Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha Allen.
Hi Sasha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am an actor. Atlanta is what I call my current home away from home but my story starts in the biggest little city that I hold dear to my heart ─ Camden, New Jersey. I didn’t start off with having access to resources that allowed me to fully express my creativity but I also felt as though I had something special to share with the world.
Throughout my life, I was always told that I am funny and there is something special about me. It wasn’t until I got to college that I was able to really tap into my creative side which is where I was introduced to improvisation and the theater. One day while I was backstage working on a play doing props I was asked my opinion about a particular scene that was missing something. It was a barbershop scene and I suggested that it was missing patrons. At that moment it was clear to the director that was what the scene needed and told me to hop in the chair, I did and I have “stayed on stage” ever since that moment. The producers loved the new addition to the scene and so did I. I must say still to this day it was the most nervous I had ever been in life, but also the most incredible feeling that I get to repeat time after time. When people ask me how I feel during a show I generally can’t explain it because it is such an out-of-body experience. You can say I was bit by the bug from the moment the turn table faced the audience. Fast forward to today ─ I’ve worked on full features, short films, web series, television series, commercials, industrials, voiceovers, and other creative projects.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth journey because oftentimes being a plus-sized Black woman in a predominantly thin industry that amplifies European beauty standards sometimes can come with “some” mental and emotional challenges. Even though I had confidence in myself and my body, it was tested a lot when I stepped away from the plus-size modeling industry into the world of acting. You have to really find your own strength and willpower to continuously show up as a professional while still being yourself and not giving in to the constant pressures of conforming. Finding that balance can be very difficult at times because you have to evaluate your body of work for self improvement while being cautious of not damaging your own confidence. Not having representation in the industry also had its fair struggles in my life. But I now have an amazing team that has gotten me lots of opportunities. Along my journey, I have learned so much that I wanted to pour into others what wasn’t poured into me. I started an online acting school called The Teaching Artist Studios where we provided Acting Classes for Everyone, Anywhere! We also provide Business Acting Classes and Goal Setting sessions.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What do I do?!?!? ACT!!!! After lots of hard work and can’t stop- won’t stop moments, I now consider myself a full-time working actor. I am great at drama but I also specialize in comedy. I think what sets me apart is my willingness to go all in and show up fully in a role. I am also a part of some amazing professional organizations like Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, New York Women in Film and Television, and a new inductee of Black Women in Film-Atlanta. I have a knack for executing my own creative visions through content creations and developing new characters. I am currently working on a new draft of my one-woman show. I can’t say that there’s one single moment that I am proud of but in general, I’m most proud of setting goals and achieving them. Every year I set the bar higher for myself and I don’t give up even when times get hard. I also live by the motto – You can either give it to me or get out of my way because I am going to get it. I am an around-the-way girl who is on a mission to be the best version of myself that little me would be proud of.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
One of the biggest lessons that I learned is that you can’t just depend on anybody else to create a path for you. No matter what society says, you have to figure out what is the right route for you to take, and then do it. When I first found my passion and purpose in life things just being to unfold effortlessly. I wanted to feel better about my weight, I begin to work out. I wanted to work with more filmmakers – I built new relationships. I wanted more industry-standard jobs – I re-branded myself and got representation. I reset myself, I reset my brand, and really just refocused on what I wanted to see happen for my life and career. I did the work of forging a path that felt right for me, I was able to land co-star roles, work with some amazing talents, build great relationships, and love the work I do. If you don’t love what you do then leave it alone.
If acting is calling your name – give it a try. So, as I mentioned, I do teach online acting classes- which serve all levels of learners from the comfort of their own homes at affordable prices.
Pricing:
- Acting: Single Class Pass – $55
- Acting: (4) Class Pass – $200
- Goal Setting: Single – $75
- Goal Setting: (4)Sessions – $275
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theteachingartist.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsashaa/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC09EvjU_DAGQPvbTwy6zrGQ
- Other: https://www.iamsashaa.com/
