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Emma X. O’Loughlin is a performer currently touring the States! She got her start at a young age with a wide exposure to performance opportunities – especially through ballet. She’s since graced both stage (A Chorus Line Japan Tour) and screen (Descendants: The Rise of Red) – but now you can find her traveling with the Mean Girls North American Tour! Offstage, O’Loughlin’s an advocate for The National Asian Artists Project, a community that welcomed her with community and support in NYC. Her advice to young artists? “Prioritizing mental, emotional and physical health is essential to being a successful artist… balance will make you a better artist and give you a strong foundation for a long career…” Read on to learn more about Emma X. O’Loughlin and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Name: Emma X. O’Loughlin
Heritage: Chinese
Hometown: Durham, NC
Current City: On tour!
Current project: Mean Girls North American Tour
What are some of your favorite credits/projects:
A Chorus Line Japan Tour 2022, Descendants: The Rise of Red
Any advice for young people getting into the arts?
Prioritizing mental, emotional and physical health is essential to being a successful artist. Be yourself, but remember to set boundaries. It’s important that we bring who we are to this work because that’s what makes our work unique, but that doesn’t mean we need to exploit ourselves in the process. Having other interests outside of your chosen art form will contribute to and inform your artistry, and help you find a balance between your career and who you are. As artists, we put so much of ourselves into our work, but we are more than just our work. We are multifaceted human beings. Finding the right balance will make you a better artist and give you a strong foundation for a long career, hopefully with minimal burnout.
How did you get your start?
I’ve loved performing since before I can remember. I grew up acting onstage and in film, singing, and dancing, primarily ballet.
Do you have any favorite moments in your career that you'd like to share?
The opportunity to perform in Japan as Connie Wong in A Chorus Line was very much a “pinch me” moment. Learning Connie from Baayork was always a dream of mine, and getting to perform that role, and honor Baayork’s legacy in that way in front of an audience of people that look like me was very life changing.
What have you found is the biggest challenge in your career?
Finding a balance of when to work and when to rest. I tend to always want to “go go go,” but finding moments of rest are really important for growth as an artist. It’s very easy to get caught up in finding the next job or the next audition, but it’s imperative that we take a step back and make time to be a human being first!
What are some interesting facts about yourself?
I’m adopted from China!
Do you have any organizations or non profits you work with you’d like to highlight?
The National Asian Artists Project (NAAP) has been a beautiful source of community for me while in NYC. They’re incredibly welcoming and always looking for more people to share their talents and join the community!
Who do you admire?
Teachers and parents! Where would we be without those that have shaped our lives? Those that teach, particularly the performing arts, not only see the value that we see in the transformative power of performance, they dedicate themselves to helping shape the minds of those who want to pursue this art form. The long hours and dedicated time and care they devote to their students is incredibly admirable. Parents of artists do SO much for their kids. Transporting them to and from all the classes, rehearsals, and shows. Paying for training and lessons, and flying with them to college auditions, all the while managing their own lives. I wouldn’t be the person or artist I am today without my teachers or my parents, I’m eternally grateful to them for all of the love and care they’ve given to me all these years.
Do you have any mentors?
One of my mentors and now a dear friend of mine, Baayork Lee, is one of the women that have changed my life. I’ve always looked up to Baayork, not only because of her incredible career, but also because of the ways she gives back to her community. She has helped me and many others get started in this business in addition to running the National Asian Artists Project and many other projects at the same time. She is one of the most generous people I’ve ever met. Even though she’s stopped performing, she continues to pave the way for young artists in this industry. She’ll never hesitate to give her support or words of wisdom, no matter if you’re starting out or have known her for many years. She continues to inspire me and I hope to continue her legacy of giving back to the community.
Did you have any interesting “odd jobs” you worked at between gigs to pay the bills?
I used to work at a pie shop in NYC. I love baking, so I started working front of house and then suddenly I was the one baking the pies! I didn’t have much time to audition, but it was a lot of fun to bake every day, and helped me grow in other ways.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?
That you have to be bad at something to be good at it. Failing and making mistakes is not embarrassing, as long as we choose to learn from our experiences.
Where did you study at?
I studied musical theater at Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
What are some goals you hope to achieve?
In high school, I remember watching a show and seeing an Asian person onstage. It was the first time I’d seen someone who looked like me performing in a touring musical. It was at that moment that I truly understood that representation matters. Whether it’s getting more people of color onstage, or telling untold stories that the world needs to hear. I continue to push for more representation and equity in the arts.
What do you love most about what you do?
Giving a voice to stories that need to be told, and connecting with audiences. Art changes people’s lives and fosters empathy! Traveling with a show offers opportunities to see new places and gain new perspectives.
Do you have any self care practices you do to stay focused and sane? What was your self care routine before the pandemic and how has that (as well as your views of self care) changed throughout the pandemic?
Making time for quality alone time! For me it’s about being intentional with my alone time. I know that scrolling for a couple hours on my phone isn’t going to recharge me as much as reading a book does, so I’ll try and prioritize finding a book I really enjoy. I’ve always loved food, but post pandemic I’ve found that cooking/baking is a really great way for me to spend quality time with myself (and others). On tour I saved room in my luggage to have an electric pot and other cooking supplies because I knew it would make me happier (as well as save me money)!
Since so many of us spent a lot of time isolated during the pandemic, how has that experience specifically changed your creative or preparation process or your outlook on life?
The time we spent during the pandemic really taught me the value of slowing down and taking my time. Successful careers are hardly ever built overnight. They take a lot of time, dedication, and hard work. It’s more than continuing to audition after experiencing rejections. It’s about learning how to balance honing your craft, and resting. Resting is just as important as the time we spend on contracts. If we never rest, we’ll burn ourselves out. And it’ll be different for everyone. Figuring out what you need as an individual is essential to your growth as a human and an artist.
As a storyteller, how do you pick the stories you want to work on and what goes into putting a story together, whether on stage, page, or film?
I aspire to create and participate in work that advocates for marginalized communities in order to inspire reformative and restorative justice and shed light on the human condition through a lens of empathy. Sometimes, you can’t always participate in work like that. Sometimes you need a fun lighthearted project after doing one that has heavy themes and topics, or a different project offers more of a challenge because of the responsibilities of the role you have.
To find out more onEmma X. O’Loughlin, please visit her on her website:
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