Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlyn Evans.
Ashlyn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first started acting when I was 12 years old. I remember my first ever audition as if it were yesterday! My mom took me to an audition at San Angelo Broadway Academy, and I immediately wanted to leave. My mom, one of my biggest supporters, refused to let me quit before trying. 14 years later, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am that she pushed me to go for it. I started acting classes through the community theatre scene, and soon joined my high school theatre troupe. Before enrolling to a college, I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life or what career I wanted, so I chose acting. And I excelled. Since moving to the Houston area, I have worked at local theatre’s such as the Alley Theatre, Stages, Dirt Dogs Theatre Co., and Classical Theatre Co. This community has shown me so much love and support and I am so grateful and honored to share the stage with so much talent!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been smooth sailing. I’ve only been a working professional for 3 years, and it can be a little difficult to navigate the entertainment industry without representation. Thankfully, Houston has such an amazing theatre/film scene, I’ve been booked and busy! Something else I feel like most artists go through, is the occasional self doubt. There have been seasons in the past where I audition constantly and nothing comes of it. But my advice is to keep going and keep auditioning. The break through is right around the corner. All that said, I love what I do and have never allowed rejection to turn me off from the art. If anything, those no’s were the best motivators for me to continue.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional actor. I’ve worked primarily in the theatre, but I have also done a handful of commercials and some independent films throughout the years. I don’t know how “known” I am, but I would say my work in the theatre. I absolutely love Shakespeare and have spent a a good amount of time with the Texas Shakespeare Festival (shout out to Matthew and Meaghan Simpson). Texas Shakes is easily my favorite place to be. The shows, the talent, the team is all absolutely amazing. It feels like a home away from home. I am most proud of all the progress I have made in my career so far. Working at the Alley Theatre for the first time last summer (2025) still feels like a fever dream. The grandeur of the facilities is every actors dream. What sets me apart from others is my determination to learn and grow as an artist. I will never be comfortable or content with my craft. I will always push myself and surround myself with other artists who push me to sharpen my craft. My overall goal in every play, every role, is to impact the audience. To make someone feel something and look at life differently, whether it’s their own life, or someone else’s.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Most definitely. My high school directors, Laura Smith and Timothy Haynes were the first to plant the seed of wonder in my mind. My college professors Kelly Russell, Alison Frost, Don Luna, and Marco Munoz help me hone in on my craft and challenged me all four years. Without their guidance, I wouldn’t be half the artist I am today. My family and friends who have supported me from the sidelines from the start. Praying for me and showing up to every show they can see. And finally my wonderful husband Jedidiah Barker. He is my rock, my biggest supporter, my audition helper, (sometimes my private acting coach), and the love of my life. I am truly so blessed to know him and have him in my corner. And so blessed to have met so many wonderful people who have inspired and guided me along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: _ashlyn.barker_
