Meet the Cast: Elizabeth Floyd

​Name: Elizabeth Floyd
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Role: Emma The Greek

When you are not acting, what do you do?
I am the Managing Director and Co-Founder of The Wheel as well as the Social Media & Digital Coordinator for Capital Concerts, so I stay busy!

What is your theatrical background?
I got my degree in Theatre Studies from Elon University. While there, I studied abroad at the London Dramatic Academy in England. I am also the author of the thesis, “Staging History through Shakespeare’s Henriad,” which I recently presented at The American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Conference and have worked at some of the top theatres in the area including The American Shakespeare Center, The Kennedy Center, Arena Stage and Center Stage.

Why did you want to be part of At Sea, Staring Up?
When Jack Read first lent me the script to read back in February, I was completely floored with how moving and beautiful Finegan’s language is. I knew from the moment I read Emma’s first line that I had to bring this character to life. I am honored to be telling her story.

In what ways do you relate to your character?
Like Emma, I grew up the middle girl between two brothers. Because of this, I feel like I completely understand her relationship with her brothers and can see a lot of myself in the way she interacts with them. Also, Emma is this incredibly strong women who is fiercely independent and in that regard she is a lot of what I aspire to be.

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
When you see the play, you’ll understand why, but Emma spends a lot of time on her own- completely alone. It has been a huge and wonderful challenge for me to explore this isolation when you don’t have scene partners to play off of.

What has been your favorite part about working with The Wheel?
I am completely in love with this cast. My fellow actors are some of the most gracious and talented people and I am honored to be sharing the stage with them!

What do you hope audiences take away from At Sea, Staring Up?
You know, what I love most about this play is that it teaches you that it is okay to not know who you are or what you want out of life. You are allowed to be curious, you are allowed to be challenged, you are allowed to be sad and angry and afraid. All of these emotions are valid and necessary to help you grow and I feel like At Sea, Staring Up shows this is a brilliant way!
 

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