We had the good fortune of connecting with Allie Hill and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Allie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking is pretty much the largest factor in jumping head first into the world of the arts. Everything is subjective, so you really have to hold tightly to what makes your soul light up and chase that with reckless abandon. Going from majoring in English to Musical Theatre straight into a global pandemic was pretty terrifying. Having never had a voice lesson, acting class, or dance class, I’m not really sure where that fearlessness came from, maybe delusion? Despite knowing nothing about the craft itself, I knew it was what I needed to do. It’s hard to verbalize, but I just knew. I think risk taking is what makes life exciting, and how will we ever know if we can fly if we don’t take the risk by jumping?
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actor, singer, dancer based currently in Atlanta, Georgia. Music has always been a part of me; I was singing the moment I could speak, and haven’t stopped since! I am a self-taught acoustic and electric guitar player, and love art in all its forms. I used to think it was music alone that made my heart beat, but now I realize it is the storytelling that makes my heart feel ablaze. It’s so beautiful to watch someone transform from a piece of music, a play, a dance piece, a painting, and to get to be a small cog in the beautiful machine of art is a very, very special place and one I do not take lightly. I’ve been the little girl in the audience whose chest feels like it’s about to burst, and all I can hope is to get to be that for someone younger than me some day.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ohhhhhh shoot— if you’re coming to the A, I am your gal for suuuure. If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I am always thinking about where my next cup of coffee is coming from. My favorite Atlanta staples in no particular order are, Perc in Virginia-Highland, Joe’s in East Atlanta Village, Aurora in Little Five Points, East Pole Coffee on Ponce, and (outside of the perimeter but very worth the drive) Coffee Camper in Monroe, GA.
There is no shortage of unreallllll places to eat, however if I could only take you to one place, I would have to take you to my sweet grandma’s house for the absolute best homemade southern comfort food of your life- no lie I think her hands are made of pure gold. Also, y’all ever had a sweet potato biscuit? You will after you go to her house and your life will be changed.
My favorite places for some great views are Jackson Street Bridge, the rooftop of The Claremont Lounge, and anywhere along The Beltline in the spring/summer will have immaculate vibes.
Honestly as a whole I think ATL-iens are some of the friendliest, most creative people to be surrounded by. I feel very lucky to have grown up around such incredible, talented, passionate individuals and to get to call Atlanta my home base.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Theatre is a hard industry. You have to remain resilient and sensitive and be tough as nails no matter how many no’s you may get. Michael Jablonski is the epitome of what it means to mentor someone. He took a terrified, very green actor, and gave me the tools I needed to be prepared for whatever this industry could throw my way, and truly believes in me. It’s one thing to admire him as a teacher, which he is phenomenal at, but it’s another to also admire him as an artist. He is a brave, nuanced, hard working, intelligent actor, and his ability to connect to a story is a masterclass every time I get to watch him at work. I’m so grateful for his mentorship and friendship and hope we have a long road ahead of working together!
Instagram: allieghill
Other: tik tok: allieghill
Image Credits
Patrick Marcigliano, AJ Reynolds, Janelle Gaskell