From Choir to Center Stage

Raised in the Bay Area, Ashley Versher’s creative journey began early. This early exposure to the arts—from symphonies to ballet—built a foundation that guided her career. Her first significant role came after college in The Buddy Holly Story musical in Illinois, a milestone that cemented her commitment to acting.

Versher’s career is as varied as it is inspiring. From her role as Lena in Tyler Perry’s new series to her endeavors as a director, producer, and self-taught filmmaker, Versher’s dedication shines through each project. Recently, she sat down with Bleu to share insights into her career journey, her creative vision, and her aspirations for the future.

Versher’s path to playing Lena began with an audition—a cornerstone of any actor’s career. “I received an audition from my reps for the role of Lena, and that was my introduction to her,” she shared. Lena, whom she describes as “a bit of a naturalista” and an “antagonist,” presented a unique and thrilling challenge. This wasn’t a role she sought out specifically but rather a standard process she embraced fully. The opportunity allowed her to explore a character entirely different from herself, adding layers to the show’s narrative and her own repertoire.

Reflecting on her experience in a Tyler Perry production, Versher emphasized the strength of Perry’s vision. Filming in Atlanta, a city she fondly calls “the Black Mecca,” added depth and significance to her experience. “The cast is predominantly African American, which just makes the vibe really exciting,” she said, noting how rare and precious it is to be part of such a connected and inclusive team.

Perry’s approach to storytelling, which intertwines characters’ lives in subtle, meaningful ways, resonated with her. “Our stories being so intertwined and interconnected is a huge part of the show’s vision,” she explained, adding that the series mirrors real life in how deeply people’s lives can intersect.

Looking back, Versher recognized the perseverance and passion required to pursue a career in acting. “You learn a lot over time,” she reflected. “The business and the craft are like two separate things that eventually intertwine.”

Versher has since expanded her artistic range as a director and producer, juggling these roles with her acting career. She admits that balancing it all is challenging, but with the support of family and friends and a commitment to setting boundaries, she makes it work.

Fans of Ashley can also catch her recent work in This Is Me…Now: A Love Story with Jennifer Lopez, currently streaming on Prime Video. Her television appearances include roles in NBC’s American Auto, Law & Order SVU, and Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt. Ashley’s stage presence shines, too; she recently performed in Dracula as Dame Bat, a collaboration with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and took on the role of Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing with Shakespeare in the Woods.

Ashley Versher’s growing portfolio and devotion to creative expression and mentorship make her a powerful force in the entertainment industry—one to watch as Beauty In Black debuts this fall on Netflix.