From global stages with Tim Robbins to ASU’s graduating class: Madison Davis’ journey to the spotlight

Performer Madison Davis is preparing for her next act: graduating this December with a bachelor’s degree in sustainability with a concentration in policy and governance. Davis’ journey has taken her from performing on global stages alongside renowned actor and director Tim Robbins to earning her degree at ASU Local – Los Angeles.

The 25-year-old actor, educator and entrepreneur balanced rigorous academics with her flourishing career in the arts, tapping into ASU’s flexible, community-embedded programs to pursue her dreams her way.

Finding her stage

Davis’ theater journey began while earning her degree. A research paper on nonprofit organizations unexpectedly led her to discover The Actors’ Gang, and she immediately connected with their mission of bringing theater to diverse communities. After auditioning, she was cast in “Topsy Turvy,” directed by Robbins himself, which took her on tour to Poland and Hungary as part of the Malta Theater Festival and other cultural partnerships.

“I’ve never been out of the country before this year,” Davis said. “It’s been a whirlwind of adventure—balancing midterms in between performances and receptions. This experience taught me to embrace challenges and grow through them.”

ASU Local’s flexible model played a key role in supporting Davis during this period of change.“ASU Local empowers students to pursue their dreams while staying embedded in their communities,” said Kimberly Merritt, Vice President of ASU Learning Enterprise. “Madison’s story exemplifies the kind of transformational experience we strive to offer—a blend of academic flexibility, community connection and personal growth that enables our students to thrive on their own terms.”

Bridging sustainability and the arts

Though her academic focus is on sustainability, Davis sees theater as integral to community thriving. “Sustainability isn’t just environmental—it’s about sustaining human connection and culture. Theater has the power to inspire that connection,” she shared.

Her studies in sustainability also deepened her understanding of leadership and collaboration. “The coursework gave me new ways to approach running a rehearsal process and developing meaningful storytelling,” she explained. “It taught me to ask: ‘How are we sustaining human thriving in everything we create?’”

Her merging of academic and artistic pursuits is unique and has drawn admiration from ASU faculty and leadership.

“Madison’s achievements serve as an important reminder of the deep interconnection between the arts and sustainability – both united in their focus on the well-being of communities,” said Joshua Abbott, director of ASU’s School of Sustainability. “Her commitment to leveraging the power of the arts to tell socially relevant stories, coupled with her commitment to nourish the creativity of others, positions her as an emerging leader in both the arts and sustainability.”

The power of community

Davis credits much of her growth to the inspiration she found within the ASU Local – Los Angeles cohort peers. She highlighted fellow student Carolani’s knack for creating inclusive social experiences like murder mystery parties and beach gatherings, which brought people together and fostered connection. “Seeing her bring so many people together made me want to be a part of that kind of community-building,” Davis said.

She also drew inspiration from another student, Ki, who pursued her dreams with grit and ultimately landed a role with the Memphis Grizzlies. “Her story and leadership motivated me to hold myself to high standards and push for excellence,” Davis shared. These relationships reminded her that community can sharpen, embolden, and support you as you take risks.

Stepping into the spotlight

Davis has also made her own mark on ASU Local as a leader, facilitating theater and icebreaker workshops that fostered connection among her peers. 

“It’s been rewarding to watch others grow fearless and connect with strangers,” she said. “I hope my workshops contributed to the buoyancy and ease I’ve seen in our cohort.”

Her influence and leadership left a lasting impression on those around her, with Anthony Ferrera, a site leader at ASU Local, noting that her “drive and creativity have been an inspiration to our Los Angeles cohort. Her ability to balance her education and career while building meaningful connections is a testament to the power of ASU Local’s model.”

Building on this foundation, Davis is already looking ahead to expand her reach after graduation. She plans to grow her entrepreneurial efforts with her own theater company, Troupe of Fools, which focuses on immersive theater experiences for corporate and private events. She also continues to teach acting and ballet, aiming to make the arts more accessible.

Advice for fellow multi-hyphenates

Davis encourages students with varied interests to trust themselves and embrace their passions. “We don’t have passions for no reason,” she said. “Cultivate a relationship with them. Even if they seem disconnected, they’ll lead you to unexpected places.”

This belief is deeply rooted in lessons from her mother, an entrepreneur who inspired Davis and her twin brother to honor their passions. “My mom always said, ‘The arts are your life force.’ Watching her turn her passion into a yoga career inspired me to pursue my dreams, too,” she said.

At the same time, Davis stresses the importance of discipline when pursuing academic goals:  “Challenge yourself to do deep work. Invest time in developing mental skills and resilience—these are the strengths that will never leave you.”

Davis’ story of balancing her passions, studies, and entrepreneurial spirit embodies the possibilities ASU Local offers. “Being able to curate my environment and do my courses anywhere empowered me to explore opportunities I never imagined,” she said.

With her sights set on empowering communities and revitalizing local arts, Davis is proof that blending seemingly unrelated passions can lead to a life filled with purpose and creativity.

Learn more about ASU Local at asulocal.asu.edu.