In an illuminating and heartfelt interview, Ashley Versher paints a vivid portrait of her artistic journey, sharing her profound connection to acting, her love for storytelling, and the transformative power of music. As she takes on the role of Lena in Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, Ashley delves into the intricacies of her craft and the magnetic pull of a drama-filled series with an all-Black ensemble cast.

You can catch Ashley in “Beauty in Black Part 1,” now streaming on Netflix

The Art of Becoming: Ashley’s Passion for Acting

For Ashley Versher, acting is more than performing—it’s an act of empathy. She describes it as stepping into the shoes of others to understand their lives and choices. “I love just going into someone else’s life and analyzing that, trying to come to an understanding of who they are,” she shares.

But acting isn’t just about the characters—it’s about the community. Ashley fondly reflects on her first experiences with other actors, where she discovered a sense of belonging. “The first time I was really around other actors, I felt like I belonged,” she recalls.

A Symphony of Inspiration

Ashley’s creative journey began far from the world of scripts and stages. Her childhood was immersed in orchestras and symphonies. Yet, a pivotal moment came when she watched a local production of The Wizard of Oz, igniting her curiosity about the world of theater. “I didn’t really grow up in that space,” she says of acting. “I really grew up in orchestras and symphony.”

Her musical background would go on to shape her approach to acting in ways she couldn’t anticipate. Music became her bridge to character work, as she explains, “I’ve always experienced music as a story.” It served as a tool for her imagination, allowing her to embody roles with depth and authenticity.

The Soundtrack of a Character

For Ashley, music is more than inspiration—it’s a key to unlocking her characters. During her early acting days and conservatory training, she used music to ground herself. It continues to be a cornerstone of her process.

In portraying Lena, Ashley turned to Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” as a touchstone. She would hum it to slip into Lena’s mindset, finding it “incredibly influential” for connecting to the character’s inner life. “It helps me embody the mindset, the body, and the internal through line of a character,” she explains.

The Art of Auditioning: How Ashley Landed Lena

Landing the role of Lena wasn’t just about talent—it was about strategy. Ashley approached her audition with a focus on making dynamic and varied choices throughout the scene. “I really wanted to constantly come at her from a different angle,” she reveals. Her manager confirmed that her inventive approach made her stand out.

This methodical preparation helped her connect with Lena, a character Ashley describes as “a woman on a mission.” As a natural hair advocate, Lena’s clarity and hyper-focus resonated deeply with Ashley, who was intrigued by the character’s motivations. “I found it really cool to tap into somebody who has this very specific hyper-focus,” she says, expressing a desire to explore Lena’s “why” further in future episodes.

A Celebration of Representation

“You are wanted, you’re seen, and we got your back,” Ashley reflects, highlighting the empowering environment created on set.

Ashley Versher reflects deeply on the unique camaraderie and understanding that comes from working within a community that shares similar life experiences. For her, being part of an all-Black cast is more than just representation—it’s a source of continuous affirmation. “You’re just getting that validation and that confirmation over and over again,” she explains. “Because you’re working with a community of people that understand you, that understand your plight in life, that understand how big of a deal this is and how difficult it is to get to these places in our careers.”

This supportive energy wasn’t limited to the cast; it extended to the crew as well. On set, Ashley experienced a palpable sense of encouragement and solidarity. “You have people left and right who are rooting for you—like, in your face rooting for you,” she says with gratitude. This culture of mutual celebration and care fostered a familial atmosphere, making the experience of creating Beauty in Black as uplifting as it was meaningful.

For Ashley, this environment reinforced the importance of community in navigating an industry where representation and support are essential. “It becomes like a family in a really beautiful way,” she shares, highlighting how this shared connection enriched both her personal and professional journey.

Why Beauty in Black Captivates Audiences

What makes Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black a standout success? Ashley points to a combination of factors: Tyler Perry’s loyal audience, the electric drama, and the chemistry between the cast and crew.

“When I read all of season one, I mean, the drama is thick. It was a page-turner,” she enthuses. But more than the plot, it’s the genuine connections behind the scenes that shine through on screen. “The love and the support that exists between the cast and the crew comes across on screen,” she says.

Ashley is thrilled to be part of a project that’s resonating so strongly with audiences. While she anticipated success, she admits, “You just can’t anticipate how well.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Ashley Versher’s journey from orchestras to the spotlight is a testament to her talent, determination, and passion. With her portrayal of Lena, she’s leaving a lasting impression on audiences while celebrating the power of storytelling, community, and representation. As Beauty in Black continues to captivate viewers, Ashley’s star is undoubtedly on the rise.

Photography Credit: Jonny Marlow