Andrew Gilliland

Quick Side Note from Kat: I met Andrew last year at his senior showcase here in NYC. He is an ACU alum with a heart of gold. Over the past year, Peter and I have been lucky enough to get to know Andrew over several coffee dates. We've bonded over our love for enneagram 4's, blogs, and creating good work. Andrew is talented, heartfelt, and such a light to be around, as his post will attest. Beaming with joy to introduce you to our friend, Andrew.

What were you looking forward to that you lost because of COVID-19?

I look forward to seeing my people at the William Esper Studio twice a week. There I get to be solely focused on the process of becoming an actor and not focused on what I am selling. It’s also a process that largely feels like it’s taking action on me, on my instrument and my heart, rather than the other way around, which I am craving right now. You get glimpses of not only your own growth but the growth of everyone around you- it fills your cup. It really is sacred time. It’s like going to the theatre twice a week and getting to play every time. I miss it so much.

What is something (a thought, a family member, a hope, a piece of art, a meme, a song, ANYTHING) that is getting you through?

Yoga. My boyfriend and my two roommates. Books. The calm app (thank you, Barry’s). VIPKid.

What do you think has an opportunity to change as a result of this time to reset?

This is time where my body tells me what it needs. It’s dabbling into all the survivor modes I’ve learned and awakening trauma parts I’ve held. It is a wonderful and challenging time to point back to who now runs the show and who younger parts of me can trust. This is adult Andrew, I am 24 years old. The year is 2020. This does not mean I don’t ask for help. This just means I am not as helpless as I once was, I am stronger than I thought I could ever be already. This body is good and worthy. It was always enough.

I was also working a ton of hours at my survival jobs before the pandemic struck. I hope to find a way to balance more, so I can run full force towards that which brings me the most joy when we are released from social distancing.

Anything else you'd like our readers to know during this time?

I love Kat and Peter’s perspective on this time. I’d like to add that if many people over-using the word “opportunity” during this time is difficult to hear, you’re not alone.

Yes, time brings possibility. But I’m hesitant to equate developing artistry and following an artistic path to self-optimization, which “opportunity” so often implies. (And simultaneously, I completely struggle with not using this time to self-optimize. So this advice is mostly for me to hear.) This is global, societal trauma (perhaps little “t” trauma, but trauma nonetheless).

It’s understandable if all that happens some days, or as this goes on, some weeks, some periods, etc. is breathe, cry and find your footing beneath you. We don’t have all the answers, and remember that so much of the artistic process is about timing jogs and sprints... and REST. Routine is good. Movement is good. Grace and connecting to your uncompromisable worth are better than any of that. You will always be an artist, you have always been an artist. You will always have your creative spirit. Cancelled auditions, classes, performances, gigs can’t take that away from you. Go on amazon and get a copy of The Artist’s Way.

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Quarantine Quickly:
Favorite snack: Peanut butter pretzels, carrots and hummus, cookie butter. (Also, my boyfriend bakes and I’m a loyal tester on all baking excursions)

Home workout routine: Built for the Stage (much love, Coach Joe!), YOGA WITH ADRIENE (my roommates and boyfriend and I are doing the 30 day challenge), Some social distance runs, and a handful of Barry’s IG Live classes to keep connected with the Barry’s fam

What are you watching: Just finished the Outsider on HBO, and it’s golden.

What are you reading: This is my favorite question. I am so excited to answer this question. I should answer the question now. Did I tell you I’m excited to answer this question? The new biography on Marlon Brando called The Contender. Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino. Inspired by Rachel Held Evans. (Searching for Sunday was also a gem.) Know My Name by Chanel Miller. What are YOU reading??

Yes or no... out of pajamas before noon?: I absolutely must be out of pajamas before noon in order to stay sane.