FPCT Spotlight - November 17, 2011

Emma Healey

 

How did you get involved with The Little Dog Laughed?

Emma:  I was at the BTA auditions at Centerstage, and because it was my first time I didn’t really expect too much to come out of it.  I thought I’d try it out and get a feel for it and then just see what happens.  So, I went in with my group and I did this monologue about this woman who wants to achieve fame and immortality by killing famous people—it was comedic, I swear.  And, I thought I did fine, but it didn’t feel like I nailed it or anything, so when we were done I just kind of left with a sigh and headed for the elevator.  And then I heard this voice calling my name.  And this guy rushes toward me and introduces himself as Steve Goldklang, starts to describe The Little Dog Laughed and asked me if I’d like to audition.  And I’ll leave you with that cliffhanger.

 

What has it been like working with the director, Steve?

Emma:  I’ve really enjoyed it.  There are all different kinds of directors and all different kinds of things to like about their various directing styles and methods, but I’ve always appreciated a director who has a script and has somewhere he would like to go with it.  I value the organic nature of just seeing where a script can take you through the rehearsal process, but that’s often best when you have a lot of time to rehearse, like, many months to rehearse.  I like that Steve had a clear idea of how to tell this story, because it meant that if I was ever confused about anything, I could always refer back to him.  But at the same time he was still flexible in his interpretation, which meant that we could all keep exploring our characters throughout the process.

 

When you aren't acting, what else do you do?

Emma:   I giftwrap.  And answer the phone.  And help people.  Oh, that’s the best one—just put that I help people.

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What is your dream role?

Emma:  My dream role is to be Emma Cartwright, the only female member of the high and mighty Cartwright clan from the hit TV series of the 1960s,Bonanza.  I dream that every other night and am sad when I wake up in the morning.

 

If you could be stuck on an island with a famous actor, who would it be?

Emma:  Mark Wahlberg, because I truly believe that he would beat up the surrounding sea until it parted to let us walk back to civilization.  And he would also make lunch meat (and breakfast and dinner meat) of any sea creature that got in our way.  I’m not really suited for being an island princess. 

 

What is the craziest thing you've ever had to do on stage?

Emma:   Once, I played a dog.  Like, on all four, ‘woofing’ and growling.  This was recent too.  And the irony was that in one of my acting classes, we all had to be dogs one day, (I also had to be a tree in same said class).  And as we’re all barking at each other, I’m thinking, "How is this supposed to help me again?"  And you know what?  After every show, people would come up to me and say they completely forgot that I was a human being and not a dog.  And under those circumstances I took that as a compliment.

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