Who is Emma Louise?
Actor, director, voice coach, businesswoman, lover and mother … with a strong addiction to theatre.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Very little…I love what I do now. Of course, one always pursues the dream of making a consistent living performing on bigger stages, to bigger audiences … but even now just running my theatre-in-education company (Em’s Entertainment) and working in independent theatre, the fact is I still get to tell stories on a daily basis. I feel very lucky. It is a privilege to be able to introduce young people to their first taste of theatre, and to work alongside so many other passionate artists show to show.
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone who has conviction of character, knows what they want and aren’t afraid to go out and make it happen. Whether this be someone pursuing a particular career path, or fighting illness, or chasing personal milestones … I just love and admire gutsy people. They remind me to keep on trying, to keep on taking risks even when it feels like it would be so much easier to throw my hands up in the air and give up.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Hopefully I already am making a difference in the world! I am of the opinion that we all make a difference on a daily basis through our interactions with others. I am making a difference every time I teach my young daughter a new life skill, or introducing a 4 year old to the magic of theatre while dressed as a singing, dancing Superhero. As a very good friend of mine often says, It is the small daily happenings that make life truly spectacular. Oh … and if I had a magic wand I would totally overthrow our current Government. That would make a very pleasant difference in our world in my humble opinion.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I was lucky enough to go on a holiday to Europe earlier this year … and I’ve gotta say I’m a massive fan of the Greek Islands. Maybe it’s the white washed walls, maybe it’s the sunsets, maybe it’s the food and hospitality. Whatever it is, I adore it and would highly recommend to anyone!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
Our stunning Sydney Harbour of course. Where else? I never get sick of walking down around circular quay and the botanic gardens. Yes there is noise and tourists and the most overpriced food and drink you’re likely to come across … but it really is beautiful nonetheless.
What are you currently reading?
Well … currently on my bedside table is a copy of Hillary Bell’s Wolf Lullaby (of course), Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, Year Of The King by Anthony Sher, and The Complete Works of Peter Rabbit. An eclectic mix!!
What are you currently listening to?
A lot of Disney’s Frozen soundtrack due to my daughter being such a fan, and the last album purchased was the soundtrack to The Book Of Mormon – we saw it in London earlier this year – it was fab!!
Happiness is?
Spending time with my divine little family. While I love being busy with my artistic pursuits (which I would never want to be without), I am perhaps at my happiest when curled up on the couch with my partner and little girl. Might sound corny, but it’s true!
What does the future hold for you?
Who knows!! I’m guessing I’ll continue to build my company Em’s Entertainment, plan a wedding on the horizon, further expand our little family, have more holidays I hope, and definitely make a whole lot more theatre! You’ll see me around no doubt!!
Emma Louise trained as an actor and voice coach with a Bachelor of Theatre Arts in Acting (USQ) and a Graduate Diploma in Voice Studies (NIDA), and has worked as a performer and vocal coach with many independent theatre companies. She also runs Em’s Entertainment – a theatre-in-education company specialising in performance for children up to the age of seven.
Her acting roles include Bedtime for Bastards (Under the Table Productions), Girl From the West of the City (Catalyst Theatre), The Winter’s Tale (Shakespeare on the Green), Pinball (Duck Duck Goose), The Bridesmaid Must Die!, We’ll Always Have Wagga, Hell Hath No Fury and Petroleum all for Tunks Productions, and Caucasian Chalk Circle, The Witches, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, Canary and Vernon God Little all for New Theatre.
Emma was assistant director on Piranha Heights (Spare Room at New Theatre) and acted in and was assistant director on New Theatre’s Jerusalem, voted by Sydney critics as one of 2013’s best productions.
Emma is making her full directorial debut with Hilary Bell’s Wolf Lullaby currently playing at the New Theatre til 13 September. For more information, visit: www.newtheatre.org.au for details.
Image: Emma Louise