Ashley Olsen

Artist Biography

I am a theater actress and writer based in the greater-Boston area. I am trained in acting for the stage, as well as the musical theater-singing style. I have previously studied at the Professional Conservatory for Musical Theater at the New York Film Academy, and currently a graduating Senior at Endicott College, where I am about to receive my Bachelors in Performing Arts. Most people have a tendency to think of the theater as a medium for telling comedic and lighthearted stories- I am currently developing my skills as a writer so that I can help change that by combining my love of theater with my other great passion: the horror genre. I hope to use all the skills I have acquired as an actor, director, writer, and production assistant to create chilling theatrical experiences that will leave a lasting impression on the people who encounter them.

Thesis Abstract

In my thesis, I seek to explore what the concept of “a monster” actually is, and the nature of monsters is intrinsically tied to human nature. A monster can be a lot of things: a plot device, a lesson to be learned, a villain- occasionally even a hero. However, one thing a monster always is, regardless of anything else, is a metaphor. Stories where the hero must fight a monster appeal to audiences because it allows one to come to terms with the ugly bits of themselves. A protagonist overcoming a beast that stands as a symbol for a loathsome trait, such as greed or anger, is cathartic to someone who struggles with having those feelings. Likewise, stories where the monster is more sympathetic allow one to come to terms with their own feelings of rejection or self-loathing. If the monster can obtain friendship and acceptance, then anyone can. People love monsters either way because both archetypes of a traditional monster-driven narrative allow people to see themselves in the creatures, and accept the parts of ourselves the world tells us are ugly or undesirable. Monsters are the physical manifestation of the dark side of the human condition. In other words: the monster on the outside reflects the monster on the inside. We learn to love ourselves through loving them just as they are.