Exclusive Q&A with Ashley LaLonde AB '20

Ashley LaLonde AB'20 is a professional actor currently on tour with the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, where she covers all three Schuyler Sisters — Eliza, Angelica, and Peggy/Maria. She has performed across NYC at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Sony Hall, 54 Below, and more. Recently, she also starred in the world premiere of Joe Iconis & Rob Rokicki's Punk Rock Girl, originating the lead role of Angela Quivers. Ashley graduated from Harvard in 2020 with her bachelor's in Sociology, secondary in Theater, Dance, and Media, and citation in Spanish.

Q: You’re currently on the national tour of Hamilton, covering all three Schuyler Sisters: Eliza, Angelica, and Peggy/Maria. Wow! What’s the biggest challenge of being accountable for all three roles, and what’s your favorite part about being on a touring production?

Eliza, Angelica, and Peggy/Maria are all dream roles of mine, so getting to play all three is truly an answered prayer. Swinging is definitely a challenge though! Hamilton is three hours long with fifty songs — and almost everyone is in every song. It’s a real ensemble piece, so learning several different versions of that took a lot of time, focus, and practice. Now when I go on for a certain role, I really have to compartmentalize the other roles so I don’t get the blocking or harmonies confused. I also have tracking sheets with notes on each part so I can review backstage. They’re all very different characters with varying vocal styles and personalities. So I definitely enjoy the mental challenge of it all, as well as tapping into the versatility required to play each role. Overall though, my favorite part about being on tour is the show itself! Hamilton is an artistic masterpiece, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

Q: What is the tour life like for an actor, exactly? How has this experience been different from prior production experiences, where the shows stay in one venue (and perhaps you were only playing one given role!)?

The touring lifestyle is really exciting and a fun way to see the country! It’s been a blast getting to know and experience tons of new cities. Even more, it’s very special to bring such a beloved show to fresh audiences. For many people, it’s their first time seeing a Broadway show — and they’re already huge Hamilton fans. So the crowds are thrilled and super welcoming. I will say touring is also hard and can be exhausting. It’s difficult to pack up your whole life every few weeks and settle into new, unfamiliar places. Similarly, covering several principal roles is definitely harder than playing one, but it’s also very rewarding!  

Q: For all our aspiring actors out there, how can they do what you do? How did you get in the door at audition rooms (like Hamilton’s)? Has COVID affected your process at all?

Getting in the room can be challenging! If you don’t have representation, the best way to be seen is to submit/go in for open casting calls. These are listed on websites like Playbill, Actors Access, Backstage, and Actors Equity. Show up prepared and ready to potentially wait. Better yet, equip yourself with at home self-tape equipment. You can buy relatively cheap ring lights and tripods online (I bought mine on Amazon). I record all my self tapes on my iPhone front facing camera to get a clear view of the frame. Additionally, invest in your training! Take classes and work with coaches if you can, especially on material that could pop up in an audition. Feel free to reach out to me for formal audition coaching as well! Remember to always bring a piece of yourself into every role you audition for — give casting a reason to choose you. Lastly, know that building your career can take many years of persistence and patience. I auditioned for Hamilton many times over the course of 6 years before getting cast!

Q: You had a long theatrical history at Harvard– from being one of the first women in the Hasty Pudding Theatricals Cast (and first ever black woman) to performing in a total of 5 different mainstage Equity shows, including two world premieres, at the American Repertory Theater. How did your time at Harvard impact where you are now? What, if anything, do you think was most instrumental in your career journey?

Harvard definitely taught me how to better understand people — which is the core of acting. That’s why I loved studying the social sciences. Practically speaking, Remo’s acting classes in the TDM department were really helpful, as well as performing in the Hasty Pudding show which operates on a nearly professional schedule. Getting as much quality artistic experience as possible is vital. Of course, working professionally at the American Repertory Theater was ultimately the most impactful as it gave me professional experience and connections for post-grad life. Consider applying for an internship there or auditioning at one of their open casting calls (that’s what I did!). 

Q: How is it different being in a world premiere show versus being in a show that’s been running for many years and performed in many different iterations? Do you have a preference for which you perform in?

They’re both exciting in different ways. Being in a world premiere is such a blast because you get to create the entire show from the ground up with the creative team and other performers. There’s so much possibility and so much unknown. The show also changes every day as the team comes up with new ideas and scraps the old. I absolutely love the experience of building and crafting an original character. Being in a longer running show like Hamilton is exciting because you already know how amazing the show is (and so does the audience!). There’s already a huge fan base as well. The fun part as an actor is to figure out how to bring new life and luster to a character that’s already been played.

Q: What’s been your favorite project to work on thus far, and why? Looking towards the future, what’s your dream role (or who is your dream collaborator)?

I have so many favorites. But I’ll say the last three big projects I’ve done have taken the cake. Hamilton is a total dream show, and I’ve loved working with this insanely talented cast. Before that, I played Natalie in Next to Normal at Westport Country Playhouse. That show is stunning and so powerful, and our cast shared a special connection. It was also cast as an all BIPOC family, which struck a special nerve. Lastly, originating the role of Angela Quivers in Punk Rock Girl was such a blast. The show is a wild musical comedy and a party on stage every night. I have many dream roles and dream collaborators, and some of those projects are actually in development now. But I’d be really excited to work on something that connects deeply with my own identity and deeper questions of meaning, purpose, and love.

Q: What was a time in your career that you made a mistake, and what did you learn from it?

I’ve made tons of mistakes along the way! I’ve had big mess ups in the audition room and even some on stage. That’s what I love about art though — it’s messy and beautiful and imperfect. I once learned the wrong song for a Broadway audition and then had to sight read in the audition room. Recently, I even showed up on the wrong day for a big audition. On stage, I’ve forgotten costume pieces or props. But you live and give yourself grace, and you learn every single person messes up. It’s very human.

Q: 
What piece of advice do you have for young aspiring artists and performers?

Work hard, hone in your craft, and put yourself out there as much as possible. Reach out to new people and make new artistic connections, especially with potential future collaborators. At the same time, remember that what’s meant for you (artistically and otherwise) won’t pass you by and that each person’s timeline looks different. There is no one way to have a successful acting career, and there is no one way to live a happy life. Your life and career will happen in seasons, and every season has wonderful things and not so wonderful things. Be present where you are now, and stay true to the vision and values you want to bring into the world through art.

Q: And finally, what do you like to do in your free time?

On tour, my free time often looks like exploring new cities, and most importantly, trying new foods! I love to eat good food and have been very pleasantly surprised to find tons of delicious food all across America. I also love to stream new series and shows. A few current favorites are Abbott Elementary, The Last of Us, and Euphoria.

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