Theatre of Arts class of 2016 alumna Allie Anderson is an actor, stunt performer and comedian. Born and raised in Las Vegas, she moved to Los Angeles at age 18 to pursue her life-long passion for acting at Theatre of Arts, graduating in 2016. Allie took time to catch up with us while on location in Australia, where she's working on the forthcoming Netflix feature film TRUE SPIRIT.
Alumnus Q&A:
TOA: When or how did you first realize you wanted to become an actor?
Allie Anderson: I was one of few fortunate people who realized my calling at an early age. My dream jobs went from wanting to be a mermaid to wanting to be an actor. I wish I had a better story as to how I knew I wanted to become an actor, but I felt like I was just born knowing that this is what I was suppose to do.
TOA: What about TOA attracted you to choose it over other acting conservatories?
Allie Anderson: One of the major factors that attracted me to ToA was that the faculty are all still working in the industry. I didn't want to spend my time learning about the industry from someone who had stopped worked in it 30+ years ago. Especially when this industry is constantly changing and evolving. I wanted to learn first hand from people who were already in it and were still learning themselves.
TOA: What was your favorite class or classes at ToA and why?
Allie Anderson: The acting classes were a favorite as I think they are for most students. But the other classes such as sword fighting, classical theatre and stand up comedy were also favorites for me because, well to be completely honest, at the beginning of the terms that I had those classes I was absolutely dreading them. They were the hardest classes I had to take. It was either a physical or mental block in myself that made me want to skip class every day I had them. And yet in the end, those were the classes I learned the most from -- the most about the subjects and the most about myself. I had to push myself harder than I had with the other classes, but when they were over, I felt a victory in that not only was I more knowledgable on the subject, but that I could not only complete them, but end up loving them! Now coincidentally, those are classes that I will come back and take time and time again. Who would have thought!
TOA: Can you share an example of a lesson you learned at ToA that has proved especially helpful in your acting career?
Allie Anderson: Don't be afraid to fall on your face. Try new techniques, even if you don't think it will work, try it. Being in an acting school is a wonderful environment to put yourself out there. The safe performances are never the ones you remember.
TOA: What advice would you give to prospective students considering pursuing their degree at TOA?
Allie Anderson: I like to use the analogy that if you decide acting is your calling, you're basically putting yourself in the middle of the ocean trying to find land. The teachers you'll meet have life rafts that can get you where you need to go, but you need to show you're at least willing to swim to the raft. Put in the effort and that'll get you where you need to go.
TOA: Anything else you'd like us to know?
Allie Anderson: I am currently in Australia about to start on a Netflix film entitled TRUE SPIRIT and have a few projects lined up that I'm excited to be able to tell you about when the time comes!
TOA: We can't wait to hear about your next projects! Thank you Allie for sharing your story with us!