We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emily Reusswig. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emily below.
Alright, Emily thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
When I was 4 years old my aunt and grandmother played The Phantom of the Opera soundtrack in the car for me and I fell in love with it. I begged my parents to let me watch the movie and eventually knew the entire film by heart. For my 5th birthday they brought me to New York City to see the Broadway production. It was my first Broadway show ever. We also went to Ellen’s Stardust Diner before the show! After the show, we went to the stage door and the stage manager came out and pointed to me and a teenage girl. We were invited backstage to meet the cast, take photos, and talk about the show. As we walked out of the theater and my mom was telling me “That NEVER happens. Don’t get used to that!” I turned to her and said “That is what I am going to do when I grow up.” The rest is history!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have been a performer from a young age and always knew I wanted to make it a career. There was no “plan b” for me. While I adore my work in childcare as my “survival job” (we all have to have one), my main source of income and joy is the theater. I work predominantly as an onstage performer but also have choreographed, directed, and stage managed before. My current project is Ride the Cyclone at Open Stage of Harrisburg where I play Jane Doe. It has been a dream role of mine for a long time. Previously I have appeared as Regan MacNeil in the east coast premiere of The Exorcist, Eli in Let the Right One In, and Abigail Williams in The Crucible. I LOVE horror onstage. It has grown into my true passion. I adore horror in general, but adapting it for the stage is a whole different ballgame.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
My most recent read and a huge recommendation I have for any actor is “Acting Make It Your Business” by Paul Russell. The creative side of my work comes easy. It is what I am passionate about, but the business side of it is the hardest part for me to navigate. Russell’s book (even though it is mildly outdated at points) gave me some great advice in this area and has been helpful in developing my social media presence and getting myself out there without representation.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I was lucky enough to discover my passion at a young age and it brings me so much joy. The most rewarding aspect is being able to profit off of what I love, in the city I always dreamed of living in, and with a support system and community of others that truly want to see me succeed. While little Emily dreamed of being a big Broadway star (and I definitely would not be opposed), I feel that I am already living my dream. I am a working actress and find the most joy in continuing to train and get better at my craft every single day. Living every inch of my dream is the most rewarding aspect of what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emilyreusswig.com
- Instagram: emilyreusswigofficial
Image Credits
Headshot: Michael Hull