Quick Chat: Emma Schuld

APT actor Emma Schuld knew the stage was her calling from a young age. Starting in music and dance, Emma found that language was her true passion. Read on to hear about Emma's APT summer in As You Like It's Forest of Arden, the fast-paced romantic air of The Matchmaker and the dream that is Sueño. 

APT: Hi Emma! Before we lean into what the fall has to offer, I'd love to know how your summer was at APT?
Emma: Hi! I have had such a dreamy summer! The weather (and the bugs) have graced us with a beautiful season and I am so grateful to be a guest in Spring Green. What a wonderful community to step into!

APT: Agreed - Spring Green makes small-town life so lovely. Before entering these woods, what has your career looked like? 
Emma: I started performing at a young age as a high-energy youngest of three with busy parents. By the time I turned 16, I had won a couple of awards and knew if I didn't give acting a real shot, I'd probably spend the rest of my life regretting it. While the bulk of my middle and high school years were spent singing and dancing my way through the musical theater canon, I wanted college to force me out of my comfort zone. I had never been a Shakespeare girl, but knew I loved words and the art of unpacking language. So, it seemed the natural next step would be to pursue a degree at a text-based program with an emphasis in Shakespeare! I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program in 2024 and have been stirring up all kinds of trouble around the Minnesota Metro since. I only have a couple of real "career" years under my belt, but have been fortunate enough to work with many of the companies I grew up adoring. 

APT: That is incredible! What roles have you played this season? Is there anything in particular about these roles you enjoy?
Emma: This year I have played Phoebe in As You Like It, and ensemble in The Matchmaker and Sueño. I LOVE playing Phoebe. I find her to be a perfectly impossible puzzle, every night. She is so complex! She has such a deep FRIEND-love for Silvius, that her cruelty comes not from a place of disgust or disinterest, but desperation to not lose the only friend she's ever known. And telling someone over and over again that you aren't into them romantically? IS EXHAUSTING! Her constant changing of tactic to get Silvius to truly hear her is a mark of her intelligence and her unwavering ability to believe love, when the time is right, can be magical and all-encompassing in just the way Silvius describes. I think that some part of me will always want to be playing Phoebe in the Woods. 

I have always loved being able to play in an ensemble because the choices - POV, personal constitution, etc. - are endless! The presence of an ensemble can sway a play in a million directions, and finding just the right one is such and exciting part of the rehearsal process. 

APT: Going from the intense and love-spelled Phoebe in As You Like It to a member of the exceptionally talented ensemble members in The Matchmaker and Sueño, I'm sure you have a process for preparing yourself. What does a typical pre-show look like for you? Post-show?
Emma: Typically, I get to the theater early. As an anxiety-ruled human, I like to have plenty of downtime. On my way up the hill, I'll usually chat on the phone with my mom. I like to talk to my mom at LEAST once a day, and I've learned that is generally when I can find the time. Then, I'll plug in my headphones and take my time putting on my makeup while listening to music! With however much time I have between getting ready and going to places, I'll usually check in with my scene partners about their days and bother Triney...:)

Post-show, I like to socialize with cast mates over a beer or head home and read myself to sleep.

APT: With such great connections and great scripts, have you make a favorite APT memory this season?
Emma: The first time I watched Uncle Vanya! I am hard pressed to remember the last time I watched a show three times because I loved it so much. The performances in that show are utterly remarkable, accompanied by beautiful technical elements that soar above anything you could ever believe possible in outdoor theater making. I laughed heartily, was moved to many tears and considered the many makings of meaningful life more than a few times. I hope everyone had a chance to visit Russia this summer!

APT: As always, let's end with a fun one. What is your non-negotiable in your picnic basket?
Emma: Green grapes...olives....a Spotted Cow...hand me one of those and I'll be a happy camper!

Thanks Emma!
 

Photo by Michael Brosilow