Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlyn Stallings.
Ashlyn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As an introvert, the balance between wanting to perform and people-watching was…not a balance. From the time I could walk, I would sing, dance and act my little face off…if nobody could see me. I would lock myself in my room and perform for my Barbies, I would sing on stage but make the announcer tell the audience members to close their eyes, stand at the back of the house while my dad performed and mom directed doing every step…until somebody turned around.
I was always the observer, I still am. I find myself taking in the world around me, seeing how members of the community interact with others, notice their inflection, physicality, I have always done this. My mom used to teach acting at my Montessori school, when I was six they were rehearsing for You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. I’m not sure what compelled me but I asked if I could be in the show with no lines. I was cast as Woodstock, rehearsals started and…I asked for 1 line! I still remember it to this day: “Yesterday I was a bird, today I’m a bird, tomorrow I’ll probably still be a bird. There’s just so little hope of advancement.”
From then on, there was no stopping me. Sure, I am still deeply shy but acting allows me the opportunity to express myself, stretch in ways I thought impossible and reach goals I had never even imagined. Small talk still gets the best of me and yes, I will be very awkward when chatting with people but hand me a script and I am right in my comfort zone! One of my greatest joys as a performer is working on a new project and creating a family, a community, a bond unlike any other as I collaborate with brilliant artists to create a piece to affect and inspire an audience.
Once my time as Woodstock came to a close, I continued dancing and started taking acting classes. I grew up doing musical theatre and at the age of 12 was cast in my first professional show and from 12-19 I toured around the Southeast doing Social Issues Musicals for elementary and middle schoolers. At 17, the TV/Film bug bit me and I got my first agent during a showcase at the Atlanta Workshop Players Summer Performing Arts Camp and man oh man have I been love-struck ever since.
Life at home was never dull with a stand-up comedian for a dad and a director/teacher as a mom. I was super grateful to be in such a supportive household that was also very honest about the realities of pursuing a life in the arts. Financial stability was made very aware to me so I was able to decide on this career with a great knowledge base. Plus, who doesn’t love not knowing where their next paycheck is coming from?
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road? Absolutely not. Phenomenal journey? Absolutely! The struggles will never be exactly the same from performer to performer but there is a sense of camaraderie in the acting community.
My struggles thus far:
1. Money. I have so many side hustles but they are side hustles that bring me joy! I nanny, do film photography, I’m friends with Hope and Will (the mascots for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta). When I lived in New York, I couldn’t afford anything but 1 slice of $1 pizza a day and had to look for change on the ground to take the Subway home. Financially there are so many ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade a second of it.
2. The compare game. It is EASY to look at the career or trajectory of a fellow performer and compare yourself to them and ultimately send yourself into a spiral. Somebody else’s success is NOT my failure. Learning that has been the greatest release and joy. Celebrate those around you! The work meant for me will come to me…along with an insane amount of hard work and dedication.
3. Mental health. This is a consistent struggle for many. Acting requires a lot of an individual and it can be physically and emotionally draining. I am still learning how to properly hold space for myself. Some days are better than others but self-love is a necessary component in an artistic field.
4. Letting go. I like to look at my job as auditioning. An audition is my chance to do the thing I love and at least have one person see it. Then I forget it and move on…then a booking, that’s just the icing on the cake!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Talking about myself makes me a tad queasy. As a tried and true introvert, people are often shocked to find that I gravitated toward a career in the performing arts. Admittedly, I did exclusively perform in private in my early years.
Growing up, it quickly became apparent to me that TV, Film and Theatre were not just forms of entertainment but a stunning and intimate way to make a difference. Art is a digestible way to hear hard truths, learn about other cultures, expand your knowledge and ultimately change the world. Everybody has a story to be told and art is a vessel. Performing for me was pure joy, after realizing its power, it now carried even more weight. Voices need to be heard and I get to be a part of that!
I took my training to NY after high school and I attended the 2-year Film Program at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts School of Film and Television! I am repped by People Store Talent Agency in Atlanta, GA!
*gag as I talk more about myself* I can be seen in FX’s Atlanta, AMC’s The Walking Dead, BET’s The Quad. I am an award-winning actress that has performed in countless short and independent films such as Cupcake, (Dis)Connected, and Breaking Glass…I have also played Dee Dee Allen in The Prom (Performances April 15th, 16th, 23rd, 2023), Annie/Shelly in Evil Dead The Musical, Rona Lisa Peretti in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods…
I do a pretty wicked Brittney Spears impression, make disgustingly yummy vegan oatmeal cookies and have 2 three-legged cats.
What makes you happy?
My mom always taught me that joy is a choice, there are so many things that can bring us down and how we look at life can make or break us so whenever possible…why not choose joy?
Nature! I am a big hiker, tree hugger, lay in the grass and listen to the sounds of nature, camping, cliff jumping, floating in water…if Mother Nature is there…I am content.
Family! My parents are two of my best friends. It is not lost on me how deeply lucky I am to have the family that I do, it is truly a privilege to share space with them. My parents had an open door policy as I was growing up (and still to this day) it was a revolving door of students, friends, and acquaintances that for some reason or another needed a home or unconditional love or both and they were happy to provide.
My fella! Not only does he make me laugh and smile every day but he challenges me, pushes me to new heights, grows with me and is cute as hell.
Growth. I find joy in knowing that I am not who I was ten years ago. Not that there was anything wrong with who I was, but daily I am evolving, expanding, making mistakes, adjusting and growing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.astallings.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashlynvictoriastallings
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashlynvictoriastallings
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/stallingsashlyn
Image Credits
Chase Anderson, Alanna LeBlanc, AMC’s The Walking Dead
