We were lucky to catch up with Emily Lopez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Emily, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resiliency comes from a zealousness and passion for the life that I want-for the world that I want to live in. It’s rooted in the belief that that world exists and that I can be a part of it. My resilience has also been shaped in large part through personal experience. Growing up in the arts world, I learned the importance of adaptability and quick-thinking at a young age. During a production, a million things can and will go wrong at any given moment. The amazing thing about live theatre is that you have to adapt and keep moving to find the next best thing you can do. There’s no time for you to stay stagnant, you have to find a way to fix what’s broken or the wheels fall off the wagon. Some of my favorite stories come from moments of ingenuity in these times of crisis. What do you do when someone’s costume rips straight down the middle minutes before curtain up? What do you do when a child jumps out of their seat and hops onstage to dance with you? What do you do when the bathrooms flood during the first act and the audience can’t use them during intermission? The answer, simply, is keep going. If it is all you can do, it is what you must do.
As I’ve grown older and stepped behind the casting table these challenges have grown more complex. I remember the distinct moment I realized for the first time that I was the only woman in the room. I remember the moments after that when I realized I was the youngest, the only person of color, and the only Latina. I remember feeling so vulnerable and intimidated but still making the choice to move forward because I knew I couldn’t move back. I was taking steps to be the artist and the person that I wanted to be, even if they were uncomfortable. One of my favorite quotes on vulnerability comes from Brené Brown, “vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”. Often these moments where we feel the most exposed are the moments we can learn the most from. They’re the moments that shape us to know better and to be better. They’re the moments where tough conversations become learning experiences and learning experiences become opportunities.
One of the most important parts of my journey has been realizing the importance of rest. When life is hard I lean on what strengthens me, whether that be family, friends, or a night in with tea and a blanket. These moments to me are precious. There was a time when I thought that the only way to succeed was by putting your nose to the grindstone and working until you dropped, but this isn’t feasible. It’s more than okay to take a break, even if that break is three deep breaths at your desk with your morning coffee. Surround yourself with the people that fill you up and make you feel brighter. The brightness in my life keeps me going, and with it I am able to bounce back, focused on my goals, with my experience and their brightness in tow.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I do a lot of different things, all of them in the arts sector! You can find me at emilyelopez.com or on instagram at elo_emily. I’ve been working in fundraising for the last six years, two of which have been at a large-scale performing arts organization in New York City. It’s been absolutely incredible to experience the vibrancy of theatre in the performing arts capital of the country. The past two years have consisted of frequent travel between New York and the Dallas Metroplex, as I’ve been blessed enough to work in both cities since graduating in 2023.
You may not realize it now, but you might recognize my voice! I record frequently with Crunchyroll in their dubbing department. Some of my most recent projects include appearances in Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective, Vinland Saga, and Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom. I watched Overlord premiere in theaters, which was an unforgettable experience, especially because I got to watch it in New York City with the person who introduced me to anime all the way back home in Texas. One of my all-time favorites has been my work as The Butterfly Gifter on One Piece. Playing a villain is always fun, but a villain with that much style? I mean, come on!
As far as upcoming projects, I’m on the verge of announcing some very exciting news about my professional debut as a Stage Director. I’ve been fortunate enough to assist some wonderfully talented artists as they direct, direct some shows in an academic setting, and manage some staged readings of my own, but I’m thrilled to be able to work with a professional theatre to put up a fully realized show. I’ll be sure to update my socials with information as soon as I’m able.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey so far, I’d say the most important qualities I’ve developed have been a collaborative mindset, leadership skills, and, as I’ve mentioned before, adaptability. Every creative project is like a living organism, where all the different parts need to come together to work in harmony. The big question is, how do we get different people with different ideas, from different backgrounds, and different perspectives to agree and work together? It’s a constant battle of give and take. Leadership, in any context, isn’t just about having all the answers, but about inspiring action and guiding others through the process. A good leader lets others contribute ideas while keeping the team focused on the task at hand. As I’ve said before, adaptability is just as important! If you’re just starting out, my advice is to embrace opportunities as they come your way. Even if they’re strange or suboptimal, find ways to spin them on their head. Expect the unexpected even from yourself- you have the ability to surprise yourself with what you can do. Keep trying new things and focus on progress, not perfection. Ask questions, seek feedback, stick it out and work through problems rather than running, and surround yourself with people who inspire you. There is no magical solution to it all, but there are steps you can take to put your best foot forward.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for artists to collaborate with. I’d love to hear from emerging playwrights who are developing exciting and innovative original works! Directorially, I’m drawn toward non-contemporary pieces that employ sharp wit, complex storytelling, and a theme of societal critique. I enjoy examining how playwrights use their work to comment (and sometimes satirize) the social constraints and norms of their time, and how it compares to how we comment on art today. Some of my favorites include Tartuffe, Mother Courage and Her Children, The House of Mirth, Mary Shelley, La Casa de Bernarda Alba, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Men on Boats. I am fascinated by the fact that so many themes and critiques transcend the eras and still provide insight into today’s society.
I’m also eager to connect with animators looking for voice actors to bring their characters to life. I love being involved from the beginning of a project, watching it grow and change, and I find so much joy in seeing it flourish. Whether you’re working on a short film, a web series, cartoon, audiobook, TikTok, or whatever else, I’d be excited to collaborate and help bring your vision to life,
Fellow directors are always welcome to reach out as well! I enjoy exchanging ideas about staging, leadership strategies, and hearing about others experience working in the world, especially other women.
Please reach out if you’d like to collaborate! I’d love to hear from you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emilyelopez.com
- Instagram: elo_emily
Image Credits
Valerie Reimers Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
