COLLEGIATE THEATRICS: Belmont University's Ashley Glore

Ashley Glore, who was graduated from Nashville's Belmont University last May, has quickly made a name for herself on area stages with her acclaimed performances in such shows as Closer at Bongo After Hours Theatre, Theatre With Chldren at Play Theatre Company and Seascape With Sharks and Dancer for Spaghetti Theatre (directed by Bethany Langford). A native of Anchorage, Alaska, she lived in New York for two years (studying at Pace University) prior to transferring to Belmont.

Today, Ashley is the latest subject of our continuing COLLEGIATE THEATRICS series, telling us about her unique college experience and how it's helped shape her as an actress and as an individual. Read her interview (her perspective is truly eye-opening and inspiring) and chances are you'll become a big fan...see her onstage (Ashley is ethereal and mesmerizing - it's hard to take your eyes off her when she is acting) and you're guaranteed to be following her career from that moment on...

How was your college career? Was it what you expected it to be? My college career was rewarding in very different ways than I imagined. The timeline I set for myself when I was in high school is laughable now! It's easy to expect a very linear and forward moving process in a theatre program and I came to find that nobody's college experience is as simple as that. Had I not transferred to Belmont after two years of studying at Pace University, my outlook on the whole college experience would not have been as positive and satisfying as it is now.

What did you like best about studying at Belmont? I would have to say, my favorite part of Belmont University was the caliber of professors and their genuine love for the students. I felt like my progress and success was of the upmost importance to each of my professors and knowing that, I was able to feel the growth in both the good and bad days. Through experience, I found that other theatre programs have a tendency to skip right into "Life in the Real World Land" and forget the true purpose of a college theatre education. Belmont's focus on advancing and discovery was exactly what I needed!

Obviously, from what you've said, your plans have changed somewhat...how so? Yes, my future plans have absolutely changed over the last few years! The primary reason for my transfer was to pursue my newly improved theatre career goals. I realized that my love of theatre was matched by my love of education and actor training. Finishing out at Belmont has given me the foundation I need to propel myself into a MFA program in the upcoming years. I hope that I can use all that I've learned and all that I continue to learn to bring out the best in future collegiate actors.

What's the one thing or event you would call the highlight of your college experience? Learning the Meisner Technique was the greatest thing that could have happened to me. I remember sitting in acting class, listening to Bill Feehely strip down the acting process into the simple act of listening. My mind was blown! Up until that moment, I felt as though my bank of theatre knowledge was jumbled and deficient. The Meisner Technique was something I could really latch onto and since learning about it, I feel more comfortable and confident in every project I am a part of.

What kind of advice would you give to a high school student considering following your path in college? Above all, high school students should know that finding the right match in a school is just as important as going to school itself. You can't limit yourself to the Top Ten acting schools nor should you feel trapped in a 20-mile radius from your hometown. There is a school out there that will challenge you, bring out the courageous side of you, and send you off into the world with a better idea of what you want in your theatrical career. Find that school, even if it takes a couple tries, and make the most of your time in college!

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