All about Geelong Actor Ashleyrose
Can you give us an introduction about who Ashleyrose is and how you started acting?
I’m originally from San Diego, California. I moved here to be with my partner about a year and a half ago. I’ve always had a passion for acting and first got involved in drama in primary school and ultimately majored in theatre at the University of California, San Diego. It was important for me to continue to pursue my passion for acting when I moved here. I’m incredibly fortunate to have a partner and family who have always supported me in my endeavors.
How long have you been in acting classes at Mooregrace?
I’ve been training at Mooregrace for just over a year. It’s been an incredible first year with Mooregrace.
What has been the highlight of joining our little community?
There are so many highlights. I couldn’t name just one. I have developed amazing friendships and have had wonderful opportunities through Mooregrace. My involvement with Mooregrace has led to me signing with my current agent Barton Buckle, becoming a founding member of Poppycock Productions along with fellow Mooregrace students Janelle Da Silva and Kerri Bayley. We currently produce the “Women of The Night” series which has staged two productions in Studio 2. Our next production will be 18 February 2017. I will also be playing a role in Mooregrace student Luke Saliba’s film “Rey”. If it hadn’t been for being a Mooregrace student, I wouldn’t have been presented with the opportunity to audition for and be cast in “Where the Hell is Frankie Starr”.
Tell us about the recent Aldi commercial you were recently featured in!
I am the voice of “Viva”, a sassy, vivacious loaf of bread. She’s a strong loaf of bread who knows what she wants in life and is always on the lookout for a good deal. I recorded a total of five commercials for Aldi and they are currently airing on tv and online. It had been a while since I’d done any voiceover work so it was fun to revisit voiceover acting. While you only hear my voice, I developed physical characteristics for Viva as it helped me to embody her as a character which comes through in the voiceover.
What do you find most difficult about the audition process?
Most of the time you’re auditioning with short notice, meaning you have to be ready to audition the next day or even the same day. You have to be prepared to be ready at a moment’s notice. One thing I’ve never gotten used to is being on “hold” or “strong hold”. This means they’re interested in you and you are on hold to be available for the job. You could be their first, second or third choice. You don’t always get a response to be released from a hold if you’re not booked for a job. So learning to handle that can be a challenge. It is a part of the business and it’s important to understand that it happens sometimes. Of course it’s wonderful when you book a job after being on “hold”.
What advice would you give to other actors facing their first audition?
Your audition is an opportunity to perform. Know that casting directors are on your side. They want you to do well. Many casting directors have been actors themselves, so there’s a good chance they know what you’re going through. Be prepared. Be professional. Do your homework. In addition to knowing your character, you should know about who you are auditioning for and about the project you are auditioning for. Nerves are normal. I still get them when I audition. I just channel the energy and use it in my audition. If you make a mistake, don’t apologize, just keep going. Have confidence in yourself. It really shows up in the audition room.
You also recently auditioned for Neighbours, how exciting! Can you tell us a little bit about what you had to do and how you found the experience?
It was my first time auditioning for Casting Director Thea McLeod. So, I did my homework and learned what I could about her. I had become familiar with Neighbours through the extra work I had done on the show. I was given the sides for the character and had about 5 days to prepare for my audition, which is more than usual. I used the time to delve in, have a play and create a developed character. Thea and her assistant were very nice. I found the experience to be relaxed and easy going. I did several takes with direction from Thea. I had fun, which is why I love acting so much.
And you were recently involved in the local performance "Where the Hell is Frankie Starr?" tell us about the story and your character?
It’s an original work written by the talented BillieRose Cachia. It’s about Frankie Starr, a talented concert pianist with the world at her fingertips who suddenly falls on hard times. The play explores Frankie Starr’s journey as she works through that process. It’s a compelling story about how redemption and salvation can come from unexpected places and is underscored by the love of music. I play Mrs. Rush, an uptight, pushy mother who wants the best for her child.
What did you find most rewarding about the development of your character?
I took to heart the direction that our brilliant Director and Mooregrace teacher, Kirsty Reilly gave me about making strong choices, finding the layers, dropping in and being specific. I wanted to honor the character by envisioning how life is for her and creating all the details that aren’t written on the page. I tapped into my imagination and worked from a place of Mrs. Rush’s love for her child Emily and her desire that her daughter have the best of everything, even if it means being abrasive and presumptuous. Mrs. Rush is in one scene. It was imperative to use the time that she is on stage to make her a fully formed character. Working through the process of developing a strong character yielded it rewards by having fun character to play.
What goals/projects have you got set for the future?
As I mentioned earlier, I am a founding member of Poppycock Productions. The aim of Poppycock Productions is to support, foster the development and growth in women artists in the Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Region. We endeavor to present a platform form women artists in Geelong to develop and present/perform their craft and enhance the landscape of art available to the people of Geelong. Amongst our goals are to conduct workshops, intensives and create a mentorship program.
Poppycock Productions maiden project is Women of Night (WOTN), which is an ongoing series held quarterly featuring a diversity of women artists of Geelong and the Surf Coast. We just recently staged WOTN2 in Studio 2 at Mooregrace. A special acknowledgment to Sarah Grace who has been instrumental in our success with her support, time, guidance and kindness. We are incredibly grateful to Sarah. Each WOTN event is unique and we are looking forward to presenting WOTN3. We will be holding auditions for WOTN3 in December. WOTN3 will be performed on 18 February 2017.
Tickets are available at wotn3.eventbrite.com.au.
Early Bird tickets are $30 until 28 November 2016.
www.facebook.com/events/729147510571816/
For more information about Women of the Night please go to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/womenofthenightgtown/. Don’t forget to like us! You can also follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/womenofthenight/.
My personal goals are to continue to train and hone my craft and create art. Ultimately I would like to be able to make a living as a working actor/artist.