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Ashley Padilla's Surprise Take on SNL's Competitive Culture
31 May
Summary
- Ashley Padilla described SNL as a collaborative environment, not competitive.
- She credits her positive experience to training at the Groundlings.
- Padilla had the most airtime among SNL cast members last season.

Saturday Night Live has long been perceived as a demanding and competitive workplace. Many former cast members, including Bill Hader and Conan O'Brien, have spoken about the high stress and anxiety associated with the show. Rumors have often suggested that cast members employ tactics to gain more screen time.
However, featured player Ashley Padilla recently shared a different perspective. During a discussion, she described her experience on SNL as very collaborative, surprising many of her fellow comic actresses. Padilla attributes this positive atmosphere partly to her prior training at the Groundlings improvisation theater, an environment known for fostering teamwork.
Padilla's successful audition and subsequent performances have quickly made her a standout. Last season, she garnered significant acclaim and was the cast member with the most airtime, playing a crucial role in several viral sketches. This outlook suggests a potentially long and successful career for Padilla on the show.