Conversations with Ashlynn Hideman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlynn Hideman.

Hi Ashlynn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From a very young age, I always knew that I wanted to be an entertainer. I was always super creative and imaginative as a kid, coming up with crazy stories to act out, and I would constantly imitate the actors I saw on TV. I wanted to be just like them. From then on, I knew that I was going to be an actress. Even now, that dream and passion have not faltered. If anything, I am more passionate about acting now than ever. At family gatherings, I always had to be the center of attention– singing songs, dancing around, or making iMovie videos with my cousins. At the age of 4, I began acting in small church plays, and shortly after, I took up competitive Irish Dance at Celtic Steps School of Irish Dance for 13 years. Irish Dance consumed most of my time as a young girl. I was traveling nationwide for dance competitions (which in Ireland are called Feis’s) and then around St. Patrick’s day, my dance team and I would travel around CO dancing at schools, retirement homes, pubs, the St. Patty’s Parade, the Children’s Hospitals, and even the local news. Each St. Patrick’s day, I would dance in front of thousands of people and it was the most incredible feeling. I absolutely loved bringing joy to the audience with my performance. The excitement, the rush, the adrenaline, and the thrill of the audience watching me became addicting. I was hooked. Performing became second hand nature to me.

To this day, I can honestly credit Irish Dance for giving me the confidence to show what I have and to give it all I’ve got in every performance. This influence has immensely shaped me into who I am as an entertainer today. I decided to take a break from dancing competitively in 7th grade and jumped right back into acting. From junior high until my senior year of high school, I thrived as a theater kid. I did One Acts, Plays, Improv., and Musicals. I came to absolutely adore my theater family at TCA. Here, I felt like I could truly be me. I fell in love with the feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself. At the age of 13, I then peaked an interest in pursuing film acting full time. So, I started acting classes with some of the most skilled, gracious, and hard-working coaches throughout Colorado. Each coach pushed me in different ways and I grew more than I ever thought I could. They each saw my potential, even when I didn’t. I went from class to class, learning the different acting styles that each coach had to offer. Which, in return, helped me book many short films and a feature film called “My Name is Sam,” which you can watch now on Amazon Prime! Then, at 16, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder of my thyroid called Hashimoto Thyroiditis. This diagnosis rocked my world. It’s a terrifying feeling when you hear a doctor tell you that there is something wrong with you. I had unanswered questions, and it was devastating, but this did not mean that my life was over. I was 16! I had big dreams to chase. I knew that I would need to fight harder for what I wanted, so instead of giving up, I learned how to balance my new life with Hashimoto’s and everything that comes with it. I embraced this new part of me. Now don’t get me wrong, I still have plenty of down days and it hasn’t been easy, but my passion for acting and following my dreams is way stronger than my diagnosis. That same year of my diagnosis, I lost one of my great friends to suicide. I felt helpless and incredibly overcome with grief. I felt that I needed to do something to honor my friend and to try my best to bring awareness to mental health and suicide, so I became a founding board member of a non-profit suicide awareness group called “Project Reasons.” Through Project Reasons, we have created a system to prevent self harm and suicide. I have had the incredible opportunity to speak publicly about mental health and try to eliminate the stigma around it. In 2019, I graduated from The Classical Academy with honors in academics and community service. Graduating high school put a lot of pressure on me to go to school for something “practical” and “realistic,” but my dreams still never wavered.

In the summer of 2019, I was cast in a feature film called “Deadly Promises,” I acted in a music video by Austin’s Rose called “Rain On The Roof of This Car,” and I also began working on several industrial commercials and short films! As of right now, I am blessed enough to be busy during this crazy time. I recently wrote, directed, cast, and starred in three short films. This was my first time writing, directing, and casting any project. I have had so much fun learning and understanding the many different pieces that go together to create a film. I have come to love writing, and in my free time, I enjoy writing screenplays and collaborating with local film makers! I have had the privilege of working with such amazing people who have profoundly helped pave the road for where I am now. I could not be where I am without the incredible support of my family and friends!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I would be lying if I said that my journey has been without struggle. To tell you the truth, this journey has been the most difficult but rewarding experience that I have ever had. Living the life of an artist is very challenging. It’s constant ups and downs. It’s the perpetual need to please. It’s countless rejections. As an actor, I receive more rejection in a month than most people do in a year. So why do I do it? I do it because every “No” makes the single “Yes” worth it. Every “No” is one step closer to achieving my dream. That feeling is surreal when you get the call saying that you booked the job. It’s like time stops for a minute and all the heartache of rejection disappears. Your heart just fills with gratitude and excitement! It is truly amazing. Most actors would agree with me when I say: auditioning is the WORST and hardest part about being an actor. That is why it is so rewarding when we book the part. There’s also a sense in proving yourself in this industry. Being an actor is so uncertain and risky. It is a job that is not fit for all, and in taking the path that is seen as “unrealistic”, you feel that you need to show people that it was worth it and that it was not all for nothing. This has put a lot of pressure on me to show those people who have doubted me that my dreams are real and that I am serious about going after the things that I am passionate about. This industry is unknown and ever-changing, but that is what makes it exciting! You never know when you will get that “Yes” and your life will change. I have learned some hard lessons throughout my journey, and even though they were horrible going through it, I would never take them back. I am who I am because of my experiences. And like my dad always says, “you live and you learn”!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an actress, model, writer, dancer, singer, and performer. I am mostly known for my work in “Deadly Promises,” “My Name is Sam,” “Twin Flames” and “Rain On The Roof Of This Car.” I enjoy going to the movies, baking (gluten-free and vegan), reading (mostly classics, fiction, and dystopian), writing, and spending time with my family and friends. I am very proud of how far I have come in my journey and I am so proud of the woman I have become. 12 year old Ashlynn would be amazed to see where I am now. I am kind, empathetic, loving, and I would like to think that I am pretty funny!

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I have read a few acting books that were incredibly informational! “The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide” by Jenna Fischer- My favorite! This book was very candid about the ups and downs of the industry and gave very helpful advice. “The Intent To Live” by Larry Moss- I am currently reading and WOW! This book breaks down script analysis, character development, improv tips, industry advice, and more! “Audition” by Michael Shurtleff- Great for both on-camera and theater acting. It goes into auditioning, comedic timing, pace, simplicity, and monologues. “Listen, Feel, Respond” by Paul Neal Rohrer- One of the first acting books I ever read in my career! It taught me how to fine-tune and strengthen my craft through the simplicity of listening to my scene partner, feeling what their words mean, and responding based on what listening and feeling provoke.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashlynnhideman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlynnnikole19/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashlynn.kole/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/y0EnMpZB_y8
• Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm9653028/

Image Credits
Stephanie Mikuls Jonathan Ward Rachel Franklin Rob Coca