Spotlight on... Emily Brown!

Emily Brown as "Maria" in Westside Story
at Santa Rosa Junior College, 2006.

Why acting? 

Acting helps me understand everything more deeply. Why humans do what we do, and feel how we feel, and commit both horrific and transcendent acts on a daily basis. With acting I get to delve deeply into the psychology and emotional life of a particular human, to immerse myself in a world outside of my own, sometimes in a real, specific history (a place and time). I also get to trust a new group of individuals and form a community around the project we're working on together. And the beautiful thing about it is that it only lasts so long, and then the show is over, and we part ways, but every time I leave a show I feel I have gained new friends, new perspectives and new inspiration. It's a constant recycling and a constant development.

How did you get involved with Shikataganai?

I caught an announcement for an audition opportunity on Kendra's Facebook, the day before she sent out the email inviting people to the auditions. I immediately jumped on the bandwagon; any opportunity to work with someone as talented, smart and fun as Kendra is something to grab hold of. It's a rare thing.

What is your favorite word? 

I don't like favorites, because I don't ever feel like I have a favorite anything. But I'll try to pick a word that pleases my psyche right now. Hmmm... "Fancy"

What is your least favorite word? 

"No"

Emily Brown (far right) as "Isabella" in Measure for Measure 
at Oval House Theatre in London, 2009.

What turns you on? 

Food, art and laughter.

What turns you off? 

Close-mindedness.

What sound or noise do you love? 

My baby cousin Bodie's voice.

What sound or noise do you hate? 

My alarm in the morning.

What is your favorite curse word? 

The torrent of curses Colin Firth utters in "The King's Speech". I couldn't pick just one.

What do you plan to do with your life? 

What Eve said.

What profession would you NOT like to do? 

President of the United States.

Why is theatre necessary? 

I'd almost be inclined it say it's more necessary for those doing it than those watching it. Certainly, as performers and artists we hope to have some positive effect on our audiences, and, of course, the community aspect of a cast, crew and audience joining together in energy to create a piece of art is a huge part of why I do this. I don't know why theater is necessary to the world, or to audiences or even to other actors, actually. It's necessary to me because it challenges me to do my best, it inspires me to acquire knowledge, and it enlivens me to be an agent of color, of song, of creative thought and action in the world. It gives my life meaning, and when I feel my purpose, I am able to transfer that sense of belonging, of inspiration, of alive-ness to others. That's the most important thing, I think: that we all give each other a reason to be excited, to feel understood, and to be inspired to make change.