Artistry & Community Engagement
Ashli René Funches is a Chicago-based teaching artist whose community work is rooted in performance, movement, and collaborative storytelling.
Ashli has served as a teaching artist with Timeline Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, and Writers Theatre.
Her work often intersects with civic themes, guiding participants through performance-based explorations of history and contemporary dialogue. She emphasizes clarity of physical choice, vocal specificity, and ensemble awareness—principles that mirror her professional acting practice.
Installation & Community Art
In collaboration with students and community partners, Ashli develops public-facing installations that extend theatrical storytelling beyond the stage.
Projects have included a large-scale quilt composed of hundreds of handwritten reflections on the American Dream and interactive star-based installations inviting audiences to contribute written responses tied to production themes.
Pilates Instruction
Ashli is a certified Pilates instructor whose movement training strengthens her performance craft.
She holds certification through Size Diverse Pilates and has trained with Tab Pilates, Black Girl Pilates, and Rogers Park Moves.
For current class listings, please visit: