Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gillian Bellinger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Gillian, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I have lived in LA for the last 13 years and very much feel connected to Los Angeles as my home. I also miss it, because this year my partner and I decided to make the decision to move just outside of Asheville, NC.

I am in my forties. My parents are getting older. We’ve all lived through a pandemic, and time feels precious in a very immediate way. And, transitions in life are complex.

I am an improviser and an actor. I have spent the last 20 years in pursuit of a career as an actor. And it feels challenging to walk away from a life that has been very fulfilling. I can hear some internet commentary preparing their fingers to type, “buuuuut Asheville has artists and there is Atlanta. They shoot stuff there.” They do, and there is, and transitions in life are complex.

In my transition, I have opened an improv and acting school called Misfit. A place I hope to be an island for humans seeking a place of belonging. I have never run a school before, had employees, run payroll, rented a commercial location, built an e-commerce site, calculated profits and losses, and all the business-y business stuff that goes along with creating a space. And transitions are complex.

We have sold out our first class, have successful reoccurring community events, new classes running for the rest of the year, and a vision that we are creating a space for a community of interesting, kind, talented Misfits. There are feelings of joy, and stress, and discomfort, and unknowing, and hope, because transitions are complex.

And one day I hope to feel this community is my home.

Gillian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a SAG character actor and improviser. I have had the pleasure of doing TV, commercials, film, musicals, and lots and lots of improv. I am the owner and Artistic Director of an improv and acting school in Asheville, NC called Misfit Improv and Acting School.

I was introduced to improv just after graduating college by answering a classified ad looking for improvisers. I fell in love with improv and moved to Chicago, the home of improv. I studied at The Second City, I.O. Theater, The Annoyance Theater, and The Groundlings. I also briefly entertained in my youth that I would be a stage actor and attended The London Academy of Theatre, The National Theater Institute, and got a degree in theater from Hamline University.

I was an ensemble member on Second City House teams in LA and Chicago, ComedySportz Chicago and Minneapolis, the Del Tones at I.O. West, Laugh Out Loud Theater in Chicago, Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica, and Improv Acadia in Bar Harbor, Maine.

I have taught improv & acting at The Second City Hollywood, Intentional Acting Studio, Improv Utopia, AMDA, and Westside Comedy Theater. I have been a guest teacher at Finest City Improv, All Out Comedy Theater, Alchemy Comedy Theater, Think Fast Theater, Asheville Improv Collective, and Curious Comedy Theater.

When I think about what sets me apart, I think of it in terms of the school. Misfit Improv and Acting School is an inclusive artistic community of unique humans coming together to create joy, laughter, and meaning through performance. I see my job as creating a place of belonging and connection through performance.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

As the founder and artistic director of Misfit Improv and Acting School, I believe that supporting artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem requires a significant shift in societal perspectives and practices. It is crucial to let go of the myth that an artist’s success is solely determined by their individual efforts and that sheer hard work guarantees commercial success. This mindset places unfair burdens on artists and fails to acknowledge the systemic barriers and external factors that can greatly influence their journey.

To foster a supportive environment for artists, society needs to recognize that the creative field operates differently from more traditional career paths. Artists often face unique challenges, including financial instability, limited access to resources, and a lack of recognition for their contributions. It is imperative to acknowledge these barriers to entry and address them collectively.

One way to do this is by shifting the conversation surrounding artistic success. Instead of solely measuring success in terms of commercial viability, we should celebrate and value artistic expression and the impact it has on individuals and communities. By broadening our definition of success, we create space for diverse voices, unconventional ideas, and experimental forms of creativity to flourish.

As communities, we need to actively engage with the arts and support artists in meaningful ways. This includes investing in arts education, providing accessible and affordable venues for performances and exhibitions, and offering grants and funding opportunities. By prioritizing the arts and integrating them into our communities, we not only provide artists with essential resources, we also cultivate a culture that values and appreciates their work.

Additionally, we need to reexamine the prevailing rules and norms that govern other career paths and realize that they do not necessarily apply to the creative field. Artists often navigate uncertain and nonlinear career trajectories, and it is essential to provide them with the flexibility and support necessary to explore their craft without the constant pressure of immediate commercial success.

By letting go of the myth that hard work alone guarantees commercial success, acknowledging systemic barriers, and actively engaging with the arts, we can create an environment that nurtures and celebrates artistic expression, fostering a vibrant and inclusive creative community.

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

At Misfit Improv and Acting School, our creative journey is fueled by a deep-rooted goal and mission: to create a place of belonging and inclusion in a world where people are yearning for connection and meaning. It’s about more than just acting and improv skills; it’s about fostering a vibrant community where individuals can explore their creativity, embrace their unique voices, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Sometimes life can be isolating, we often find ourselves craving authentic connections. We believe that the arts have the power to bridge gaps, break down barriers, and bring people together in profound ways. Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing space where individuals from all walks of life can come together, collaborate, and create something magical.

Through improv and acting, we tap into the core of human experience. We explore emotions, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the beauty of diversity. Our creative journey is driven by the belief that by sharing our stories and embracing our individuality, we can inspire empathy, understanding, and positive change.

We want to be more than just a school or a theater. We want to be a home—a place where misfits, dreamers, and artists of all kinds find their island, like “The Island of Misfit Toys”, we all get to belong. Our goal is to empower individuals to embrace their unique quirks, to embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth, and to create a supportive network that extends far beyond the stage.

Ultimately, our mission is to remind people that they matter, that their stories are worth telling, and that they have a voice that deserves to be heard. Through the power of improvisation and acting, we aim to ignite a spark of creativity, foster connection, and cultivate a community that thrives on the joy of shared artistic expression.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.misfitavl.com
• Instagram: @misfitavl
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/misfitavl

Image Credits
Piggyback Photo- Artistic Director, Gillian Bellinger, Landon Kirksey and Sean Will. Group photo from left to right- Landon Kirksey, Zheryk Badugu, Tierney Conley, Gillian Bellinger, Kristen Cook, Rob Warner, and Angie Oliver