Disclaimer: Alexis Gordon is about to upstage your morning or evening. Dive deep into this Stratford actress’ thoughts on humility, sponges, and the ukelele. Meet her in person at She Talks on May 1!
1. What’s your go-to when you need inspiration or motivation (quote, activity, et cetera)
I find that grounding myself in activities I enjoy helps me the most. Reading a book that has nothing to do with the play I’m working on, going for a run at the gym helps clear my head, playing my ukulele or listening to music. Then I’m able to start back fresh and grounded.
2. What’s your personal or professional motto?
Stay hungry, stay humble.
3. What does the world need more of? Less of?
More kindness, and patience. More listening, and learning. Less greed, and doubt. Less ignorance, and narcissism.
4. What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Be a sponge. Soak up as much as you can and keep learning. Always stay interested and curious, or move on to something else that ignites passion in you.
5. Name the biggest overall lesson you’ve learned about leadership.
Our director for Guys and Dolls at The Stratford Festival, Donna Feore, is a human masterclass in leadership. She knows exactly how to assemble motivate a company of players, musicians, crew and team, bring them together, and make them truly want to come to work – and work hard – every day. By being an amazing director, and also organized, excited about the work, respectful of everyone’s time, encouraging progress, and being a goof sometimes too. Donna keeps her work environment safe and open, and I believe that gets the best results. She is inspiring to witness, and to be a part of that room is an honour. I try and leave each day, holding onto the kindness, hard work and warmth I witnessed from her, as tools for myself to build on.
6. Name a woman (past or present) whom you think is a great role model for girls.
My mom, Sharon raised me to be strong and independent. I grew up surrounded by books to open my imagination and world view, the chance to try at whatever activity I wanted, and the belief that I could do whatever I wanted to do, so long as I worked hard for it. Her insistence on pushing past all of society’s barriers for me as a woman of colour, is the reason I am where I am today.
Alexis is a professional actress from London, Ontario. A graduate of the BFA Acting program at The University of Windsor, she is currently in her third season at the Stratford Festival, starring as Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls. Alexis is the inaugural female winner of both the Amy Wallis Memorial Gurthrie Award (Stratford Festival), and Syd and Shirley Banks Prize for Emerging Artists (Acting Up Stage Theatre).