We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley LaRae a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley , appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Looking back at the beginning of my adolescent years, I realize now that all of my extra-circular activities prepared me for who I would become as an adult. I learned how to be a performer from cheerleading, dancing, and speaking in front of large crowds. It wasn’t until I honed in on my empathetic nature as an artist, that I truly developed my skill as an actor. Acting can first appear as vanity and validation. As a new artist you can be more worried about what you look like and if others will like or appreciate your performance. Now that I have been working on my craft for so many years, I take a more honest approach, and allow people to see the real me, flaws and all. It makes for better film.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey began with a national Pizza Hut commercial. For a young girl from Denver, with big aspirations, this was the start to a career inspired by becoming a performer and being on the big screen. As an actor, singer and dancer, I have had the pleasure of working on multiple tours including my own singing tour abroad in China and Dubai. Most recently, my artistic journey has lead me to guest appearances on television shows like Grand Crew and High Desert, as well as starring in my first romantic comedy “Lying Together”. In addition to the colorful world of acting, I have also steered my talents into taking charge behind the camera as a producer. My production company LR Entertainment, helps artists bring their independent visions to life. The unique experience I have gained as a performer, gives my company an edge when bringing together the most productive talent, crew and storytellers to set.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I remember vividly a turning point in my career when I went to test for a network show. After an initial audition and two callbacks, I was finally pulled into the lawyers office to look over a pre-signed contract for the show. My heart raced with excitement, as I was fully convinced, that this was going to finally be my big break. The moment I had been working so many years toward. I honestly didn’t look at the numbers from my offer, because my manager advised me that might bring more pressure to my situation. The goal was to finish this last audition and wow the executives in the room. I brought my A-game, and gave it everything I had, and yet, like so many other times before, this was still not my moment. I did not get the part and felt like my hard work was unraveling.
After pulling myself together, I reminded myself, this is a marathon and not a sprint. I had to jump back on the train and continue to send in auditions as if that one had never happened. The year that followed brought me 2 movie bookings, 2 network shows and several commercials throughout that year.
Needless to say, you can never anticipate when your yes will arrive. However I do know that what is meant for you will be waiting for you around the corner.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I love what I do because everyday is like living a movie. My goal is to give hope and encouragement to anyone that I encounter or hears my story. To live each day unapologetically, and pursue what you enjoy, even if others don’t see the vision yet. If it is in your heart, it was placed there for a reason. Act on it, and give it everything you’ve got.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: msashleylarae

Image Credits
Ivanna Jackson