Built on a Belief That Every Woman Deserves a Stage
Staging Her was born from fifteen years of watching talented women get sidelined in the global performance community. We exist to change that — one performer, one stage, one community at a time.
How Staging Her Came to Be
Fifteen years ago, when Emily first traveled to the Middle East, she couldn't help but notice the stark contrast in how women were treated — a subtle but undeniable second-class status. As her performance career unfolded across continents, she witnessed the same pattern repeat: women sidelined, undercoached, pushed to peripheral roles, not taken seriously.
Connecting with these women, listening to their aspirations and frustrations, Emily began to ask a harder question: could performance — the very world where she'd seen them dismissed — become the vehicle for their rise? Could a stage in the United States become a launchpad for leadership back home?
Through years of relationships, travel, and belief in what these women were capable of, Staging Her took shape. Not as charity — but as a platform.
The People Behind the Mission
Six people with backgrounds spanning international law, financial services, military service, professional circus arts, and performance education — united by one belief.
Emily Barber is an international performer and instructor in the aerial arts. Beginning her journey as a self-taught acrobat in 2012, she now coaches and judges national competitions, and is the founder of Aerial Aura. She dedicates her time to coaching youth at Dragonfly Aerial Co. in Colorado Springs, and through Staging Her, she is bringing that same commitment to empowerment to young women worldwide.
Trained at Wayne State University (BFA Theatre) and the Moscow Art Theatre School, Lexee went on to Aloft's full-time circus training program in Chicago, specializing in handbalancing, double trapeze, and partner acrobatics. She and her husband Joe co-own Elemental 5 in Salida, Colorado.
Originally from rural southern Colorado, Allyson joined the Navy at eighteen and later earned a double major in History and Political Science while serving in the reserves. She spent nine years with the Colorado State Judicial Department before dedicating herself to raising her three young children.
Sharon holds an LL.B. (Hons.) from the University of Liverpool and has been a member of the Bar of England and Wales since 1999. With over 15 years as In-House Counsel and Acting Director at 501(c)(3) nonprofits, she brings deep legal expertise to the board.
A certified social circus pedagogue through CARAVAN and AYCO, Joe has spent nearly a decade teaching circus arts to displaced youth across the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond. He co-owns Elemental 5 in Salida and brings hands-on international field experience to the mission.
Anna brings 25 years of experience in banking and financial services to the board. As Treasurer, she is committed to strengthening Staging Her's financial sustainability and transparency — ensuring every dollar serves the mission of empowering women through performance.
The Principles That Drive Everything
These women are not recipients of charity. They are artists, athletes, and future leaders. Every decision we make centers their agency.
Performance is the tool, not the point. The skills these women gain — confidence, discipline, visibility — are what they carry home.
The ripple effect matters more than the splash. One empowered woman returns home and changes what's possible for the next generation.
We are a 501(c)(3) with a published EIN. Every dollar is accountable. Our board members are named and credentialed. Trust is earned, not assumed.
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