Ashley Brooke, an American actress, stars in National Geographic/Disney +’s upcoming eight episode limited series “A Small Light.” She plays Margot Frank in the harrowing story of the Frank family’s time hiding in a small annex for two years. The New Jersey native is also a part of the cast of the new HBO series “White House Plumbers.” Only a freshman at the University of Southern California, she is making waves as a newcomer to keep your eye on. Both “A Small Light” and “White House Plumbers” premiere on May 1st.

Orange Fringe Dress by Gert-Johan Coetzee
Earrings by Alexis Bittar

What was the experience that inspired you to pursue acting?
An experience that really inspired me to pursue acting was actually rejection. Many years ago, I auditioned for Matilda on Broadway. I had 20-something callbacks and spent so much time in Ripley Grier studios, I felt like I lived there. It was such a fun process because every time I went I would meet new friends that all had similar interests (some of which I'm still friends with today). I found that the cyclic process of auditioning and callbacks, more auditioning, and more callbacks, resulted in a fuel to never want to give up. I ended up not getting Matilda, but instead I found an underlying passion, a rush, that made me want to do this for the rest of my life.

As a freshman studying film at the University of Southern California, do you have any desire to explore other sides of the film industry outside of acting?
Yes, outside of acting, I’m studying screenwriting and directing. I am super passionate about storytelling and hope to create and be a part of projects that inspire me. I'm working with my academic advisor at USC to craft my curriculum to become well-rounded in acting, directing, and writing.

How are you balancing the demands of acting and school at such a young age? What do you do to keep from burning out?
It can be challenging, but I have found it doable. Balancing school assignments and papers while being fully present with acting opportunities can be stressful. For example, it may require writing an essay between shooting scenes. Every profession requires juggling multiple responsibilities, and acting is no exception. I keep myself from burning out by managing my time, prioritizing assignments that need to get done right away, spending time with my family, and, most importantly, petting my dog Chloe.

**Left:**
Orange Fringe Dress by Gert-Johan Coetzee
Ring by Meggem by Flying Solo
Earrings by Alexis Bittar
**Right:**
Off the shoulder black structured top with waist cutouts by Zelle at ShowroomSEVEN
Earring by La Daje by Flying Solo
Ring by La Daje by Flying Solo

Despite being so young, you’ve already amassed quite the resume with several credits under your belt. What has been your favorite project you’ve worked on so far?
I am so grateful to have had many wonderful opportunities, especially as a young actress. But “A Small Light” holds a special place in my heart. There is something so groundbreaking about this project. The series is so raw, so powerful, so articulately told. I am truly honored to have played the role of Margot in this important and meaningful story. But what made my experience with “A Small Light” even more exceptional was the people with whom I worked. From the cast, crew, and creative team, they were all so talented, incredibly warm, and caring. They have all taught me so much, and I'm thankful now to call them my friends.

“A Small Light” deals with such a heavy subject matter and history. How did you commit to your character without risking damaging yourself emotionally?
It is a heavy subject matter and to authentically portray Margot Frank, I felt it necessary to commit fully to all of her emotions. But that also meant there were emotional days. This was especially true when we filmed outside of the Frank family apartment in Amsterdam. I was grateful to have my mom with me because after filming those scenes, I was able to go home and talk with her. She helped me separate myself from Margot and find wellness tools to maintain balance, such as journaling and taking walks.

Without too many spoilers, what details does “A Small Light” reveal that most aren’t taught in schools or books?
Most of us know the story of Anne Frank through her diary entries when she and her family went into hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. But many don’t know the story of who hid her, a young woman named Miep Gies. “A Small Light” is a story from the perspective of Miep, who she was before the war, how she met and worked for Otto Frank, and what she had to do to hide the Frank family, Van Pels, and Fritz Pfeffer in the Secret Annex for two years. Miep was so courageous, and while she never called herself a hero, in my mind, she was. I'm so glad that Disney Plus, National Geographic, and Hulu are shining a light on Miep’s story and bringing it to an international platform so the world can see it.

**Left:**
Leather outfit by La Rondo at ShowroomSEVEN
Earring by La Daje by Flying Solo
Ring by La Daje by Flying Solo
Christine Asymmetrical Corset Belt by UNCUFFED
**Right:**
Off the shoulder black structured top w. waist cutouts by Zelle at ShowroomSEVEN
Earring by La Daje by Flying Solo
Ring by La Daje by Flying Solo

In what ways do you think acting in these projects can inspire awareness, change, and activism?
Unfortunately, today's climate has seen a rise in hatred towards many different groups. I hope “A Small Light” inspires others to be like Miep and be a light in other people's lives. There's a lot we can take from the message of supporting each other no matter what our background is.

How do you hope people will respond to your role and the overall series “A Small Light?”
I hope that people finish watching “A Small Light” with a deeper understanding of what the Jews and their allies went through during World War II. Because many of us learned about the Holocaust in school, there’s a distance between us and the people who lived through that time. “A Small Light” takes history out of the page of a textbook and depicts the humanity of the people involved in the Frank family's story. This series shows all facets of life during the War for these people: the budding love between Miep and her husband Jan, the bickering and laughter between siblings Margot and Anne, as well as the constant undercurrent of fear of being caught. I hope people watching the series can more deeply connect to whom they are watching and make them feel “real” and not just “historical figures.”

What new projects can people look forward to seeing you in?
I have a small role in HBO’s “White House Plumbers.” Beyond that I can’t say yet, but I’m excited for what's on the horizon.

Social Media.
Instagram: @thatashleybrooke
Twitter: @thatashbrooke

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Michael Creagh
Talent: Ashley Brooke
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon
Hair: Laura Costa for Exclusive Artists using Balmain Hair Couture
Makeup: Fabiola for Exclusive Artists using Westman Atelier
Fashion Stylist Interns: Angie Hines, Ary Russell
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Ary Russell, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine