Meet Ashlei Shyne

Ashlei, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started acting in the 6th grade. My school unfortunately didn’t have a theater program. I remember for Christmas my parents gave me an Addy doll and a play about Addy’s life. I went to school after Christmas break and asked my teacher if we could put on this play. I was super surprised when she said yes. After performing in that play, I was bitten by the acting bug. I then went on to study theatre at the University of Toledo. 2007, I relocate to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Television & Film. I’m best known for my roles in “Johnson Family Dinner”, “Dyke Central” on Amazon Prime, and “Don’t Touch If You Ain’t Prayed II”. You can also find me performing live (improv & sketch comedy)shows with Soul Sista’s, Laughtivism LA and Rainbow Bright Comedy (Queer POC Team).  I created Rainbow Bright Comedy, in order to give Queer people of color a platform within the comedy community. Till this day Rainbow Bright Comedy has been one of my favorite experiences here in LA. Currently I have a Laughtivism LA Diversity and Inclusion show coming up Wednesday, September 25, 2019 from 8:00pm till 9:00pm at the Comedy Central Stage. It’s free! Please come out.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a Comedy Actress, Writer, Director and Producer. I specialize in creating content and opportunities for POC LGBTQ artist whose stories aren’t always told. The work that I’m most proud of is a new web series that I Wrote, Produced, Directed, and Star in called #TMI. #TMI will be out in 2020.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I find that it’s difficult to be a Black, Queer Female Artist in LA. It’s not as if they don’t have roles written for Black Queer Artist, because they do. Hollywood just doesn’t think I look Queer enough lol. So instead of getting upset with the system. I’ve taken it upon myself to become a Writer.  I created a web series coming out in 2020 called #TMI. #TMI is a woman driven story that follows Aaliyah (An Out and Proud, Black Bisexual woman who owns her identity). This comedy series will shine a light on Queer POC, microaggression, Biphobia’s, boundaries and identity.