Welcome, Ayla, and how are you doing?

I’m doing well. Surviving and thriving. I’m happy you reached out and I’m excited to share. This is my first interview. 

What led you to enter the world of acting? 

I actually started acting in plays as a child, and then as I went through school, I leaned more toward athletics and sports. I realized as a young woman that some of my favorite memories involved me acting. I was always most alive when I was performing. I absolutely love storytelling & being able to evoke emotions from others. I remember watching movies & the emotions that the actors could bring out of me and thinking how amazing it is to have that effect. Whether it’s crying, happiness, or anger. A couple years ago I was watching a movie and remember thinking, “I want to do that; I want to make people feel like that!”

Let’s talk about “The Landlord,” which I’ve watched multiple times! It was really great! The role of “Macy Montgomery” was beautifully executed!!! You are very talented! How did this role come about for you, and what were your initial thoughts when you first learned what this film would entail?

I actually auditioned for a different role about a year prior. Did not get that role. And a year later that writer reached out & said, “Hey, I want you to audition for this role.” I was excited for the role because I had gone out for a number of auditions & landed not a single role! I was ready when I read the script, excited and nervous for my first lead role.

What was your process like bringing “Macy” to life? 

I went through the script multiple times; I created a back story for Macy. I went through and wrote a short script for all of the characters I have relationships within the movie to help guide my interactions with those characters. But honestly aside from the craziness, I could see a lot of myself at one point in my life in Macy. Issues with men, gullible. So, it was not very hard to reach into that character.

I also loved your portrayal of “Angel” in Missing, and we were scared of her LOL!! Definitely the opposite from “Macy” lol!! We love a Queen who can serve variety and range!! What was your experience like portraying this type of role in a thriller film? 

First off, thank you for that! I will say I loved the character of Angel. Portraying a killer in a thriller film was both challenging and fascinating. There’s something eerie about knowing the audience is unsettled and captivated by your performance. I truly wish Angel had more time during Missing because I could imagine so much more for her. I think it was a great character & really wanted to dive more into that. I really enjoy tapping into that crazy side. Although subtle, it was a very powerful role to play.

I’ve learned from speaking with fellow actors that taking on roles and becoming someone else or even sharing similarities with a character can be challenging and heavy at times physically and emotionally. How do you maintain your mental health and well-being whenever stepping into a role, especially if it’s one that is heavy emotionally?

When you’re portraying characters who live in dark or traumatic spaces, it’s easy to carry some of that weight home with you. I have learned very early on to focus on maintaining the mental health. I always go into any character with the boundaries of I am myself, and the character is the character. I eat a very balanced diet and will also fast before starting a film. I can say that especially with independent films, our time to both prepare for and film the movies is not that extensive. I know for some of these Hollywood movies they film for months & I can see how that could be very emotionally draining. As far a physically, I will just say a massage and week of Epsom salt baths is always on the menu. 

During this current chapter in your journey in acting, what is something new that you have learned about yourself as an actor that you will carry with you and use to continue elevating in the entertainment industry?

The main thing I have learned about myself is to always be true to myself and to always show up as myself. I used to think vulnerability on screen was about delivering the right emotion, but I’ve come to realize it’s about being present, fully open, and allowing yourself to feel without trying to control the outcome. That level of honesty is scary—but it’s also where the real magic happens. I’m taking that with me as I move forward in this industry: the confidence to trust myself, to take bigger risks, and to not shy away from the uncomfortable moments. That’s where the truth is. That’s where growth is.

When you’re not busy working, how are you practicing self-care?

When I am not busy working, I am busy doing other work. lol no, but seriously I am always talking to my friends or my sister. I still enjoy watching movies and am currently rewatching the American Horror Story seasons. 

Thank you so much, Ayla!

Keep up with Ayla’s projects:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aylathompson?igsh=dG44cmRyeTNkMnU5