The Gallo Center of the Arts will be hosting Sister Act, in its second national tour, March 26th & 27th. Brandilyn Brown at MV was very lucky to get to speak to Modesto native Emily Kay Shrader, about making it big and coming back home to perform at our great local arts center as Sister Mary Roberts.
MV: What is your favorite part about playing Sister Mary Roberts in Sister Act?
ES: To experience her character arch night after night is exhilarating and fun. I think I can relate to her because she’s kind of shy and quiet in the beginning, and I have that side of my personality, but throughout the show she really discovers her voice, both literally and figuratively, and [she learns] that there might be more to life than what she’s been taught, and more she wants to explore.
MV: You got your start in Modesto with the YES Company. How did YES prepare you for your performance of Beth in Little Women (at Sierra Repertory Theater) and French in Grease (at Arizona Broadway Theater)?
ES: Everything I learned about theater began with YES; technical aspects, safety precautions, how to respect each other as actors and people, working together on stage. I carried that with me through school and in future roles I got to play.
MV: What is your dream role, and at what theater would you like to play the role?
ES: I have to be a little cliché, but Elphaba from Wicked! Just because it’s so epic and I remember seeing Wicked for the first time in San Francisco. I loved how strong of a character she is, and she gets to tell this really intricate, interesting story through really groundbreaking songs. And also I love the Wizard of Oz, so that would be a dream come true for me. As far as theaters, The Paper Mill Play House in New Jersey. They do a lot of shows that get transferred to Broadway, and that excites me to be able to work on original work or a new show.
MV: What is the biggest risk you have taken so far, and has it paid off?
ES: Deciding to go to college in New York! Moving across the country was scary because I have never been that far away before. It was nerve-wracking, but I am very happy with the decision because it got me out of my comfort zone. Sometimes I would get homesick, but it led me to this point now, where I get to perform for a living, which is always what I wanted to do.
MV: What advice would you give a teen in a town like Modesto to help him/her achieve their dream of acting?
ES: You have to keep your eyes open and go after every option; every possibility. There is the YES Company, but also many other theaters in the area, and you can’t get discouraged. People who are far away from New York City think they are not as many opportunities but I think that isn’t true. Look into dance or acting classes at MJC. You can audition for many shows in the area. You just have to be adamant and persistent in finding them and giving it your all, and doing the best where you are so that it will eventually lead you to where you want to be.
MV: What is your favorite role so far and why?
ES: Sister Mary! Maybe because I’m playing it now, I don’t know! But I got to see [Sister Act] on Broadway with my parents, so it’s a little nostalgic. But I like playing a character who goes through such a transformation every night, it is really satisfying. I love singing her music and it doesn’t get old for me!
MV: Mary sings. Did you take music lessons as a kid?
ES: Yes! I started at the age of three. Singing was my first love. I continued taking [lessons] at Hutton Hamlet in Oakdale, and then more at YES, with all their amazing music directors and then in college. It is a huge part of my life.
MV: What fuels you?
ES: Theater and performing in general. With YES it was a lot about family, and building relationships. I am really passionate about getting to spread joy and shine light wherever I go. Whether that is to the audience or the people I get to perform with. Theater can really bring people together. It has a magical way of telling stories we can all relate to; stories that make us cry or laugh. Getting to do that every day, and lift people up, make them think or challenge them…that is what I am passionate about.
MV: What is the weirdest fan gift you have ever received?
ES: Oh my gosh! Well, it is not weird but I can’t think of any weird ones. The most amazing gift I ever got was from a mutual friend. When I was playing Dorothy [of the Wizard of Oz] at the Gallo Center who made me a quilt out of Wizard of Oz fabric, of different scenes from the movie. It is one of my most special items to me, because of the work she put into it, and also because it is one of my favorite stories of all time. It is one of the most special role-related gifts I’ve ever been given.
MV: That could be part of why you want to play Elphaba in Wicked?
ES: I have a BIG LOVE for anything Wizard of Oz!
MV: Beatles or Stones?
ES: I definitely think I prefer the Beatles!
