigh Petrell-Jack grew up in a world of performance. Raised in Lake Tahoe by a mother who founded an inclusive after-school drama program, Ashleigh began choreographing musicals at just 8 years old. She went on to study musical theater, performing arts, and film in college, eventually moving to New York where she performed off-Broadway while working in music and fintech. Her most meaningful role, however, began when her children enrolled in local schools. After stepping in to lead the arts program at Sacred Heart in Hartsdale, she brought her creative energy to Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) in Scarsdale, directing beloved student productions like The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, and Willy Wonka Jr.—with Alice in Wonderland Jr. on deck for the upcoming season. She also teaches popular after-school clubs in theatrical makeup, ballet, and tap, and launched the now sold-out IHM/Artist Odyssey Summer Camp Series, where campers stage Broadway-style showcases in just one week, complete with lights, sound, and first-class production value.
Ashleigh’s newly founded company, Artist Odyssey: Stage of the Arts, is a true family affair. Her husband, Josh Jack, designs and builds her sets, while her sons, Donnie and Nate, are learning the ropes on stage and behind the scenes. The company offers training in acting, voice, dance, choreography, set design, and more for students ages 3 and up—alongside mentorship opportunities for older students to return as camp counselors. Having recently left her fintech job to pursue this dream full time, Ashleigh is building more than a theater company—she’s creating a vibrant, inclusive community where young performers grow in confidence, creativity, and self-expression.