Meet Ashley Hsu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hsu.

Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 
My dad loves telling the story of how I’ve wanted to be an actor since I was 3. As silly as it sounds, it’s kind of true. It started off with tap dancing, doing choir, symphonic band, and speech festivals in elementary school, and finally, I started doing plays and musicals in middle school/high school. Now, I’m going to be graduating from LMU in May as an actor, writer, and director with a BA in Theatre Arts and a minor in Dance! 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Growing up, my family has always been incredibly supportive. But I constantly felt this pressure from peers and people around me to pursue a more “academic career” like being a doctor or a lawyer. Whenever I would mention I would want to pursue acting as a career, there were always the questions of “fun! What’s your actual career going to be?” Or “What’s your plan b?” It was quite disheartening at moments. I was lucky to have a good support system around me to get me past it. And once I got to college, it felt like a whole different ball game. Everyone was talented, and sometimes I felt like I didn’t stack up. But I realized that that was the imposter syndrome talking, and I was there for a reason. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an actor and dancer, but I have interests in directing as well! I’m also passionate about mental health advocacy and putting a spotlight on the adversities in the Asian community. My goal is to be a voice in my community to destigmatize Asians in the arts, as well as bring awareness to mental health efforts through my storytelling and art. 

Some projects I’ve been a part of include a combination of acting in theatre productions, musicals, commercials, and short films. Some of my credits include Red Demon, Haunting of Hannon, She Kills Monsters, and Oklahoma! One of my biggest achievements thus far has been being the first student to co-write and co-direct LMU’s yearly haunted library- Haunting of Hannon XI: Library Windows. It combines my love for thrillers/horror and theatre, and it was amazing to see the process from start to finish from a writer/director standpoint instead of just an actor. Outside of acting, I have modeled for brands and companies such as Self Care is for Everyone, Yan Yan Knits, and PabePabe. 

Something that sets me apart from others (besides my hair) is that I’m always open to trying new things! Whether that’s a character for a performance or an experience with people around me. I’m not afraid to get gritty and play with what people give me! 

How do you think about luck?
There is obviously a little luck that comes with acting. You never know if the person on the other side of the table or screen is going to like your take on the sides. But I believe that if you put in your best effort, someone will eventually like what you put forward. I am paving my way, and I’m creating opportunities for myself, so I am not relying on luck to get me to the place I want to be. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/hsustler
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-hsu-1a82a0190?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: Linktr.ee/hsustler

Image Credits
Marissa Chabria-Heilbron