Quick Chat: Emily Daly

The Quick Chat series is where we dive into the life and times of APT’s finest. Each interview will supply insights ranging from the obviously relevant to the vaguely strange. The week features actor Emily Daly who is spending her first season with us playing Audrey in As You Like It, Lucy in The Recruiting Officer and Mariana in Measure for Measure.

APT: Where are you from and what brought you to APT?
Emily Daly: I was born in California, grew up in Milwaukee, and just graduated with an MFA from the University of California - Irvine. I’ve wanted to work at APT since I was a teenager, so when Carey Cannon held auditions in Irvine last fall, I jumped at the opportunity.

APT: Your dad, Jonathan Gillard Daly, has acted at APT before. What is it like to walk in his shoes?
Emily Daly: It’s impossible! He’s a size 11! Seriously, though, it’s incredibly surreal and very, very special for me. I look up to him in many ways and to be following in his footsteps like this is really humbling. Sometimes when I’m waiting backstage to make an entrance I think of him doing the same thing years ago and get a little emotional about it. They ARE big shoes to fill - not just literally - and I strive to be as kind and hardworking in the theatre community as I know he is.

APT: How has APT changed for you since you were here as a child?
Emily Daly: Well, it used to feel a lot more mysterious to me. I remember as a kid I was fascinated with where the actors went when they exited the stage - they seemed to just kind of disappear into the woods. It’s interesting to see everything with “grown-up” eyes, but I still feel as curious and excited about everything here as I was when I was eight years old. Also, I can now order more than a Shirley Temple at The Shed so that’s pretty good.

APT: What has excited you the most about being here this season?
Emily Daly: Probably getting the opportunity to work with such an amazing ensemble of men and women. I grew up watching the core company and completely worshiping them - the fact that now I get to share the stage with them is something I actually dreamt about as a kid. Preteen Emily is very impressed with twenty-five-year-old Emily.

APT: Why do you love coming to APT (for work/shows/etc.)?
Emily Daly:  I’ve always loved seeing shows here for just the high quality of work - the commitment to the storytelling and the text - and the attention to detail in all areas of design is just unparalleled. Now, I love working here because the people are so wonderful, professional, and kind (very cool for me that I can call it “working here”). Also, I love being back in my home, especially in what I consider the most beautiful part of Wisconsin. I don’t love the mosquitoes, but I’m becoming less of a baby about them!

APT: If you could describe each of your characters in three words what would they be?
Emily Daly:  Audrey: Genuine, Loving, Bright-eyed 
Lucy: Witty, Intuitive, Resourceful 
Mariana: Merciful, Desolate, Dedicated

APT: How have you been spending your time in the Spring Green community while not at APT/what are your hobbies?
Emily Daly: I spend a lot of time at Arcadia Books. Something about that place convinces me to buy everything I see - including bottomless cups of coffee. So much coffee. I also really love bike riding and seeing as much of the town and nature as possible.

APT: What are your plans for after the 2018 season?
Emily Daly:  I’m moving to New York City! That’s about as far as I’ve thought ahead!

APT: An alien has just arrived on our planet and you are responsible for introducing literature to the alien what one book would you give them and why? 
Emily Daly: This is the meanest question! I’ve really tried to come up with one succinct answer to this that is both impressive and honest, but it’s impossible. So, I’ll give you some of my favorite authors/essayists/poets at the moment - Zadie Smith, Samantha Irby, Roxane Gay, Rupi Kaur. Also, I recently picked up The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan at Arcadia and it’s amazing, you should read it!

APT: Anything else you would like to add?
Emily Daly: Hi, mom! She’ll appreciate a shout-out.