Ann Willoughby

Ann Willoughby is making her debut with Dakota State, but her love for theater began at the age of five when she saw her very first play—an experience that clearly left a lasting impression! After years of being an enthusiastic audience member, she decided it was time to put her memory to the test, dust off her high school acting skills, and step into the spotlight. A world traveler thanks to both the military and a sense of adventure, Ann is now embarking on a different kind of journey—one that involves stage lights and script rehearsals. She finds inspiration in her daughter, Carly, whose expertise as a stage manager (and endless patience for Ann’s many, many questions) has given her the confidence to audition. Carly has also helped Ann challenge the age-old adage that “there are no stupid questions.” (Spoiler: There are, but she asks them anyway.) When not on stage, Ann plays a different kind of role—that of a soldier. She serves full-time with the North Dakota Army National Guard as the State Family Program Director, proudly supporting Service Members and their families. Whether in uniform or under the stage lights, she’s always ready to step up and perform!