Amazing Asians in the Arts: Kimberly Immanuel

Kimberly Immanuel is a writer, choreographer, and performer based in New York City! Inspired by her older sister, she got her start in the world of dance as a child. After her first musical at the age of 12, she knew she’d found her future career path. After completing her education at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, she’s been seen in productions such as The National Tour of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the Off-Broadway productions of The Fantasticks and Pacific Overtures, and playing Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street at The Ordway and Drury Lane Theatre, as well as her own show, Kim Loo Gets a Redo! Immanuel is also the current dance and fight captain, swing, and understudy for Eurydice & Fates 1 and 2 on The National Tour of Hadestown! She encourages young artists to “work hard, be [themselves], and take everything that comes [their] way as a learning opportunity,” as well as “be kind to [themselves] and everyone around [them].” Read on to learn more about Kimberly Immanuel and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts! 

Name:   Kimberly Immanuel

Heritage:   Half-Chinese, Half-Irish/German

Hometown:   Hicksville, NY

Current city:   New York, NY

Current project:   I’m currently the dance captain, fight captain, swing, and understudy for Eurydice & Fates 1+2 on The National Tour of Hadestown.

What are some of your favorite credits/projects: 

Some of my favorite credits include co-writing, choreographing, and performing in my own show called Kim Loo Gets a Redo, and performing in The National Tour of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the Off-Broadway productions of The Fantasticks and Pacific Overtures, and playing Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street at The Ordway and Drury Lane Theatre.

Any advice for young people getting into the arts? 

Work hard, be yourself, and take everything that comes your way as a learning opportunity. Also remember to be kind to yourself and everyone around you!

How did you get your start?

I started dancing when I was 3 years old, because my older sister began taking dance classes and I wanted to, too! As I got older, I fell in love with the performing arts, and after doing my first musical when I was 12 years old, I was hooked. 

Do you have any favorite moments in your career that you'd like to share?

Yes! One of my favorite moments in my career so far is co-writing, choreographing, and performing in my own show called Kim Loo Gets a Redo with Lisa Helmi-Johanson. We wrote this piece in response to the anti-Asian hate incidents that occurred within the past year, and getting to write something that was so close to home and perform it in front of a live audience at The New Ohio Theatre was one of the most powerful experiences I’ve ever had.

What have you found is the biggest challenge in your career?

Not being my own worst critic. It can be difficult to not critique yourself and compare yourself to others at times, but I’m always happier and a better performer when I am kind to myself. 

Do you have any other “special skills?”

I love drawing and watercolor painting!

If you come from parents who aren’t in the arts, what parts of them do you see in yourself that have helped you succeed in the business?

Both of my parents work in the medical field. I think that their precision, work ethic, resilience, and empathy have helped me to find success in this business. 

Where did you study at?

NYU Tisch School of the Arts at the New Studio on Broadway.

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?

It’s all going to be ok - there’s no rush to getting where you think you need to be. Also, perfection doesn’t exist. Be present, make mistakes, and enjoy the ride. 

What are some goals you hope to achieve?

I want to continue to tell stories that help audiences to reflect on the world we live in today, and also create pieces that help to amplify marginalized voices.

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?

Yoga, meditation, journaling, baths, and therapy! This is a hard business, and taking good care of your mental, emotional, and physical health is essential. The pandemic has definitely helped me understand how important doing these things on a regular basis is, and I’ve become much better at prioritizing myself.

To find out more about Kimberly, please visit her at: 

Website:   kimberlyimmanuel.com 

Instagram:   @kimmyimmanuel