Whether it's learning stand-up comedy, doing improv, or creating viral videos for social media, Academy senior Ashara Wilson constantly finds creative venues to share her positivity, raise social awareness, and inspire people to question the way things are. With her own screenplay and several other completed works, Ashara looks forward to putting on a show for the entertainment industry in the years ahead.

Tell me a little bit about your journey to the Academy?

Initially, I wasn’t going to apply to the Academy, but instead attend USC as a theater major. I was persuaded by my mom to change the course of my studies after we listened to Jessica Vernon give a presentation about the Academy. I was excited by the idea of having three majors in one. My mom was also excited that I would most likely have a job after I graduated. Here I am, four years later, with several internships under my belt, a startup and more creative avenues than ever. I am happy with my decision. No regrets. 

What piece of advice have you implemented in your day to day life?

I watched a Henry Cavill interview a few years ago and he said something that has stuck with me ever since. Without directly quoting him, he stated with a reassuring stoic tone: except for matters of life and death nothing is ever as important as it first seems. This isn’t to say that things don’t have value because they do, but it has given me the ability to not stress over every little thing. Simply put — it’s not that deep. 

Do you have a role model? Why do you look up to them?

I love Viola Davis. Granted, I have never met her, but I just know she’s as intelligent, talented and passionate as she seems. She is a champion of entertainment for Black women everywhere. Seeing her succeed encourages me to keep trying despite the setbacks. 

Describe one thing most people don’t know about you?

I would like to offer up some sort of mysterious detail, but I cannot. I simply talk too much about myself. I don’t think there is anything most people don’t already know about me. 

What’s one thing your parents taught you that you’d like to share?

What is the biggest risk you have taken, and was the result what you wished for?

On a whim, I decided to take Intro to Stand-up Comedy. While I have grown up performing in local theater, acting in short films and doing commercials, I had never written and performed my own material. This was the most scared I have ever been to perform because if people didn’t like my set, then they didn’t like me. I wasn’t being a character and I wasn’t reading a script, I was being myself unfiltered. Fortunately, I happen to be hilarious and perform well under pressure. The audience laughed and cheered, and my professor told me that I have a natural comedic talent. Now I want to be funny all the time. 

What would you say is your defining achievement thus far?

I wrote a feature film just to see if I could do it. I did. It’s funny. This opened up the world of screenwriting for me and eventually led to an internship in television development. Now I have dreams of creating TV shows. 

Try everything at least once (within reason of course)! You just might be surprised where saying yes leads you. 

How have you evolved over the past four years?

My sense of humor and comfort level with myself are the two areas that have evolved the most. I didn’t think I was funny before college, but here I am now with experience performing stand-up comedy, doing improv, writing comedy sketches and posting viral videos on social media. Most of what I joke about involves a level of social commentary because as much as I love to entertain, I also feel the need to make people question the way things are around them. 

After I graduate, I want to work in the entertainment world. Ideally I would act, write and work in development for television and film. I have just finished writing my first play and second screenplay. I would love to see where they take me. 

I watch people quite often. My friends have said it’s a bit weird but I love seeing people exist when they think no one is watching. They aren’t performing or pretending to be something else. I find inspiration in these little moments of honesty.  

My favorite app these days is Instagram. If I don’t want to use any other social media, I don’t really have to because all of the highlights/memes/jokes find their way to IG.

In the fall of my junior year I took an Academy elective called Storytelling for Entrepreneurs and Innovators. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I finished the class having written a feature length screenplay and a new interest in writing for the screen. 

Oof. I haven’t ventured out as much as I would have liked to, but so far one of my favorite spots in LA is Melrose. I feel very on-trend when I am there. Very much gives main character vibes. 

If you had to get a tattoo what would you get and why?

I have always said I wouldn’t get a tattoo, but if I had to get one it would be along the vertebrae of my neck. That seems tough enough to impress strangers on the street but hidden enough that my mom won’t be too disappointed.

Learning to tap into her comedic side, senior Ashara Wilson has tickled the funny bone of those around her. By being open and honest, she spreads positivity through stand up, screenwriting, and social media. Now with her own screenplay and several other works completed, Ashara is ready to put on a show for the entertainment industry in the years ahead.

Senior Spotlight: Ashara Wilson

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