I feel like Emily Tuckman is one of those people who I was destined to meet in life, no matter what path I chose. I first met Emily when I was studying acting with Larry Singer at Michael Howard Studios. Our paths crossed again a number of years later in graduate school, when we both enrolled in the Educational Theater program at NYU. I wanted to feature Emily this month because she recently finished shooting an original web series, and as you might have noticed, I love interviewing folks who are out there creating art!
Emily is an actor, singer and producer. She is one of the creative minds behind the web series Ambience. She is also a founder of the Estraña Theatre Company. As an actor she has appeared in a wide variety of contemporary and classical plays, musicals and in film and on television. You can check out Emily’s full bio and resume on her website www.emilytuckman.com.
Emily, thank you for joining me here today! I have seen you play a variety of acting roles. Tell me, what draws you to a particular role or character?
I love characters that have some sort of an emotional appeal, but who are also counterculture or misunderstood. I’m drawn to characters that most of society would not necessarily connect to or understand, and I love getting into those characters and making the world better understand where they are coming from.
Tell me a little bit about Ambience. What sparked the idea? Why this project now?
I was getting frustrated auditioning over and over again for “young mom”, “lawyer”, “girlfriend” etc. I wanted to create great female roles that were layered and a story of someone complex and interesting who likely appeared to the world to be “completely normal”, but behind closed doors was a little nuts. This project in particular was fueled by wanting to create my own work, and having a complicated relationship with a certain willing pill, along with hearing about multiple friends’ weird experiences on it.
A production still from AMBIENCE. Photo courtesey of Emily Tuckman.
Folks at home should check out this link:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ambience-the-web-series#/story
Which other projects from your past are you most proud of and why?
I’m incredible proud of my theatre company, Estraña Theatre Company, because we strive to produce edgy, thought provoking plays that highlight strong (albeit often wounded) women:) I have also really enjoyed playing Laura in The Glass Menagerie because I love her vulnerability, and how different her character is from who I am (can you tell I love a good challenge;)?
What else gets you up in the morning? What are you passionate about? And how does this influence your creative life? (or does it?)
Working with teenagers and teaching them theatre is a huge inspiration to me. I learn so much about myself and my work through teaching them. I also love producing, and meeting the incredible talented artists I’ve had the privilege to work with. Working with some of them over and over gets me up in the morning. Also, my family is an incredible inspiration to me. Their support and love not only influences my creative life but feeds my soul. I also am powerfully influenced by the theatre I see around the city!
I know you have a great deal of experience working with children and teens. What advice would you give to a young performer who is considering a career in the biz?
My best advice would be to really look at all potential careers in theater, not just performing. I think there’s so many beautiful ways to be involved in this industry without having to addition constantly and work 1 million jobs in order to make rent. Do things that feed your soul and use it in your work. Figure out how to use your talents in ways that make you feel good about yourself. And never stop dreaming.
Connect with Emily and learn more about her projects at:
