This week I got the opportunity to chat with performer Emily Martínez! I Immediately felt surprisingly comforted after reading her responses. It is clear she confidently wears the title of entertainer while maintaining the importance of being someone who shows compassion. (and she understands the important of some retail therapy). I hope you find as much comfort in her responses as I did!

✦

You have a YouTube channel! What message do you hope to get across to your viewers?

"I have always tried to build a safe space for performers and theatre enthusiasts alike on my channel. As a professional actor I help people with a passion for the arts navigate the ups and downs and weird in-betweens of the professional world through my experience and expertise because I wholeheartedly believe we all deserve to be at the table, and be celebrated whether or not we are #bookedandblessed. I call my community the Forever Theatre Kid Family because I want my channel to feel like a home away from home. A safe space to be authentically who you are. In turn, that is also helping me become the authentic  woman I work to be. We are a small but might band of weirdos that celebrate this HOT MESS we call life and learn to better ourselves daily. We talk everything performance from audition tips and advice (…and ways of how NOT to act), negativity and mental health in the theatre space, and budget-friendly ways of living as a perform."

What advice would you give to someone who is first moving to the city and auditioning?

"Your own path may not be like everyone else’s, so be kind to yourself. When I moved into my first apartment after years of commuting for a few years from PA and NJ I was so excited! I went to EVERY SINGLE AUDITION I could squeeze into a day. But so many of those shows were not right for me, and I was not right for them, and now it makes so much sense why I didn’t get called back. I was always hustling and barely sleeping, never taking time for myself and friends because I thought, “This is how it’s meant to be.” Within months I was burned out, miserable, not performing. It took a lot of falling down, getting back up, moving on, and living life to see that my path is mine alone."

✦

How do you take care of yourself after a good audition and after a "bad" audition?

"Ok…this may not be great…BUT I tend to shop. I used to go to Sephora and get some free samples or go on Pinterest and add images or something to a pin board. Lately I’ve been scrolling Facebook Marketplace and hitting up thrift shops (this was pre-COVID), or even just going grocery shopping. I do this for good or bad auditions, because I just try to make the idea of auditioning just another part of my day. If I treat one higher than the other than it’s as if I win or lose depending on the work I did in the room. So, I try to keep it neutral and treat myself for the sake of treating myself….because SELF CARE!"

Fun Facts about Emily!

What is your dream role?

Right now the dream is to be working steadily and have work booked ahead of time. I like being busy! However, if I were to choose right at this moment…Eurydice from Hadestown (or any of the Fates), or any of the Queens from SIX. So…basically the ULTIMATE swing!!

If you could vacation anywhere in the world where would it be?

I dream about going back to Bali and or Thailand. When I worked on cruise ships we stopped in those two places and I was able to spend some time with my husband there. It was a very privileged time in my life, especially as a performer. 

Who inspires you most?

My niece Molly inspires me the most. She is 9 (almost 10) and she is so wise beyond her age. She always has been. I see the future is bright with a kid like her in the world. She is totally herself and it’s so beautiful to witness and share. She’s the coolest and she inspires me to live authentically. 

What is your Starbucks order?

If I could drink Venti Iced Caramel Macchiatos with Almond Milk all day everyday…I would be so happy but my teeth would not be.