Artist Spotlight: Emma Drysdale

Emma Drysdale in the award winning short film ‘Perfection’ directed by Greg Kelly

Emma Drysdale is an actor, singer and director. She originally hails from London but has made her home down under. She is also Wit’s Development Manager.

How did you come to work with Wit?

I applied to be the director of Wit's recent production 'Every Second' which was a wonderful experience and I loved working with the Wit team. I was then asked to join the company last year in which I replied, hell yes!

You are a director as well as an actor and singer, were you always interested in directing?

I am predominantly an actor who has training in musical theatre. After directing for many years at my theatre school, I was really keen to challenge myself and direct a full length play. Working with Wit was the perfect opportunity to take the reins in a supported environment.

You are originally from London, how does the industry here compare to over there?

I am originally from London and trained at Central School of Speech & Drama many, many years ago! Of course the industry is significantly smaller over here but what it lacks in opportunity, it makes up for in it's incredible community.

I love that everyone 'wears all the hats' over here and is often writing their own material, directing, producing - anything and everything to get projects off the ground. It is a shame the Arts funding is so stretched but that's a whole different conversation!

What does making theatre mean to you?

I think making theatre has never been so important. We've spent the last two years cooped up inside our homes, watching screens and feeling disconnected from the world. Sharing stories and human experiences in a physical space brings us back to each other. I'm really excited to see what theatre is made over the next year.