Ashley M. Lyle (she/her/hers) is an accomplished Michigan-based actor and singer.
How did you get started in the arts?
I was but a wee child when I dipped my foot in the artistic pool! A very fond memory of mine is my kindergarten concert when my classmates and I sang Caroline King's "You've got a friend." The roar of the applause and the standing ovation we received was the start of a hunger that I needed to satiate.
Another core memory I have that solidified that this is my career, was my 8th grade theatrical performance in Shoemaker & the Elves. I played the awful Landlord who tried on the heavenly elven-made shoes and went bezerk. The audience loved it and i loved them for loving me. That moment solidified for me that I wanted to be an actor.
If you could direct/produce one show, what would it be, and why?
The Life: The Musical. Hands down. This gritty musical is about prostitutes in the 80s during the drug and AIDS epidemic. Lots of comedy, but also a lot of real life stuff.
It's very rarely produced because of its content and cast. It had one revival since its premiere in the 90s, but it was in London.
If you could play one character in all of theatre or film, who would it be and why?
Again, one is not enough! So I'll give three!
Elphaba/Glinda: Wicked is my favorite musical of all time (pre-blockbuster movie). Both are such dynamic characters that I want to sink my teeth into.
Rafiki (Lion King Musical): Aside from the movie being a childhood favorite of mine, Rafiki on stage is a fantastic character that I could clearly see myself playing.
Genie (Aladdin Musical): I saw THE James Englehart perform this character, and he was exquisite! I also saw myself playing this role.
Name two artistic role models and why you look up to them.
Two is too hard to select! So I'll select four!
My biggest acting inspirations are Nathan Lane and Viola Davis. I've been a huge fan of Nathan's since I was a child. His comedic timing is effortless and his naturalistic way of acting is something to be studied in depth.
Viola Davis is otherworldly. Her ability to transform into every single role she takes is awe-inspiring.
My two biggest singing inspirations are Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross. I sang Whitney's songs as a child to practice and strengthen my voice, and my mother would help me. As a singer too, my mother taught me key and fundamental tips to sing like her. Whitney's vocal range is impeccable and noone else is like it.
Luther Vandross's music gave me hope and inspiration in so many ways. His music was a daily part of my life as a child, and still is to this day. His buttery voice could not be replicated. After seeing the recent documentary on his life and career, the love and respect I have for him increased tenfold.
What did you want to be when you were a child? Are you fulfilling that dream?
Initially, I wanted to be a doctor as a child, but the sight of blood changed all that! Acting is my passion, and my inner child is so proud that I'm fulfilling that passion.
What is your artistic guilty pleasure?
Rocky Horror Picture Show. Period.
There is a recording of the 35th anniversary production on YouTube that I watch at least three to four times a year.
One of my first roles I performed in this community was RiffRaff with, the now closed, Wyandotte Community Theatre. I loved that role and I love that show.
I hope I'm granted the opportunity to perform it again or direct it!
What is your dream for the Michigan Arts Community?
I have several - so buckle in!
1) That professional theatres will gain enough resources to pay actors and crew ACTUAL livable wages for ALL - EQUALLY - and not just high wages for equity members.
2) To see more Actors of Color on stage telling stories of color AND stories without specificities to race/ethnicity.
3) To see more Actors of Color going out for roles that are NOT traditionally cast with us in mind. Don't be afraid to step out that comfort box.
4) To see more Crew Members of Color - even if that means Actors of Color shadow current crew members to be on the crew for the next show. You're not made to just be an actor! We need to learn as many aspects of theatre as possible to stay in this business.
5) To see more Actors of Color and White actors stand up for themselves and each other when grievances are made. Ex.: If an Actor of Color brings up an issue about racism throughout a show and its process, they need to be believed and supported. Theatres SHOULD NOT be making that person feeling less than because they addressed the issue. And their castmates SHOULD be supporting them.
6) MORE BOARD MEMBERS OF COLOR and admin staff. Their input on the coming season is paramount to making a theatre inclusive. Board members should be enthusiastic about participating in the theatre events and not just to have their name be a part of something.
7) Theatres need to invest in the talent that's already here and less on shipping talent here from other states. They also need to rotate more through the actors in this community rather than utilizing the same actors/directors each season.
8) MORE DIRECTORS OF COLOR - to direct our stories and stories without race specificities.
9) MORE Black stories/theatres. MORE Latino stories/theatres. MORE Indigenous stories/theatres. MORE Middle Eastern stories/theatres. MORE Asian stories/theatres . More stories centering the disabled.
10) That theatres don't play into the hands of the current deplorable administration, and stop any and all DEI/anti-racism initiatives they may have in place or still "waiting to start." These initiatives are important for the sanctity of Michigan Theatre and this country's theatre community.
What role/show/experience on your resume is most memorable and why?
The first memorable experience is my first professional show at The Matrix Theatre (Detroit); Who Will Sing for Lena - directed by Casaundra Freeman.
This 1-actor show shaped me in a profound way, and pushed me past my then-limit. Memorizing an 18-page monologue will do that.
The second memorable experience is a very recent one; my directorial debut for Breaking Laws to Gain Freedom: Stories from Detroit at Open Book Theatre (Trenton). Another experience that pushed me past my limit and developed new knowledge for me.
Working with a brand new script; coming up with a set inspiration with nothing to encourage that inspiration; while having a phenomenal cast and crew to work with made the entire experience worthwhile.