I’m thrilled to announce I have something different for you today! Allow me to introduce my wonderful friend, Emily Dellyn! Emily and I went to Ouachita together and have shared the stage on many occasions! We put our heads together and came up with 10 questions to ask one another and post on our blogs! Check out mine on her blog on Thursday, February 4th.
A highschool drama teacher used to do an exercise with my class where we lined up one by one on the stage and went to center stage. She would tell us to “find our light.” We had to awkwardly shuffle around until we felt the warm light from above hit our skin. Emily and I came in together in 2016, and it’s been a joy watching her find her light over the past almost 5 years... I know you’ll enjoy getting acquainted as much as I have! Find all things Emily (and Flo!) at emilydellyn.com or reach her @EmilyDellyn
Photo by Kenzie Henderson
Where does your story begin, and on what course has COVID taken you? How are you handling quarantine?
My story pretty much starts at Ouachita. I grew up singing in church and then doing high school choir and our yearly musical, but I didn’t have any training or idea of doing this professionally until my senior year when I was accepted to OBU. From there, I’ve discovered several paths that I felt like I could take when I graduated. In May of 2020, I graduated with my BFA in Musical Theatre. Within a few months, the contract I had was cancelled due to COVID and the only thing to do was wait at home until the world opened up again.
My plans have definitely changed, several times even in the past six months. I’ve had to be flexible and patient, which are two things that I really don’t enjoy. However, I’ve also been able to explore different interests and career paths during this time. I’ve started voice acting, which I found I LOVE, and I’ve also started learning to play the ukulele. (I found a uke at a thrift store for $6, I’ve named her Flo, and she has her own page on my website now)
2. How has the definition of being an artist changed for you?
I think one of the most inspiring things during this time is seeing how other artists are still creating. This is the hardest environment to be creative, so finding inspiration is truly a feat. I have a hard time accepting the fact that I’m not as creative right now. I equate Not Being Productive with Anti-Productivity, which is so not true. Just because I’m creating in smaller ways, be it playing my uke or breaking out my watercolors or writing this blog post, it doesn’t mean that my art is any less than. You can still be an artist even when you’re not currently making Art with a capital A.
3. How do you seek out opportunities right now?
My favorite professor who has since retired, Dr. Scott Holsclaw, would always talk about the importance of creating your own opportunities. That never made sense to me. I would feel like I could find auditions and prepare and do my best, but it would still be up to the casting team if I could have that opportunity. Now that I’m in a world where there are no auditions and there’s nothing to be cast in, I’ve had to find other ways to feel artistically fulfilled and productive. I’ve had to create my own opportunities.
I’ve learned how to create a voiceover reel and I’ve been submitting for various VO gigs. I regularly check Backstage to see what places are slowly opening up and how the acting world is doing. I’ve cleaned up my website and recorded a new acting reel for when things do eventually open up. I’ve emailed companies I still hope to work for in the future, to check on them and see how they’re holding up. I’m also writing sketches and bits and one act plays, that I can hopefully get to perform / see performed one day.
4. Talk about a moment of beauty, goodness, or truth that you’ve seen.
I’m a lot better about noticing the beauty in the small things. A nice walk outside, a full breath of air, the colors of the clouds during a sunset. I also see, now that I’m much more isolated and secluded than I used to be, how much I took friendships and community for granted. Now each zoom call, coffee date, and reconnection is so special and valued.
5. What's a trend that intrigues you right now? What's a work of art that's inspired you recently?
Honestly, Ratatouille the musical. WHO SAW THAT COMING. I also loved that it was used as a fundraiser for the Actors Fund. It’s incredible seeing the ways that artists are still being creative and supporting other artists during this time.
I feel like I’ve experienced a whole mess of art right now, but I don’t know much really stuck with me. Like how much I've congested compared to how much I’ve digested. One thing that did create a lot of enjoyment and laughter was Mischief Movie Night, an improv show done over zoom by the Mischief Co. I could feel the creative sector of my brain gearing up and I laughed so hard I peed a little. I think they’re continuing doing shows into 2021, so if you want to have an afternoon (evening for them bc of the time difference) of laughs and fun and some of the best improv storytelling, look them up.
6. What’s a self-care habit you’ve formed?
I’ve started doing some yoga and listening more to my body lately. I’ve noticed a big change in how I feel from that. I also really love lighting a nice smelling candle and listening to music. It’s a really small thing, but that helps me reset a bit.
7. Does vulnerability look different as an artist when you can't stand in front of an audience?
Okay, this is something I’ve really noticed when I started doing voiceover work. I have a set up in my closet where I record: my wall of clothes on one side, a comforter draped on the other, my microphone in the middle, with just enough space to squeeze in and close the door behind me. It’s just me, the mic, and probably some cockroaches in the walls.
But there’s a moment right before I take a breath, where I feel a catch in my chest, just like if this were a live performance and I’m about to walk out on stage. Keeping in mind, I can record this as many times as I need, if I mess up I can just start over and cut that part when I edit. But I still have those same nerves, that same feeling that what I’m saying has to feel true. I have to be honest and vulnerable to let that carry into my voice. Even when it’s just me recording a sentence or two in my closet at home.
An audience is so important to live theatre. I think there’s a true connection and trust that’s vital. However, being vulnerable and honest should always be the goal of an artist, whether the audience is there or not.
8. Have you picked up a new hobby?
Florence the Ukulele! Honestly, best $6 I ever spent. I would also like to take an art class or a dance class when it’s safe to do so.
9. If you had a magic wand, what show/role would you do next? What’s a miscast role you’d love to play?
I would give a kidney to play Scuttle in The Little Mermaid. He is such a fun and high energy character, and his song “Positoovity” is not only both a bop and an inspiration, but it also has a TAP BREAK.
I guess that would technically be a miscast role, since Scuttle is traditionally played by a gentleman actor, but if I had to pick another, I would love to play Vivian in Pretty Woman. Very much not my type, but I think there’s so much truth and depth in her character, I’d love to walk a stage in her shoes.
10. What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon?
Definitely lighting a nice candle, doing some yoga, making a cup of tea, listening to music, and giving myself permission to be still. Not much beats a lazy, peaceful afternoon.
Photo by Kenzie Henderson
*Photos by Kenzie Henderson
