Emily Anderson

Age: 23
Internship: Performer, 2010
Home Town: Scottsdale, Arizona
School Attending/Attended: CAP21
Theatre Credits: Girl (Hot'l Baltimore), Judy Turner (A Chorus Line), Phantom (The Rocky Horror Picture Show).

Describe your experience with Summer Stock NYC:

I had the best experience!! It was great fun, but more importantly, it taught me a lot of valuable information. I learned so much about the professional world of theater in all aspects. I truly enjoyed working with everyone in the production. To have an opportunity to work with such veteran performers gave me insight into their work process and style, and how I could learn from their work.

What did you learn from working in a professional theatre setting?

I learned so much as a professional and as an artist. This experience really reinforced and taught me new codes of conduct for working as an actor. There really is a sharp contrast between a school and a professional setting; through this experience I discovered what it meant to really behave like a professional actor. I learned both from watching how the principles worked as well as what ensemble members might have done right or wrong behavior-wise. I learned a lot as an artist from watching the principle actresses work and rehearse as well as perform. I learned the importance of preparation from them, as well as how important it is to make strong choices and commit to them. We hear these sorts of things in class all the time, but I never fully understood what our teachers meant until I watched the leads work and perform!

What was the most successful aspect or element of your experience?

The most successful aspect of this experience was definitely the amount of real-world knowledge I learned. I truly think that I could not have learned what I did in school, and therefore I am much more prepared to continue my schooling and my professional career. I am so thankful to have gotten the chance to work with such amazing talent!

Are there any other comments you can share to provide insight for future participants in Summer Stock NYC?

Just to absorb everything you can- It goes by fast!