Emily Nolan: A Rising Star in New York Emily Nolan is a British performer and singer/ songwriter from Liverpool, England. She moved to New York by herself at 18 to train in musical theatre, and graduated from the American Music and Dramatic Academy In February 2025. She since then has been performing in gigs around Manhattan and Brooklyn, performing her original songs, as well as featuring in various Film/ TV roles, play festivals, and working as a figure model at the School of Visual Arts. Emily focuses on grounded, authentic storytelling both in theatre and on set, and loves sharing her music for those who can find comfort and relatability in shared emotions/ experiences.
1 New York is always a city I dreamed to live in, and theatre has been my passion since I was a kid, so I come to realise that that New York was the greatest city in the world to pursue it in. Then when I got a scholarship to train at the American Musical Dramatic Academy, i knew it was an opportunity I had to take.
2 my highlights have definitely been living with my best friends. It has been such a crazy adventure and I have loved having them by my side along the way. I also loved doing my gigs, plays and crazy projects throughout my time here, including the Womens Playwright Collective Play Festival this summer, that was by far one of my favourite projects that I have been apart of in the city.
3 My training at AMDA gave me a whole different perspective on technique, particularly acting through song. I learned how to make each thought and each line precise, and attach meaning to every part of the emotional journey to all my songs. This also helped me as a songwriter to develop my lyricism, and to fit meaning and metaphors into a song without necessarily overcomplicating the wording.
4 honestly, really scary at first, but quickly became so rewarding. Performing my original material is a very vulnerable position to be in, but it has already been met with so much support and love, and I’m so grateful for those who are following along on this journey with me!
5 the type of medium my projects lie within often influence my preparation for the role, also my acting style. For example, my presence on a live stage has to hold projection, and carry bolder physical intentions that communicate further distances for audiences. Whereas on set I know that the style has to be minimilised, as it’s such an intimate setting. This in itself effects the way I rehearse and prepare for each role.
6 by finding parts of myself that connect with each character. In order to earn the right to authentically tell someone else story (fictional or not) I have to draw from my own experience to portray my truth within imaginary circumstances
7 it gives me assurance that my truth isn’t mine alone, I used to be really insecure about sharing my work, because it was so personal and it’s a really vulnerable position to put myself in, but finding that people can relate and connect with it made me realise that there are people out there that benefit from my storytelling, even in times when I feel like no one would want to hear it, and I think that’s really beautiful.ReplyReply AllForwardEdit as new
