Emily Padgett

Emily Padgett played 'Sherrie' in the Broadway musical Rock of Ages playing at the Helen Hayes Theatre

Birthday
September 20th. Virgo!

Place of birth?
I was born in Danbury, Connecticut, but moved to North Carolina when I was two.

You now live in?
I live in Manhattan.

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
Okla. State Univ. & NYU.

As an actor, do you have a preference for stage, TV or film?
My experiences so far have all been in theatre, but I want to explore everything!!

Career highlight to date?
Playing Sherrie in Rock of Ages! This is my first starring role on Broadway.

What roles would you most like to play?
I would love the opportunity to originate a role in a new musical. I can only imagine how special that would be. I would also love to play Glinda. I'm pretty sure I am wayyyy too tall but a giirl can dream!

What is the best advice you have ever received?
My dad once told me that to be successful you have to care, but not that much. It's important to work as hard as you can and then let it go!

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?
I don't have one in particular. I think falling or tripping is probably the most embarrassing. When I was playing Waitress #1, I clipped my heel on the pole and lost my grip and almost fell off the stage!! It was actually more terrifying. I'm sure it looked hilarious!!

What is the most annoying part about your job?
I would have to say the schedule. 8 shows a week is really hard and it makes it difficult to see my family.

Briefly tell us how you become involved with Rock of Ages
I was playing Sandy in the National Tour of Grease last year, and I auditioned for Rock of Ages last July. I booked Waitress #1 and was going on for Sherrie twice a week. It was really awesome to understudy Kerry Butler and then I was offered the role of Sherrie after she left in March!

Briefly tell us about the character you play in Rock of Ages?
Sherrie Christian is a young girl from a small Mid-western town. She leaves home and moves to LA to follow her dreams and, I think, to fall in love. She has a big heart and while she is naïve and inexperienced, she really stands up for herself. She falls down and makes mistakes, but she figures it out in the end!

If you had not become a performer, what might you have done instead?
No idea! I have no back up plan, so this better work out!

Who are your favorite actors/actresses?
I have been a fan of Sutton Foster FOREVER! She can do no wrong in my eyes. I would love to work with her someday. I also love Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Eric Stonestreet!

Favorite after-show haunts?
I really love Toloache on 8th Ave and 50th.

What was the last book you read, and name some of your favorite authors?
I just read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? greatt and suspenseful! I love Paul Coelho and Alice Sebold.

What was the last film you saw, and name some of your favorite movies?
Ok.. I am a romantic comedy freak, its kind of embarraassing but sometimes I wish I could just live inside a romantic comedy. That being said.. the last movie I saw was "Letters to Juliet" it was silly and fun. Among my romantic comedy favs are "French Kiss," "Love Actually," "Two Weeks Notice". The list could go on.. Don't Judge!.. I also loved "La Vie en Rose".

Favorite TV programs?
LOST, Modern Family and 30 Rock. Tina Fey is AMAAZING.

Favorite holiday destinations?
I am actually taking a "holiday" at the end of June to an Island in the Caribbean. I've never been there. I'll let you know!

Do you have any hobbies?
A friend of mine took up painting and I actually painted my first picture a couple of weeks ago. I'm not Rembrandt, but it's fun!

Do you have any superstitions?
No.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Hmmm. sunscreen, a collection of classic literature, and Zac Efron.

What are your future plans?
As of now I am going to be with Rock of Ages till March of next year. I am enjoying being in the city. I can't give out too many details just yet, but I've been asked to perform live at an event this fall, that will be televised and air on NBC in November. I'm so excited to make my network TV singing debut in this way, and I get to choose my own songs.